For Love or Money (1993): A Charming but Lightweight Romantic Comedy

Released on October 1, 1993, For Love or Money (also known as The Concierge in some markets) is an American romantic comedy directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, starring Michael J. Fox and Gabrielle Anwar. Set against the bustling backdrop of a luxurious New York City hotel, the film follows a charismatic concierge whose dreams of owning his own hotel are tested by a romantic entanglement and a moral dilemma. With a modest $30 million budget, the film grossed only $11 million domestically, marking it as a commercial disappointment despite Fox’s undeniable charm. This comprehensive article delves into the film’s origins, plot, cast, themes, production, reception, and legacy, exploring how it captures the lighthearted spirit of 1990s rom-coms while falling short of its potential.

Background and Origins

For Love or Money emerged during the early 1990s, a golden era for romantic comedies that included hits like Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and Pretty Woman (1990). Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, fresh off the success of The Addams Family (1991), the film aimed to blend screwball comedy traditions with modern sensibilities, drawing inspiration from 1930s and 1940s classics like It Happened One Night. Written by Mark Rosenthal and Lawrence Konner, the script was based on an original idea about a concierge navigating love and ambition, tailored for Michael J. Fox, a major star known for Back to the Future and The Secret of My Success (1987).

Produced by Universal Pictures and Brian Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment, the film sought to capitalize on Fox’s boyish charm and comedic timing, casting him as a fast-talking, likable everyman. The choice of a hotel concierge as the protagonist was novel, offering a glimpse into a service industry rarely explored in mainstream cinema. However, despite its promising premise and star power, the film struggled to stand out in a crowded genre, overshadowed by bigger hits and hampered by a script that critics found lacking in wit and depth.

Plot Summary

For Love or Money centers on Doug Ireland (Michael J. Fox), a savvy concierge at the luxurious Bradbury Hotel in Manhattan. Doug dreams of opening his own boutique hotel on Roosevelt Island and has saved his tips to secure the property, but he needs an investor to cover the remaining $3 million. Enter Christian Hanover (Anthony Higgins), a wealthy but unscrupulous businessman who agrees to consider Doug’s proposal on one condition: Doug must “babysit” Christian’s young mistress, Andy Hart (Gabrielle Anwar), a perfume saleswoman, to keep her affair hidden from Christian’s wife.

As Doug arranges secret rendezvous for Andy and Christian, he finds himself drawn to her sweet and spirited nature, complicating his professional ambitions. He learns Christian is deceiving Andy with false promises of divorce, planning to string her along while plotting to seize Doug’s hotel project for himself. Doug faces a dilemma: pursue his dream by securing Christian’s investment or follow his heart by pursuing Andy. Subplots involve Doug’s colorful interactions with hotel guests, including helping a lawyer, Mr. Wegman (Michael Tucker), save his marriage, and trading Broadway tickets with fellow concierges in Central Park. A memorable scene sees Doug and Andy dining at an elegant restaurant after Christian stands her up, sparking their chemistry, while a heated argument in Christian’s suite culminates in Doug comically tearing apart the bed in frustration.

Ultimately, Doug chooses love over money, exposing Christian’s deceit and winning Andy’s heart. By a stroke of luck, he secures an alternative investor, Gene Salvatore (Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci), a wealthy guest with possible mob ties, allowing Doug to achieve both his romantic and professional dreams. The film ends on a high note, with Doug and Andy together and his hotel project moving forward, in true rom-com fashion.

Cast and Characters

For Love or Money boasts a charming cast, led by Michael J. Fox’s infectious energy:

• Michael J. Fox as Doug Ireland: Fox shines as the quick-witted, ambitious concierge, bringing his trademark charisma and comedic flair. His performance, likened to his role in The Secret of My Success, carries the film, with standout moments like the chaotic ticket-trading scene in Central Park. Critics and fans consistently praise his ability to elevate the material [,].
• Gabrielle Anwar as Andy Hart: Anwar, known for Scent of a Woman (1992), plays the sweet but naive mistress, delivering a likable yet somewhat underdeveloped performance. Some critics noted her discomfort in the role, lacking the depth of a classic rom-com heroine [].
• Anthony Higgins as Christian Hanover: Higgins portrays the slimy, manipulative investor with cold efficiency, serving as a hissable antagonist who threatens both Doug’s dream and Andy’s trust.
• Supporting Cast: Fyvush Finkel steals scenes as Milton Glickman, the world’s oldest bellboy, adding humor and heart []. Michael Tucker as Mr. Wegman, Bob Balaban as a hotel manager, and Udo Kier as a quirky guest contribute to the film’s lively ensemble. Cameos from real-life figures like Isaac Mizrahi and Dan Hedaya add New York flair.

