Mr. Lucky
Cary Grant plays a charming gambler and con man whose unexpected encounter with love forces him to reconsider the life he has chosen.
Editorial ratings
- Cary Grant
- Story
- Direction
- Cinematography
- Entertainment
- Historical importance
A conman poses as a war relief fundraiser, but when he falls for a charity worker, his conscience begins to trouble him.
Cary Grant plays Joe Adams, under the direction of H.C. Potter, released in 1943.
Featured quote
“Never give a sucker an even break and always keep an eye on your pals.”
Joe Adams — Joe recites his hustler's credo to his partner Crunk early in the picture.
The Story
Joe Adams is a gambler and con artist who plans to exploit a wartime charity effort until meeting Dorothy Bryant changes his understanding of life, generosity, and responsibility.
Production & Behind the Scenes
RKO created a wartime-era film combining crime, romance, comedy, and redemption. Directed by H.C. Potter, the film used Cary Grant's charm while exploring personal transformation.
Cary Grant's Performance
Grant makes Joe Adams compelling by showing the humanity beneath his flaws. His charm becomes part of a transformation from manipulation toward genuine connection.
Direction & Themes
H.C. Potter explores redemption, identity, self-interest versus responsibility, and whether people can truly change.
Historical Context
Released during World War II, the film reflected themes of sacrifice, community, and discovering a purpose beyond oneself.
Legacy & Influence
Although less famous than many Grant classics, Mr. Lucky remains valuable as a portrait of Grant exploring imperfection, growth, and moral change.
Gallery
Production & release
1937
The Awful Truth establishes Grant as a romantic comedy star.
1941
Suspicion and Penny Serenade expand Grant's dramatic range.
1943
Mr. Lucky released by RKO Radio Pictures.
Cast.
Cary Grant as Joe Adams
Laraine Day as Dorothy Bryant
Charles Bickford as Hard Swede
Gladys Cooper as Veronica Steadman
Alan Carney as Crunk
Henry Stephenson as Mr. Bryant
Paul Stewart as Zepp
Full billed cast of Mr. Lucky (1943).
Players in billing order, with the characters they play.
- Cary Grantas Joe Adams
- Laraine Dayas Dorothy Bryant
- Charles Bickfordas Hard Swede
- Gladys Cooperas Veronica Steadman
- Alan Carneyas Crunk
- Henry Stephensonas Mr. Bryant
- Paul Stewartas Zepp
- Kay Johnsonas Mary Ostrander
- Erford Gageas Henchman
- Walter Kingsfordas Commissioner Hargraves
- Florence Batesas Mrs. Van Every
- Sam Ashas Gambler (uncredited)
- Edwin Augustas Blood Bank Donor (uncredited)
- Walter Baconas Passerby (uncredited)
- John Bleiferas Siga (uncredited)
- Don Brodieas Gaffer (uncredited)
- George Calligaas Gambler (uncredited)
- Charles Caneas Mr. Comstock (uncredited)
- Rita Cordayas Girl (uncredited)
- Joseph Crehanas Detective (uncredited)
- Kernan Crippsas Detective (uncredited)
- Hal K. Dawsonas Draft Board Doctor (uncredited)
- Jack Deeryas Gambler (uncredited)
- Helen Dicksonas War Relief Worker (uncredited)
- Edward Fieldingas Foster (uncredited)
- Budd Fineas Stevedore (uncredited)
- Sam Finnas Gambler (uncredited)
- Ray Flynnas Policeman (uncredited)
- Mary Forbesas War Relief Worker (uncredited)
- J. C. Fowleras Gambler (uncredited)
- Jack Garganas Reporter (uncredited)
- Karen X. Gaylordas War Relief Worker (uncredited)
- Rudy Germaneas Dealer (uncredited)
- Dick Gordonas Dealer (uncredited)
- Chuck Hamiltonas Stevedore (uncredited)
- Sam Harrisas Gambler (uncredited)
- Ariel Heathas Girl (uncredited)
- Frank Henryas Reporter on Street (uncredited)
- Lew Hicksas Dock Worker (uncredited)
- Chet Huntleyas Radio Broadcaster (voice) (uncredited)
Crew.
- Art DirectionMark-Lee Kirk
- Art DirectionAlbert S. D'Agostino
- Costume DesignRenié
- DirectorH. C. Potter
- Director of PhotographyGeorge Barnes
- EditorTheron Warth
- Original Music ComposerRoy Webb
- ProducerDavid Hempstead
- Production DesignWilliam Cameron Menzies
- ScreenplayMilton Holmes
- ScreenplayAdrian Scott
- StoryMilton Holmes
Players in common.
A quiet dispatch,
once a month.
One considered essay in your inbox each month. No promotions, no algorithms, no forwarding. Unsubscribe with a single click.
Other studies.
Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr headline an elegant romantic comedy exploring whether the perfect partner exists—or whether perfection itself is an illusion.
A thoughtful wartime satire blending romance, comedy, and commentary on celebrity culture.
Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn create one of cinema's most elegant romantic mysteries—a thrilling game of deception, danger, and unexpected love.