All The Money In The World

Front Row at the Movies by Shirrel Rhoades

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The founder of Getty Oil, J. Paul Getty was declared to be the richest man in America in 1957. He had — as the title of the new movie about him suggests — “All the Money in the World.”

Yet in 1973 when his namesake grandson was kidnapped, he refused to pay the ransom.

John Paul Getty III was kidnapped by masked men in Rome. His mother appealed to the family patriarch to pay for the boy’s release. Despite Getty’s net worth of nearly $9 billion (in today’s dollars), he refused to pay the $17 million demanded for the boy’s safe return.

When asked by the press how much he was willing to pay, he tersely replied: “Nothing.”

Getty pointed out that if he did so, his 14 other grandchildren might become targets for kidnappers.

After the family patriarch refused to help, the mother teamed up with the old man’s business manager and former CIA operative Fletcher Chase to help free her son.

“All the Money in the World” is currently playing at Tropic Cinema.

Tip: Forget all the off-screen drama about Kevin Spacey being fired from the movie, his scenes reshot with Christopher Plummer as Getty. Director Ridley Scott had wanted Plummer for the role in the first place.

No surprise, Michelle Williams delivers a strong dramatic turn as the mother. Mark Walhberg ably steps into the shoes of the ex-CIA agent. 

As some of you may remember, an ear and lock of hair were sent to the family along with a note that said, “This is Paul’s ear. If we don’t get some money within 10 days, then the other ear will arrive. In other words, he will arrive in little bits.”

The old billionaire finally agreed to pay $2.9 million. He put up $2.2 million (the maximum amount that was tax deductible) and loaned the boy’s parents the balance at 4% interest.

J. Paul Getty was known for his frugality. It was always about the money. As he once said, “If you can actually count your money, then you’re not a rich man.”

Email Shirrel: srhoades@aol.com