The Meanest Man in the World (1943): Cast & Plot
The Meanest Man in the World is a 1943 comedy directed by Sidney Lanfield, starring Jack Benny as Richard Clarke, Priscilla Lane and Matt Briggs. It runs 57 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 57 min
- Director
- Sidney Lanfield
- Genre
- Comedy
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- 20th Century Fox
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Meanest Man in the World About?
The premise of The Meanest Man in the World without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Compassionate small‑town lawyer Richard Clarke heads to New York hoping for success, but early attempts flop. On a friend’s suggestion he fabricates a ruthless, cut‑throat persona, and the ploy instantly makes him the city’s most sought‑after attorney. The charade brings fame and fortune, yet threatens to cost him his fiancée when the truth looms.
The Meanest Man in the World Themes & Keywords
· 7 tags- new york city
- new york
- photographer
- blackface
- law
- engagement
- based on play
The Meanest Man in the World Cast & Characters
Jack Benny leads the cast as Richard Clarke, with Priscilla Lane as Janie Brown and Matt Briggs as Arthur Brown. Directed by Sidney Lanfield; 20 actors are credited in all.
- Director Sidney Lanfield
-
Jack Benny as Richard Clarke - Priscilla Lane as Janie Brown
- Matt Briggs as Arthur Brown
- Lyle Talbot as Bill Potts (uncredited)
Also Starring in The Meanest Man in the World
· 16 more- Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson Shufro
- Edmund Gwenn Frederick P. Leggitt
- Margaret Seddon Mrs. Frances H. Leggitt
- Andrew Tombes Judge
- Tom Dugan Cop in Park (uncredited)
- Chester Clute Lawyer
- Harry Hayden Realtor
- Will Wright Pawn Shop Owner (uncredited)
- Paul E. Burns Farmer in Traffic Accident
- Frank Orth Bartender
- Mae Marsh Old Lady (uncredited)
- Gladden James Clerk (uncredited)
- Anne Revere Kitty Crockett
- Tor Johnson Vladimir Pulasky (uncredited)
- Nick Stewart Elevator Operator
- Helene Reynolds Wife
More from Sidney Lanfield
More films directed by Sidney Lanfield, best-rated first: My Favorite Blonde, Skirts Ahoy!, Follow the Sun and The Lemon Drop Kid.
The Meanest Man in the World Plot Summary
What happens in The Meanest Man in the World from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Richard Clarke is a principled lawyer running his own practice in Pottsville, New York. He treats his work with a quiet generosity, rarely pressing clients for payment and turning away cases where he suspects guilt, which earns him the loyalty of his black paralegal assistant and the affection of the people he helps. Yet his heart is captured by Janie Brown, a bright and hopeful woman whose wealthy father envisions a different future for her, one tied to a richer suitor, Bill Potts. Clarke remains blissfully unaware of the looming parental matchmaking that threatens their engagement.
Full summary
The whole story of The Meanest Man in the World, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The Meanest Man in the World?
9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 9
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
What is the profession of Richard Clarke at the beginning of the film?
Seen The Meanest Man in the World?
Movies Like The Meanest Man in the World
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Meanest Gal in Town, Very Mean Men and The Heart of New York.
The Meanest Man in the World FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Meanest Man in the World, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Meanest Man in the World?
The Meanest Man in the World runs 57 minutes.
When was The Meanest Man in the World released?
The Meanest Man in the World was released on February 12, 1943.
Who directed The Meanest Man in the World?
The Meanest Man in the World was directed by Sidney Lanfield.
More films by Sidney Lanfield Who is in the cast of The Meanest Man in the World?
The Meanest Man in the World stars Jack Benny as Richard Clarke, Priscilla Lane as Janie Brown and Matt Briggs as Arthur Brown, among 20 credited actors.
Does The Meanest Man in the World have a post-credit scene?
No. The Meanest Man in the World has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
