Charley Varrick (1973) is an American neo-noir heist film directed by Don Siegel and starring Walter Matthau, Joe Don Baker, and Eileen Brennan. The film follows Charley Varrick (Matthau), a small-time crook who robs a bank that turns out to be the mob’s bank. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $20 million at the box office.
Director: Don Siegel: Dirty Harry (1971), Escape from Alcatraz (1979), The Shootist (1976), Telefon (1977)
Writer: Gordon Merrick: The Big Fix (1978), The Last of Sheila (1973), The Poseidon Adventure (1972), The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Release Date: September 21, 1973
Domestic box office: $20 million
Top 5 Cast:
- Walter Matthau as Charley Varrick
- Joe Don Baker as Molly
- Eileen Brennan as Myra
- John Vernon as the Sheriff
- R.G. Armstrong as the Banker
“I’m just a small-time crook. I rob little banks, not mob banks.” – Charley Varrick
Critical Reviews:
- Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 3.5 out of 4 stars, calling it “a stylish and funny thriller. Charley Varrick is a stylish and funny thriller that is sure to please fans of the genre. Matthau is perfectly cast as the small-time crook who gets in over his head, and the supporting cast is also excellent. Charley Varrick is a must-see for any fan of crime films.”
- Pauline Kael of The New Yorker called the film “a caper movie with style and wit. Charley Varrick is a caper movie with style and wit. The film is well-directed by Don Siegel, and the cast is excellent, particularly Matthau. Charley Varrick is a must-see for any fan of crime films.”
- Vincent Canby of The New York Times called the film “a minor classic. Charley Varrick is a minor classic. The film is well-made and well-acted, and it features some of the best dialogue in any crime film. Charley Varrick is a must-see for any fan of the genre.”
- David Denby of New York magazine called the film “a stylish and entertaining thriller. Charley Varrick is a stylish and entertaining thriller that is sure to please fans of the genre. Matthau is perfectly cast as the small-time crook who gets in over his head, and the supporting cast is also excellent. Charley Varrick is a must-see for any fan of crime films.”
Cinematic Importance:Â Charley Varrick is a significant film for several reasons. First, it is a well-made and well-acted crime film that features some of the best dialogue in the genre. Second, the film is directed by Don Siegel, one of the masters of the crime film. Third, the film stars Walter Matthau, one of the most popular and respected actors of his generation. Charley Varrick is a classic crime film that is still enjoyed by audiences today.
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