this sure seems like a lot to go through simply to discuss a favorite scene from an old movie, but some things are worth a little effort.

the movie is Other Peoples Money with danny devito, as well as some other noteable actors. the critics were not as fond of the movie as i was.

the scene i keep thinking about is the scene where the wife of the family owned company (piper laurie) was appealing to "larry the liquidator" not to break up the steel cable company. after she left the room, danny devito artfully patted himself on the back and complimented himself for bringing the best out in people.

and he deserved this pat on the back.