The chemistry between Fox and Anwar is a highlight, though some felt Anwar’s performance didn’t fully match Fox’s energy, limiting the romantic spark [].

Themes and Style

For Love or Money explores classic rom-com themes with a light, breezy touch:

• Love vs. Ambition: Doug’s central dilemma—choosing between his dream hotel and his love for Andy—echoes the genre’s timeless question of personal fulfillment versus material success []. His decision to prioritize love reflects the film’s optimistic ethos.
• Class and Opportunity: As a working-class concierge catering to the elite, Doug’s story highlights social mobility and the hustle of 1990s New York, with his ticket-trading and guest-wrangling showcasing his resourcefulness.
• Deception and Integrity: The film critiques Christian’s duplicity while celebrating Doug’s moral growth, as he rejects complicity in the affair to protect Andy.
• Humor and Heart: The script balances slapstick (e.g., Doug’s bed-tearing outburst) with sincere moments, like his efforts to save Wegman’s marriage, though critics noted the humor lacks sharpness [].

Stylistically, the film embraces the polished, upbeat aesthetic of 1990s rom-coms, with bright Manhattan visuals, bustling hotel scenes, and Sonnenfeld’s signature wide-angle shots, though less effective here than in Men in Black (1997) []. David Newman’s jazzy score complements the urban setting, while the 101-minute runtime keeps the pacing brisk but sometimes rushed. The PG-13 rating allows mild sensuality and language, fitting its lighthearted tone, though some felt it lacked the screwball wit of its 1930s inspirations

Production and Release

Produced by Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment, For Love or Money was filmed in New York City in early 1993, using locations like the Plaza Hotel (as the fictional Bradbury) to capture Manhattan’s opulence. Sonnenfeld, known for his visual flair, aimed to evoke classic comedies but struggled with a script rewritten by four writers, diluting its potential []. The $30 million budget covered Fox’s salary, lavish sets, and a robust marketing campaign, including trailers emphasizing Fox’s charm and the romantic dilemma.

Released on October 1, 1993, in North American theaters, the film opened to $4 million, peaking at #3 behind Malice and The Good Son. It grossed $11 million domestically, failing to recoup its budget, and was withdrawn after four weeks, a commercial flop []. International releases, under titles like The Concierge or Por amor o por dinero, added modest earnings, but data is limited []. The film hit VHS in 1994, DVD in 2003, and Blu-ray on October 26, 2021, via Kino Lorber, with minimal special features [].

Reception and Cultural Impact

For Love or Money received mixed reviews, with a 37% Rotten Tomatoes score from 19 critics, reflecting its uneven execution. Roger Ebert gave it two out of four stars, calling it a “lightweight” comedy overly reliant on Fox’s charm, likening it to a sitcom []. Gene Siskel awarded two and a half stars, praising the setup but criticizing the lack of a compelling story []. Fans on Amazon and IMDb found it “cute” and “entertaining,” enjoying Fox and Anwar’s chemistry and the hotel backdrop, though some noted its dated wardrobe and predictable plot [,]. Letterboxd users highlight Fox’s charisma, with one joking about his height next to taller co-stars, but acknowledge the film’s thin narrative [].

The film’s cultural impact is modest, overshadowed by Fox’s bigger hits and stronger rom-coms of the era. It remains a nostalgic artifact for 1990s comedy fans, valued for Fox’s performance and its glimpse into New York’s hotel culture. The concierge premise inspired later works, like the TV series The Night Manager, but the film itself faded from mainstream memory. Its “karmic jackpot” ending, where Doug wins both love and money, reflects the era’s optimistic rom-com formula, though modern viewers may find its gender dynamics and mistress trope dated [].

Where to Watch

As of May 24, 2025, For Love or Money is not widely available on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Prime Video but can be rented or purchased on Amazon, Apple TV, and YouTube. Physical Blu-ray and DVD copies are available via retailers like Amazon, with the 2021 Kino Lorber Blu-ray offering a restored print. Check JustWatch for current availability

Conclusion

For Love or Money (1993) is a charming yet flawed romantic comedy that showcases Michael J. Fox’s undeniable star power in a lightweight tale of love, ambition, and moral choice. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the film benefits from its vibrant New York setting, Fox’s charismatic performance, and a likable supporting cast, but its predictable script and uneven humor prevent it from reaching the heights of its genre peers. While it failed to make a box office splash, earning only $11 million against a $30 million budget, its breezy tone and nostalgic appeal make it a pleasant, if unremarkable, watch for fans of 1990s rom-coms. For Love or Money remains a testament to Fox’s ability to elevate modest material, offering a sweet, if forgettable, slice of early-’90s cinema.