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The Cheaters (1945) [also known as MR. M. and the Pigeons, The Amazing MR. M., The Magnificent Mr. M. and The Magnificent Rogue) is a Christmas "screwball comedy" tale about a has-been actor invited to Christmas dinner by a rich family. The film was atypical of the Republic Pictures studio, directed by Joseph Kane and stars Joseph Schildkraut, Billie Burke and Eugene Pallette. The film was re-released in 1949 under a new title, The Castaway, and when the Republic film catalogue was sold in the 1950s as late night television fodder, it appeared consistently for years as a Christmas staple throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Original Release
07/15/1945
US Release
07/15/1945
Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|
| Joseph Schildkraut | Anthony 'Mr. M.' Marchand / Anthony Marchand |
| Billie Burke | Clara Pidgeon |
| Eugene Pallette | James C. Pidgeon |
| Ona Munson | Florie Watson |
| Raymond Walburn | Willie Crawford |
| Ann Gillis | Angela Pidgeon |
| Ruth Terry | Therese Pidgeon |
| Robert Livingston | Stephen Bates |
| David Holt | Reggie Pidgeon |
| Robert Greig | MacFarland |
Directors
Writers
Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|
| Joseph Schildkraut | Anthony 'Mr. M.' Marchand / Anthony Marchand |
| Billie Burke | Clara Pidgeon |
| Eugene Pallette | James C. Pidgeon |
| Ona Munson | Florie Watson |
| Raymond Walburn | Willie Crawford |
| Ann Gillis | Angela Pidgeon |
| Ruth Terry | Therese Pidgeon |
| Robert Livingston | Stephen Bates |
| David Holt | Reggie Pidgeon |
| Robert Greig | MacFarland |
| St. Luke's Episcopal Church Choristers | Choir |
| Demetrius Alexis | Decorator |
| Melva Anstead | Undetermined Supporting Role |
| Virginia Carroll | Miss Hemstead |
| Jack Daley | Santa Claus |
| Byron Foulger | Process Server |
| Joy Gwynell | Maid |
| Harriette Haddon | Undetermined Supporting Role |
| Joy Harington | Charity Worker |
| Philip D. Haynes | Choir Soloist |
Producers
| Name | Role |
|---|
| Joseph Kane | Producer |
