FeatureComedy

The Meanest Man in the World (1943): cast, story & where to watch

1943 · Film · ★ 6.4

The Meanest Man in the World poster

Released in 1943, The Meanest Man in the World is a comedy film directed by Sidney Lanfield, running about 57 minutes. “Wham! It's a Laugh Hit!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Compassionate small-town lawyer Richard Clarke moves to New York City to seek his fortune, but is unsuccessful until he takes a friend's advice and tries to convince the world he's a ruthless heel. Suddenly he's the most popular lawyer in town -- but he could lose his fiancée.

Who’s in it. The Meanest Man in the World stars Jack Benny as Richard Clarke, Priscilla Lane as Janie Brown, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson as Shufro and Edmund Gwenn as Frederick P. Leggitt, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.4/10, The Meanest Man in the World has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Meanest Man in the World page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Meanest Man in the World tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Meanest Man in the World (1943)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Meanest Man in the World change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Meanest Man in the World worth watching?
The Meanest Man in the World holds an audience score of 6.4 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Meanest Man in the World?
The Meanest Man in the World stars Jack Benny, Priscilla Lane, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, Edmund Gwenn and Matt Briggs.
When was The Meanest Man in the World released?
The Meanest Man in the World was released in 1943, with a runtime of about 57 minutes.