The Million Dollar Duck

The Million Dollar Duck

Year: 1971

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Vincent McEveety

Sci-FiComedyFamily

In a quack-tastic twist on reality, "The Million Dollar Duck" brings together art and science in a hilarious family-friendly adventure. When a young artist wins the prestigious Federal Duck Stamp Contest, he must navigate the absurdities of a government-run competition while discovering the true value of creativity and community.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Million Dollar Duck (1971)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Million Dollar Duck (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film seems to take place in a contemporary setting, reflective of the 1970s era, characterized by lighthearted family comedies that often mixed elements of absurdity with social commentary. The events unfold in a time when economic anxieties and the peculiar pursuits of wealth were central themes in American society.

Location

Dooley Household, U.S. Treasury Department

The Dooley household is the central setting of the film, where the family's life takes an unexpected turn due to the remarkable duck, Charley. It serves as a backdrop for the unfolding comedic events as the family's fortunes change dramatically. The U.S. Treasury Department represents the bureaucratic forces determined to reclaim control over the economic situation sparked by the miraculous golden eggs.

🏠 Home 💼 Government

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:11

Main Characters – The Million Dollar Duck (1971)
Meet the key characters of The Million Dollar Duck (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Albert Dooley

Albert Dooley is a dedicated scientist who finds himself overwhelmed by financial struggles, leading him into a frantic quest to exploit Charley, the duck, for financial gain. As the story progresses, his obsession with quick wealth begins to overshadow his family responsibilities. Ultimately, he learns a valuable lesson about the importance of family over fortune.

🧑‍🔬 Scientist 💔 Family Man 🥚 Wealth Seeker

Katie Dooley

Katie Dooley is Albert's wife, whose efforts to save money inadvertently set off a chain of comedic events with Charley. Her intentions come from a place of love and support for her family, but she eventually realizes the impact of her decisions on their lives. She provides a grounding presence amid the chaos, showcasing the trials of married life.

👩‍🔬 Supportive Wife 💸 Money-Saver 🎭 Comedic Relief

Jimmy Dooley

Jimmy Dooley is the couple's young son, caught in the middle of his father's obsession with wealth. He experiences feelings of neglect as his father's focus shifts to the duck and the golden treasure. Through the storyline, Jimmy's growth is highlighted, emphasizing the bond with his father and the importance of family over materialistic pursuits.

👦 Child 💔 Neglected 🐾 Supporter

Mr. Hooper

Mr. Hooper is the overzealous neighbor and government bureaucrat determined to investigate the Dooleys' extraordinary claims about their duck. His clumsy antics and comedic failures provide humor, allowing viewers to enjoy the absurdity of bureaucracy. Despite his shortcomings, he represents the relentless pursuit of truth in a humorous context.

👮‍♂️ Bureaucrat 🎭 Comedic Antagonist 😅 Overzealous

Rutledge

Rutledge is a senior official at the Treasury Department who evolves from skepticism to belief in the unusual claims made by the Dooley family. His character highlights the absurdity of the government’s reaction to the situation. The escalating chaos around him illustrates the comedic nature of bureaucratic responses to extraordinary situations.

💼 Government Official 🎭 Comedic Role 🤔 Skeptical

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:11

Major Themes – The Million Dollar Duck (1971)
Explore the central themes of The Million Dollar Duck (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Wealth

The theme of wealth is central to the movie, represented by the miraculous golden eggs laid by Charley, the duck. The allure of instant riches leads the Dooley family into a whirlwind of comedic chaos and government scrutiny. Ultimately, the story highlights the contrast between the superficial lure of material wealth and the deeper value of family bonds and well-being.

🐥 Family

Family dynamics play a crucial role in the film, showcasing the relationships between Albert, Katie, and their son Jimmy. As Albert's obsession with the golden eggs grows, the strain on family relationships becomes evident, leading to comedic yet poignant moments. The resolution emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family over wealth and the lessons learned from their wild adventure.

🕵️‍♂️ Bureaucracy

The film humorously critiques bureaucracy through the character of Mr. Hooper, a government official who becomes overly invested in uncovering the mystery of Charley's eggs. His misguided efforts create a comedic backdrop that reflects the absurdities of government intervention in private lives. The encounters with the Treasury officials serve as a satirical take on the often invasive nature of bureaucracy.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:11

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