Review of Take the Money and Run (1969) by Stuart K — 23 Apr 2012
Woody Allen's first proper film as actor, writer and director. He was lucky to have been offered the chance to do so, and he was rightfully wary, as he'd seen how Hollywood worked. Since this film, he had absolute creative control over all his films, and it started his period of 'early, funny films'.
A pseudo-documentary, it tells the story of Virgil Starkwell (Woody), born into a poor family, he tries playing the cello in a marching band, when that doesn't work out, he turns to a life of crime, which would have gone well if he wasn't a bumbling idiot.
He steals money from a security van, but the gun he has is a lighter, so he goes to jail, and his attempts to escape all go wrong when the gun he made from a bar of soap and shoe polish dissolve into bubbles during a rain storm.
But, when he's released, Virgil meets Louise (Janet Margolin) who he falls for and tries to keep his criminal life a secret from her, but even that doesn't last when he's thrown into jail for armed robbery, only for him to escape, so he and Louise go on the run from state to state, but Virgil can't hold down a job due to him trying to rob banks and shops.
This is a hilarious film, with some very funny moments in it. It shows what a natural comedian Woody was, both good with verbal comedy and physical comedy as well, it's just a shame he grew up after Annie Hall (1977), as he was at his best with comedy like this, which is absurb, clever and hilarious.
This review of Take the Money and Run (1969) was written by Stuart K on 23 Apr 2012.
Take the Money and Run has generally received positive reviews.
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