Based on an actual bank heist (and even using the St. Louis policemen who took part in thwarting the original robbery), this fairly ho-hum caper film stars Steve McQueen as the driver of the getaway car for the four bank robbers. The four men go over their plan several times, including dry runs to cover every possible contingent. These preparations take up most of the film, so that by the time the thieves are ready to do it, the audience has been ready forever. The actual scenario when the thieves walk into the bank is fast ...
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Based on an actual bank heist (and even using the St. Louis policemen who took part in thwarting the original robbery), this fairly ho-hum caper film stars Steve McQueen as the driver of the getaway car for the four bank robbers. The four men go over their plan several times, including dry runs to cover every possible contingent. These preparations take up most of the film, so that by the time the thieves are ready to do it, the audience has been ready forever. The actual scenario when the thieves walk into the bank is fast-paced, and as might be expected, even the best-laid plans cannot foresee everything. Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Steve McQueen; David Clarke; Graham Denton; Molly McCarthy; James Dukas. Good. Run time: 85 mins. Language: English. Used-Good Condition. Signs of use, but nothing that should affect playback. Includes case and original artwork.
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Seller's Description:
Steve McQueen, Crahan Denton, David Clarke. Very good. 1999 Run time: 85. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Digital copy/codes may be expired or not included. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Steve McQueen, Crahan Denton, David Clarke, James Dukas, Molly McCarthy, Martha Gable, Larry Gerst, Boyd Williams, Frank... Good. 1959 Run time: 89. 100% of this purchase will support literacy programs through a nonprofit organization!
I first saw this 1959 movie, "The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery", a few years ago during a Film Noir festival that focused on heist films. The Noir Festival was cancelled this year due to the pandemic, but I took the opportunity to see this film again.
The film is based on an actual attempted 1953 robbery of a St. Louis bank. Steve McQueen stars in an early role playing a former college football player, George Fowler, who becomes mixed up with a gang of three hardened criminals. At first, Fowler only agrees to drive the getaway car after the bank robbery but he soon becomes drawn in deeper. The film also stars Crahan Denton as the mastermind of the gang, and David Parks and James Dukas as his partners in crime. Molly McCarty plays George's former girlfriend, the sister of one of the gang members. She tries to dissuade George from participating and encourages him to pursue an honest life. Charles Guggenheim directed this black and white film.
Fans of Steve McQueen will enjoy his impressive performance in this movie, but the film's main interest lies elsewhere. Filmed on-site in St. Louis, the movie offers a great view of a 1950s American city with its busy streets, finny cars, storefronts, bars, and cluttered sidewalks. Several scenes are set in bars or restaurants and have the feel of authenticity with the period music and jukeboxes. The dress, hats, and mannerisms of the characters hark back to this now long-gone past in America. Several of the minor characters in this film had a role in the actual 1953 robbery, including a police officer, further adding to the tough realism of the film
The story develops slowly and features the interactions and relationships among the characters as much as it features the planning and execution of the heist. There is a none too subtle sexual relationship suggested between the gang leader and his pudgy henchman. The film also portrays the tensions that develop among the gang members. McQueen's relationship to his girlfriend and his tormented attempt to decide what to do and its consequences also are realistically done. The film is full of violence, betrayals, and sexual innuendos which are strong for a film of its time.
I was glad to see "The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery" in a beautiful theater as part of a film noir festival and glad to watch it again through streaming. The movie is in the public domain. It reminded me of the festival which we are missing this year and, with the grittiness of the movie, made me think about the return of better times.
