Charley Varrick (1973)

Charley Varrick is a small-time crook who outfoxes the Mob in this fast-paced offbeat thriller directed by Don Siegel. Academy Award winner Walter Matthau stars in a rare dramatic role, along with the powerful Joe Don Baker, as a tough Mafia hitman. Charley robs small banks with small payrolls. That keeps him out of trouble until he stumbles onto the Mob's secret stash. The chase is on as the Big Boys go after the "Last of the Independents." It's a heart-pounding ride that builds to a fiery airborne climax as Charley makes his last desperate run for the Mexican border and safety.

A great drama. Well Written

THis is one of the few dramatic roles I've seen Walter Matthau in, and he was brilliant. Matthau is a small time bank robber who gets in over his head, at least for a time. You'll love the ending. Great movie. June 12, 2008

Ok, So It's Not In Widescreen, But Life Is Short

I can empathize with those who are disappointed that we don't get this movie in widescreen. Of course we should.

However... it's $10, and life is short, and you don't want to go for the old dirt nap without seeing this one.

The basic plot set-up is simple enough -- clever bad guys rob the wrong bank (a Mafia money drop) and all hell breaks loose. And I'm not giving away anything you won't see in the first few minutes.

What makes this film work is the intelligent script (this is oh so far from a dumb "caper movie") and letter-perfect performances. Walter Matthau is wonderful as the phlegmatic and judicious title character, Andy Robinson does a great turn in his effeminate psycho character, and other highlights range from Normal Fell to the great suave and sinister John Vernon (yup, Dean Wormer as a mid-level mafia executive). But wait, there's more! Joe Don Baker is wonderful as the dogged, cornpone-flavored hit man who is set on Matthau's trail.

And even at this, I'm missing some great smaller performances -- this is one of those films where everyone shines.

One of the things that makes this film so wonderful to watch is that nobody's cast against type. Everyone's doing their usual thing, but they get to do it particularly well in a great setting. January 17, 2008

decent 70s file

This is actually a decent 70s film. Joe Don Baker does a good job as a mob enforcer that is menacing and heartless. I was reading the synopsis of "No Country for Old Men" and I immediately thought of this movie. November 9, 2007

Underrated flick

I saw the film when it first came out and have been trying to get a copy for some considerable time. It is a greatly underrated film and apparently not all that well known. Good cast including one of my favourite lady actors - Sheree North.
If you get the chance, watch it. October 10, 2007

Best of Matthau ???

Wonderful movie with great bad guys, even the good guys are bad guys, action, and lots of twist and turns. One of my favorites. This and Hopscoth are a pair to own. Both good "rainy Day" movies. August 24, 2007

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