Who’s Minding the Mint?

Who’s Minding the Mint?

Year: 1967

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Director: Howard Morris

ComedyRomanceCrude humor and satireGags jokes and slapstick humorAmusing jokes and witty satire

An inept government worker mistakenly ruins a sizable sum, prompting a daring break‑in at the United States Mint to recover it. As word spreads, a massive, chaotic scramble ensues, with countless characters—hundreds, tens, even single‑digit opportunists—all vying for a share of the loot.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Who’s Minding the Mint? yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Who’s Minding the Mint? (1967)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Who’s Minding the Mint? (1967). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Washington, D.C., United States Mint, Sewer system under Washington, D.C.

The film unfolds in and around the U.S. capital, centering on the United States Mint in Washington, D.C. The story moves from the mint to after-hours access, then into the city's sewer system and back alleys as the crew plots their heist. The setting combines federal buildings with urban infrastructure, highlighting how a planned crime straddles civic spaces.

🏛️ Government setting 🗺️ Washington D.C. 🧭 Heist location 🚧 Urban infrastructure

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:26

Main Characters – Who’s Minding the Mint? (1967)

Meet the key characters of Who’s Minding the Mint? (1967), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Harry Lucas (Jim Hutton)

A Bureau of Engraving and Printing employee who finances a high-life lifestyle through free trials and clever deceptions. He is resourceful, impulsive, and often events-prone, balancing charm with self-denial. His plan to mint counterfeit-free money sets the caper in motion.

🧩 Con artist 🗣️ Charmer

Pop Gillis (Walter Brennan)

A retired mint worker who clings to life through companionship with his beagle, Inky. He provides steady counsel and practical know-how, serving as the moral compass for the crew. His experience anchors the plan and his affection for Harry anchors the team.

🎖️ Mentor 🐶 Beagle lover

Verna Baxter (Dorothy Provine)

Harry's co-worker and admirer, who tries to win his attention with homemade fudge and later joins the scheme. She shows resourcefulness and willingness to take action, complicating romantic dynamics. Her involvement adds emotional stakes and practical help.

💖 Love interest 🧭 Ally

Avery Dugan (Jack Gilford)

A safecracker recruited to join the caper; he is street-smart and pragmatic, contributing cunning and muscle to the plan. He views the job as another professional opportunity and negotiates terms accordingly.

🗝️ Criminal ally 🧠 Planner

Luther Burton (Milton Berle)

A pawnbroker who fronts funds and supplies the capital needed to execute the plan. He is opportunistic but provides financial scaffolding for the risky venture. He understands the appeal of a fast, big payday.

🏦 Financier 💼 Entrepreneur

Ralph Randazzo (Joey Bishop)

A public works employee who can navigate the city’s sewer system to access the mint. He brings street-level know-how and a knack for exploiting infrastructure. His involvement highlights the absurdity and risks of the plan.

🧭 Sewer navigator 🚧 Crew member

Mario (Jamie Farr)

Mario is the straight-off-the-boat Italian cousin who tags along with the crew, adding comic relief and unpredictable outcomes. He inadvertently complicates rehearsals with his gusto and missteps.

😂 Comic relief 🗡️ Risky ally

Willie Owens (Bob Denver)

An ice cream truck driver who provides a diversion and a means to distract a key resident overlooking the manhole. He contributes to the plan with unassuming, everyday mobility.

🚚 Distraction 🧊 Everyday hero

Captain (Victor Buono)

An amusement-park boat captain who designs a vessel capable of fitting down a manhole to reach the mint. He is inventive and resourceful, turning a fun gig into a crucial piece of the scheme.

🚤 Inventor 🛠️ Builder

Samson Link (David J. Stewart)

Harry's supervisor and nemesis who can't understand how Harry can live beyond his means. He presents the risk of audit and accountability, acting as the antagonistic counterweight to the con.

🕵️ Authority ⚖️ Skeptic

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:26

Major Themes – Who’s Minding the Mint? (1967)

Explore the central themes of Who’s Minding the Mint? (1967), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Greed

A windfall obsession drives the ensemble to form an unlikely coalition, trading personal loyalties for a shot at millions. The plan keeps escalating as more partners join, each expecting a big payday. The film uses this greed to fuel tension, mistakes, and near-disasters throughout the caper.

🤝 Teamwork

Harry aggregates a diverse crew—safecracker, pawnbroker, sewer navigator, boat captain, and distraction expert—demonstrating how a dream thrives on shared skills. The group learns to coordinate risky tasks in unfamiliar spaces, from mint rooms to street-level chaos. The plan tests trust and exposes the limits of collaboration when egos collide.

❤️ Love

Verna's unexpected involvement adds an emotional tension to the plot, mixing romance with a high-stakes crime. Harry's perception of Verna shifts as she steps in with practical help, blurring the line between affection and alliance. The conclusion reinforces a newfound appreciation for genuine connection amid danger.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:26

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Who’s Minding the Mint?

Don't stop at just watching — explore Who’s Minding the Mint? in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Who’s Minding the Mint? is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Who’s Minding the Mint? Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Who’s Minding the Mint?, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Who’s Minding the Mint? Summary

Who’s Minding the Mint? Timeline

Track the full timeline of Who’s Minding the Mint? with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Who’s Minding the Mint? Timeline

More About Who’s Minding the Mint?

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Who’s Minding the Mint?: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Who’s Minding the Mint?

Similar Movies to Who’s Minding the Mint?

Discover movies like Who’s Minding the Mint? that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.