Greetings, all and sundry! Once again, I would like to take advantage of Ruth’s largesse and wax poetic about a film that cemented my belief that Robert Duvall is a solid talent to be reckoned with. In what many consider to be a ‘Criminal Revenge B-Movie’, but is so much more! Hence, I proffer.
Made on a well-and-frugally-spent budget that wouldn’t cover a day’s catering bill for a Spielberg or Cameron blockbuster. Director John Flynn gets maximum bang for the buck by also adapting and supplying the gritty screenplay in a no frills take on a novel by Donald E. Westtlake. Enriched by a soundtrack by Jerry Fielding and a tried and true cast of up and coming talent and an always reliable rogues gallery of stalwarts.
The film begins with small time crook, Earl Macklin. Superbly played by Robert Duvall, being released from prison after two years and change for a concealed gun charge. Macklin does his time well. A stand up guy who doesn’t say a word about ‘The Outfit’. A euphemism for organized crime out of Chicago that has branched out into the Midwest and West.
That is, until Macklin is informed by his girlfriend, Bett. Well played by a sultry Karen Black. That Macklin’s brother recently became a loose end and was murdered by The Outfit. Who subsequently have a contract out on Macklin. Who takes the news in stride and decides to get the band back together. And to get the $250,000 Macklin thinks he’s owed for his time behind bars.
Macklin’s first stop is his partner-in-crime, Cody. Played with ‘Good Ol’ Boy’ easiness masking a violent rage, by Joe Don Baker. Fresh from his role of psychotic money collector, ‘Molly’ in the incredibly under rated, Charley Varrick. Cody hasn’t anything pressing or better to do. So the two crash an after hours, Outfit backed poker game.
Next stop. Some better, heavier hardware and a decent set of wheels. Enter always dependable, Richard Jaeckel’s Chemey. Who lives out in the middle of nowhere. Has a ramshackle house and even older garage where he tinkers away on automobiles and their engines. His pride and joy is a nondescript Volkswagen Beetle. Into which he’s planted a Porsche engine. A superb getaway car. That looks like a VW. Acts like a VW. But try as he might, Chemey cannot make it sound like a VW!
A different car is chosen as a greasily obnoxious Buck. Played with gusto by Bill McKinney watches his slutty wife, played by Sheree North fail at using her attributes to get anything out of Macklin and Cody. Who travel to L.A. to take down another Outfit run bank with a small safe loaded with bundles of money. Well executed with odd camera angles and only a switchboard operator/receptionist being knocked out by Cody in the process.
This raises the ire and anger of the local Godfather, Mailer. Exceptionally played by Robert Ryan in his last film role. As a man slowly losing his grip on his fiefdom while young Turks circle about. Aided by the always creepy Timothy Carey as his adviser and bodyguard, Menner. Who unwisely decide to go all Bunker Mentality as lackeys and minions are taken down.
Taken out or otherwise disabled as Macklin and Cody prepare for a final showdown at Mailer’s resplendent manse and stables!
What Makes This Film Good?
Watching Robert Duvall being given free rein to expand horizons set in supporting roles in The Godfather and Joe Kidd. Playing a character who may not be very likeable at first, but grows on you. Letting his eyes and face do the acting while given the news of his brother’s murder. While understanding his desire for some well earned payback. Not just by confronting his nemesis, Mailer, but expanding his options to let Mailer bleed financially. Weakening the crime boss. Not just in the eyes of his gang that’s always looking for a weakness to exploit, but in the eyes of the bosses in Chicago. Who like things to run smoothly and are even quicker to fix ‘problems’. Watching what Macklin and Cody do from a distance is wonderfully intriguing to watch as a two front war opens up on Mailer.
Cinematography by Bruce Surtees is exceptional and has a distinct Noir influence as Macklin and Cody go about their business of robbing and pillaging. Often employing unique shots as our hero slides into and out of shadow slashed corridors that only heightens the suspense that Jerry Fielding’s eclectic, though effective soundtrack deftly tickles. Dialogue is kept to a minimum, because actions throughout speak louder than words.
What Makes This Film Great?
A well-executed and very straight line story completely bereft of sub plots and other distractions. Deftly handled by a director and crew that know their business. Guiding a cast of up and coming talent in Robert Duvall and Joe Don Baker. Subtly backed up by a Who’s Who of venerable veterans.
From Robert Ryan, Joanna Cassidy, Timothy Carey and Elisha Cook Jr. To Richard Jaeckel, Sheree North, Bill McKinney, Jane Greer and Karen Black. No matter what the size or duration of their respective roles. All are made unique and memorable. In a near forgotten gem that is the definition of being more than the sum of its parts!
…
Check out Jack’s profile page and links to his other reviews
Thoughts on this film? Do share ’em in the comments.
FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
hehe Love it. I have added this to my to watch pile.
JD loves a guest post huh? Thanks Mr Deth for a great insight. Your post on FRC will be live tomorrow too
Hi, Scott!
Thanks so much for your gracious comments.
The film’s cast and story is more than worth the price of seeking it out and enjoying it.
Great review as always Jack. I thought this was a great little action thriller from the 70s, too bad not people have seen it.
I also feel bad about John Flynn, his career never really took off. Somehow he’s sort of got blacklisted by major studios after making another underrated and little seen film, Rolling Thunder. Some said he’s just Sam Peckinpah impersonator, maybe that’s true but he’s good at what he does. He did make a solid Steven Seagal’S film, Out for Justice.
Hi, Ted:
Always a pleasure to have you drop by and offer such great comments!
I don’t understand why or how John Flynn never got the attention he deserved, either. A more than competent director with a flair for working with what was available at the time and shying away from sets.
Yes, Flynn’s films are violent, but he give the audience every opportunity for them to understand the violence. Though I would not put him in the same category of Peckinpah or later, James Glickenhaus. Who is far more Grind House and revels in violence for violence’s sake.
Couldn’t agree more with your opinion of Out for Justice . Seagal as a Brooklyn good guy and William Forsythe as a bad guy?… What’s not to love?
the sad thing about being a film fan is there are far too many to see in a lifetime. I don’t think I’d heard of this one before, but what a cast! Duvall, Karen Black, and Joe Don Baker, and the list goes on!
Hi, markuswelby:
One of the great things about The Outfit is its bravura supporting cast. Even if their roles are brief and basically throw away. As Richard Jaeckel’s Chemey. Each and all deliver more than is necessary or required.
The poster definitely has a Bonnie and Clyde element for me.
Karen Black is a name I have not heard in ages. She was a staple in 1970s cinema. I wonder if she would make it in the industry nowadays.
Bob Ryan’s final film … what a shame. Exceptional and exceptionally underrated actor.
Thanks for another great review!
Hi, iluv!
Thanks for the great comments.
Karen Black’s flame burned bright when she first started out and then dimmed in the eighties. While Robert Ryan always struck me as a universal talent. Able to be the ladies’ or leading man in dramas and Noirs when not providing superb support to other actors.
He could go dark so remarkably well.
Hi again, iluv!
Excellent point!
I always liked the way shadows played across Ryan’s face in Noirs. Heightening whatever evil hid behind his eyes. Always wondered how Nichols Ray’s 1956, very early suburban addiction film, ‘Bigger Than Life’ would have played out if it starred Robert Ryan, instead of James Mason.
Though Mason is very good as the Ozzie Nelson, perfect father whose life is falling apart due to his more than liking prescription pills. Ryan would have added a more shocking dimension Making the scenes of the pills’ induced side effects and mood swings more frightening and creepy.
Wow Robert Duvall use to be young! 😉 Never heard of this movie but as you say, it seems to be one of those hidden gems that we all love to uncover every now and again.
Hi, Castor:
Yes, Robert Duvall used to be young! Though it was a long time ago.
I remember seeing him in several memorable roles on ABC’s Combat! and Outer Limits back in the 1960s. One of the reasons I admire Mr. Duvall so much. When not playing for the big screen. He keeps honing his talent on the small one.
I asked my dad if he saw this and it wasn’t familiar to him. Considering how many movies he’s seen i guess this one really is underrated.
Hi, dirtywithclass!
I caught ‘The Outfit’ on a rainy weeknight after it blew into the theaters the previous weekend and blew out by the end of that week.
One of the first and best Noir inspired color, or Neo~Noir films of the 70’s. Admirable for its story and intriguing execution.
I don’t think it ever went to Beta or VHS, but I’m thrilled that it’s out on DVD. And should be high on the list of films deserving of a full blown Blu-Ray treatment!
Never seen this one and I like Duvall. Thank you for reviewing it.
always enjoy your “what makes this film good” and “what makes this film great” segments.
I’m curious if you’ve ever thought of doing a film review that ends with “What makes this film bad” and “What makes this film horrifically terrible” 🙂
Hi, Terrance!
Thanks for dropping by and adding to the discussion.
Duvall has been a consistently solid actor who’s delivered more than asked.
No matter what the film or role.
Oh, I’ve pondered a few reviews of what could politely be called ‘Bad Cinema’. Titles such as ‘The Giant Claw’, ‘Reptilicus’ and ‘Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster’ leap to mind.
I could add some newer titles, such as ‘The Contender’, ‘Planet Terror’ or any comedy with Adam Sandler or Ben Stiller.
Pingback: Winners, Losers, and Survivors: A Crime Blog | SUNSET MEDIA WAVE