Charley VarrickMatthau is the small-time crook happy robbing small banks for a modest living. He inadvertently finds himself with a large stash of money when he and his gang rob a small town bank, which is used to stash mob money. Varrick's chance of a lifetime starts to turn sour as he is pursued by both the Mafia and the police. Eager to return the hot money and be done with it, he finds himself opposed by the other members of the gang. Matthau is excellent in the title role and, from The Odd Couple onwards, has been under-rated as a dramatic actor. Baker is suitably menacing as the Mafia man hot on his heels. Siegel handles the script with a typically assured touch. Charley Varrick is a gripping, taut thriller which doesn't succumb too much to empty 1970s stylishness. The film has never received the recognition it deserves. |
