He robbed 16 banks. He got caught 16 times. His record is perfect.

Woody Allen’s breakthrough as a comedian in the early 1960s was followed by his directing debut. This simple comedy became a springboard and certainly had its fans even though I prefer his later Bananas and Love and Death. It’s the same kind of film, with oneliners, sight gags, a central romance between Woody and a girl, and references to cultural phenomena (one of the characters is called “Julius Epstein”). The film is a mockumentary portraying the life and crimes of New York’s most unfortunate, pathetic thief (Allen). A nice try, funny at times, but a bit of a mess.

1969-U.S. 85 min. Color. Directed by Woody Allen. Screenplay: Woody Allen, Mickey Rose. Cast: Woody Allen (Virgil Starkwell), Janet Margolin (Louise), Marcel Hillaire (Fritz), Jacquelyn Hyde. Voice of Jackson Beck.

Trivia: Louise Lasser has a small part. Jerry Lewis was allegedly considered for directing duties.

Quote: “After fifteen minutes I wanted to marry her, and after half an hour I completely gave up the idea of stealing her purse.” (Mr. Allen)

film movies woody allen IMDb

Published 2008-08-16 05:56