Mister 880
The Secret Service of the US Treasury Department has been able to nab a number of high-powered, and sometimes violent, counterfeiters over the years, but case number 880, which has gone unresolved for ten years, has so far confounded them. The reason this case bothers them so much is not only the duration of the investigation but, more importantly, the fact that the bills themselves and their distribution are of an amateurish nature, including the obvious typographical error "Wahsington" on them. They realize that the perpetrator, who they have dubbed Mister 880, has been able to get away with it so far because the bills are almost exclusively $1 which merchants rarely check and that the bills collected, which have been distributed solely in New York City, amount to less than $50 per month. The Secret Service decides to bring in Los Angeles based Steve Buchanan to work on the case as a pair of fresh eyes. As Steve proceeds with his investigation of merchants who have been duped over the past ten years, he's unaware that the kindly old gentleman he meets named William "Skipper" Miller is Mister 880. Aside from daily needs, Skipper uses the money primarily to buy second-hand knick-knacks that he gifts to his friends and neighbors. When asked how he supports himself, Skipper says the money is from his Cousin Henry, which is how he refers to his printing press and self-made plates. The first active distribution of bills under Steve's watch is attributed to Ann Winslow, a French/English interpreter at the UN who's a friend and neighbor of Skipper's. Steve, who doesn't believe Ann is 880 but believes she can lead him to 880, decides to infiltrate Ann's life without telling her he's a government agent. However, she eventually discovers his identity. In spite of that, the two fall for each other. The questions become whether Ann will remember the source of the counterfeit bills in her possession and whether she will tip Skipper off to Steve's identity inadvertently (or intentionally) before Steve discovers just who Mister 880 is. If Steve is able to tie 880 to Skipper, how will that affect Steve and Ann's burgeoning romance. Skipper may have some say in those answers.
- 1950
- 1 Hr 30 Mins
- Comedy, Suspense, Drama
The Secret Service of the US Treasury Department has been able to nab a number of high-powered, and sometimes violent, counterfeiters over the years, but case number 880, which has gone unresolved for ten years, has so far confounded them. The reason this case bothers them so much is not only the duration of the investigation but, more importantly, the fact that the bills themselves and their distribution are of an amateurish nature, including the obvious typographical error "Wahsington" on them. They realize that the perpetrator, who they have dubbed Mister 880, has been able to get away with it so far because the bills are almost exclusively $1 which merchants rarely check and that the bills collected, which have been distributed solely in New York City, amount to less than $50 per month. The Secret Service decides to bring in Los Angeles based Steve Buchanan to work on the case as a pair of fresh eyes. As Steve proceeds with his investigation of merchants who have been duped over the past ten years, he's unaware that the kindly old gentleman he meets named William "Skipper" Miller is Mister 880. Aside from daily needs, Skipper uses the money primarily to buy second-hand knick-knacks that he gifts to his friends and neighbors. When asked how he supports himself, Skipper says the money is from his Cousin Henry, which is how he refers to his printing press and self-made plates. The first active distribution of bills under Steve's watch is attributed to Ann Winslow, a French/English interpreter at the UN who's a friend and neighbor of Skipper's. Steve, who doesn't believe Ann is 880 but believes she can lead him to 880, decides to infiltrate Ann's life without telling her he's a government agent. However, she eventually discovers his identity. In spite of that, the two fall for each other. The questions become whether Ann will remember the source of the counterfeit bills in her possession and whether she will tip Skipper off to Steve's identity inadvertently (or intentionally) before Steve discovers just who Mister 880 is. If Steve is able to tie 880 to Skipper, how will that affect Steve and Ann's burgeoning romance. Skipper may have some say in those answers.
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Cast & Crew
Awards
- 1951 - Oscar - Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Nominated
- 1951 - Golden Globe - Best Supporting Actor - Winner
- 1950 - Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (November) - Winner
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