Based on Donald E. Westlake’s first novel to feature John Dortmunder, the habitually rehabilitated crook who just wants to pay the bills. He can plan jobs like nobody else. Unfortunately for him, he’s got a bad luck streak a mile long. It doesn’t always land him in the clink, but damn. It sure makes pulling off jobs a lot more difficult.
Dortmunder, released from his most recent prison stint. Learned plumbing this time, you know, a legit skill. But his kinda goofy buddy/brother-in-law Kelp already has a new job lined up. At least consider it, huh? It’s considered. And there’s nothing like a challenge to hook Dortmunder. With the proper financial support lined up, the four-man job is planned, executed. Goes off almost without a hitch, too. But damn that Sahara Stone, it’s almost like it’s jinxed! Let’s just say if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. And then maybe again. And...
This is a pretty fun heist film. The Dortmunder character is good enough to fill 13 more books and a few short stories with his heists and shenanigans. Unlike the Parker character, Dortmunder is a lot more low-key, non-violent, and not always as successful in his plottenings. They are good plans, don’t get me wrong. But there’s always a wrench in the works, somehow. Entertaining, both in book and movie form. This film is a bit abridged, but still a good introduction to the characters and the overall vibe. His partners in crime are pretty good too, even if a bit abbreviated like the movie itself. Robert Redford does good in the lead, and a fun role by Zero Mostel.
