Événement

NOIR CITY 15: CHARLEY VARRICK / THE BRINK'S JOB

Saturday, January 28, matinee

The price of admission gets you into the double bill.

1:30
CHARLEY VARRICK
(USA, 1973. Universal Pictures. 111 min.)

Screenplay by Howard Rodman and Dean Riesner, from a novel by John Reese
Produced by Jennings Lang and Don Siegel. Directed by Don Siegel

Meet Charley Varrick (Walter Matthau), Last of the Independents -- at one point, the movie's title. Charley's a smart, methodical criminal, so when a robbery at a tiny New Mexico bank nets him way more money than it should, he knows he's in deep. Soon, he's got to outthink the Mafia, outwit his partner, and outrun the cops. This whip-smart underdog story is Don Siegel at his best and includes many members of his colorful stock company: Andy Robinson (Dirty Harry), Sheree North, John Vernon -- plus Joe Don Baker memorably playing a hit man named Molly. Presented in 35mm

3:45
THE BRINK'S JOB
(USA, 1978. Universal Pictures. 104 min.)

Screenplay by Walon Green, from the book by Noel Behn
Produced by Dino De Laurentiis and Ralph Serpe. Directed by William Friedkin

Boston's legendary 1950 Brink's robbery, in which a gang of thieves made off with more than $2 million, was heralded as "The Crime of the Century" -- especially after it went unsolved for years. It inspired several filmic adaptations, none better than Friedkin's playful hybrid of comedy and suspense. As the mastermind, Peter Falk leads an extraordinary cast of characters, including Gena Rowlands, Paul Sorvino, Warren Oates, Peter Boyle, and Allen Garfield. A poignant and beautifully realized period piece, this is one of the director's best -- if most neglected -- films. Presented in 35mm