La luna vale un millón

Two men who could not be more different in life and fortune cross paths in a twist of fate that sits at the heart of this comedy. One is trapped in poverty, scraping by and always a step away from ruin, while the other enjoys abundance and prestige by banking on his wit and influence. An unexpected mishap binds their paths and thrusts both into situations that pull at the seams of their familiar routines. What follows is a string of mistaken assumptions, comic errors, and social satire as the men stumble through each other's worlds, testing loyalties, pride, and the boundaries of belonging. The film keeps the jokes light while probing what wealth really changes.

Released in 1945, the film was directed by Florián Rey with a screenplay by Luis Marquina and José López Rubio, pairing a celebrated director with a sharp script that deliberately plays with social contrasts and the masks people wear.

Reception notes highlight the film's light touch and sharp timing as it uses humor to unpack class dynamics without becoming cruel. The performances anchor the satire, with Manuel Arbó as a formidable rival financier and Leonor Fábregas bringing wit and poise to Teresa, while the ensemble keeps the tempo brisk and engaging. Its humor lands in character driven moments that linger.

Box office data from that era are not widely published, so a precise worldwide gross for La luna vale un millón is not readily available.

Historically the film sits within the postwar Spanish cinema as a clever reminder that comedy could speak to social realities without heavy melodrama. It features a notable cast that reflects the era's stage roots and film talent, helping to solidify Florián Rey as a director capable of blending wit with social observation, a lineage felt in later Spanish comedies.