

The Magnificent Dope
“Meet the All-American Jerk...Ladies' Man De Luxe!”
Synopsis
Dwight Dawson, who runs an unsuccessful success school, stages a contest to find the biggest failure in the USA, for publicity value when the "dope" takes his course. But winner Tad Page is contented with his idle, lazy life and threatens to convert Dawson's other students to his philosophy. Dawson captalizes on Tad's attraction to Claire Harris to win him over; but will Tad find out Claire is really engaged to Dawson?
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Henry Fonda
Thadeus Winship 'Tad' Page
Lynn Bari
Claire Harris
Don Ameche
Dwight Dawson
Edward Everett Horton
Horace Hunter
George Barbier
James Roger Barker
Frank Orth
Messenger
Roseanne Murray
Dawson's Secretary
Marietta Canty
Jenny
Hobart Cavanaugh
Albert Gowdy
Hal K. Dawson
Charlie
Josephine Whittell
Mrs. Hunter
Arthur Loft
Mr. Morton, Fire Engine Salesman
Paul Stanton
Peters
Claire Du Brey
Peter's Secretary
William B. Davidson
Mr. Reindel
Harry Hayden
Mitchell
Pierre Watkin
Carson
Bess Flowers
Birthday Party Guest (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
July 1, 1942
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Walter Lang
- Screenplay & Story
- George Seaton
- Original Title
- The Magnificent Dope
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 23m
- Production Studios
- 20th Century Fox
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Walter Lang
George Seaton, Joseph Schrank
Department Leadership Roster
Walter Lang
Director
George Seaton
Screenplay
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Universal — Suitable for all audiences.
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Magnificent Dope.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Magnificent Dope.
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Missing Mine
Henry Fonda
unfinished
ToWatch
Movies 1930s-1950s
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Magnificent Dope
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Magnificent Dope about?
Dwight Dawson, who runs an unsuccessful success school, stages a contest to find the biggest failure in the USA, for publicity value when the "dope" takes his course. But winner Tad Page is contented with his idle, lazy life and threatens to convert Dawson's other students to his philosophy. Dawson captalizes on Tad's attraction to Claire Harris to win him over; but will Tad find out Claire is really engaged to Dawson?
Who directed The Magnificent Dope?
The Magnificent Dope was directed by Walter Lang.
Who stars in The Magnificent Dope?
The principal cast of The Magnificent Dope includes Henry Fonda, Lynn Bari, Don Ameche, Edward Everett Horton, George Barbier.
When was The Magnificent Dope released and how long is it?
The Magnificent Dope was released in 1942 with a total runtime of 1h 23m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Magnificent Dope?
The Magnificent Dope holds official age classifications: GB: U (Universal — Suitable for all audiences.); US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).




















