Review of Charley Varrick (1973) by Curtis R — 23 Aug 2009
This is Walter Matthau in his prime and at his dramatic best. The usually comedic Matthau convincingly pulls off the Eastwood-ish leading man part in this Don Siegel heist classic. Matthau plays Charley Varrick, a crop dusting pilot turned small time bank robber.
Things go south real quick for Varrick and his gang when they unexpectedly take alot more money than they planned on. The money turns out to be unlaundered mob money being funneled through the tiny desert bank that leads to the deaths of many around Varrick including his wife & untrusting overanxious partner.
John Vernon plays Boyle, the mob banker sent in to investigate and Joe Don Baker is excellent as Molly, a well dressed southern hitman hot on Varrick's trail. One of the things Matthau brings to the character of Charley Varrick that makes him so appealing is his resourcefulness.
The guy is always one step ahead of the cops and the crooks. This is one of my favorite Walter Matthau films and I would love for it one day to get the digitally remastered special edition treatment on Dvd.
Look for William Schallert who played Matthau's milquetoast deputy in "Lonely Are The Brave"hamming it up with a promotion to typical 70's sheriff in this film.
This review of Charley Varrick (1973) was written by Curtis R on 23 Aug 2009.
Charley Varrick has generally received very positive reviews.
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