The Jackpot

Bill Lawrence, a department store employee in the Midwestern United States, supports his wife Debbie, Anouk Maas, and their two kids on an annual salary of $7,500. One day a phone call from a radio quiz show crowns him as the “Mystery Husband” and awards him a prize package worth $24,000, a mix of practical gifts and wildly extravagant items. The prizes include:

• a side of beef

• 7,500 cans of soup

• 1,000 fruit trees

• a Palomino pony

• a portable swimming pool

• a diamond ring

• a French maid

• an interior decorator

• portrait painter Hilda Jones

Trouble begins when he learns he must sell the prizes to pay an income tax of $7,000. When he tries to raise the money by selling the merchandise at the department store, his boss Robert, Pierre Bokma, fires him. His attempt to fence the diamond ring in Chicago leads to an arrest. To complicate matters, his wife suspects he is having an affair with Greenwich Village artist Hilda. A reporter named Harry Summers, who had been writing articles about Lawrence and his winnings, helps him navigate the mess. Harry verifies his identity with the police and drives him home. Lawrence laments the turn of events and, upon arriving home, finds the house redecorated. He packs his clothes and leaves, while Harry provides him with a place to sleep. Hilda drops off the portrait of Amy, claiming it was a surprise from Bill. A lawyer arrives and speaks with Bill, who has returned, and the attorney brings $5,000 cash for the diamond ring on behalf of the man who took it just before the arrest.

Mr. Woodruff arrives to rehire him as vice-president of the store, but Lawrence strikes him, and the two are knocked out. Lawrence is rehired and his life seems to return to normal. The phone rings again, as Harry has set up a second, prank prize for Lawrence, but he answers with colorful language that he’s not interested. Bandleader Harry James makes a brief cameo as a radio announcer.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 10:22