Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
A Friend in Need explained
Monty Brewster, in the depths of despair, learns that one of his banks has failed, wiping out over $100,000.
What happens
Monty Brewster, in the depths of despair, learns that one of his banks has failed, wiping out over $100,000. Soon after, a run begins on the Bank of Manhattan Island, where he has $200,000 deposited and where Mrs. Gray and Peggy have their entire savings. Despite advice to withdraw, Monty refuses and instead agrees to increase his deposits to save the bank—on the condition that Barbara Drew never learns of his role. His intervention restores confidence and saves the bank, but Barbara later snubs him by not inviting him to her cotillon.
Themes in this chapter
- Moral Dilemmas and Restrictions
Monty faces a moral crisis: risking his entire fortune to save a bank that holds the savings of Mrs. Gray and Peggy, while also considering his feud with Barbara.
- Friendship and Loyalty
Monty's loyalty to Peggy and Mrs. Gray, and his willingness to help Colonel Drew despite personal animosity, highlight the theme of selfless friendship.
- The Absurdity of Wealth
Monty's ability to single-handedly save a bank with a few strokes of his pen underscores the absurd power and fragility of vast wealth.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
In despair after losing $100,000 in a bank failure, he heroically saves the Bank of Manhattan Island by depositing more money, on condition that Barbara never knows.
- Colonel Drew
President of the Bank of Manhattan Island, he humbly asks Monty for help during the run and agrees to keep Monty's role secret from Barbara.
- Barbara Drew
Sarcastically criticizes Monty's financial stupidity after the first bank failure; later excludes him from her cotillon invitation despite his saving her father's bank.
- Nopper Harrison
Accompanies Monty to the bank and urges him to withdraw his money, but later helps spread confidence among depositors.
- Joe Bragdon
With Monty at the bank, he urges withdrawal but also helps spread the word that Monty is leaving his money in to restore confidence.
- Peggy Gray
Her and Mrs. Gray's entire fortune is held by the Bank of Manhattan Island, motivating Monty to save the bank.
Key passages
“One of the banks in which his money was deposited failed and his balance of over $100,000 was wiped out.”
Monty lost more than $100,000 when one of his banks collapsed.
This event plunges Monty into deeper financial despair and triggers the subsequent bank run.
“He heard that Miss Drew, in particular, was bitterly sarcastic in referring to his stupidity.”
Monty learned that Barbara Drew was especially harsh in mocking his financial judgment.
Barbara's criticism underscores the personal tension between her and Monty.
“You can restore absolute confidence, Monty, my dear boy, by increasing your deposits in our bank.”
Colonel Drew asks Monty to deposit more money to restore public trust in the bank.
This plea sets up Monty's moral dilemma and his eventual heroic decision.
“Barbara must never know of this.”
Monty insists that Barbara remain ignorant of his role in saving the bank.
Monty's condition reveals his complex feelings toward Barbara and his desire for anonymity.
