Charley Varrick

Don Siegel's '70s output has an eclectic quality, from hits like Dirty Harry to puzzlers like The Beguiled. Charley Varrick (1973) marks his best work from this period, a no-nonsense thriller that crackles from start to finish.

Charley Varrick (Walter Matthau) and three accomplices rob a New Mexico bank. The heist goes badly, with only Charley and sidekick Harman (Andy Robinson) escaping, netting just $2,000. But Charley discovers they've actually stolen over $700,000 of laundered mob money. Crooked banker Boyle (John Vernon) sends mob enforcer Molly (Joe Don Baker) to collect the debt, forcing Charley and Harman to keep their wits about them.

One's impressed with Charley Varrick's simple craftsmanship. Siegel and writers Dean Riesner and Howard Rodman shape a slow-burn plot. After an opening burst of action, the movie sketches the characters in terse expository dialogue. Charley's revealed to be a stunt pilot and crop duster, both of which come in handy later on. He's shown at the top of his game, deceiving rube lawmen with disguises and criminals with clever booby traps. Unlike the impulsive Harman, he measures the situation fast enough to craft his next move. He beds Boyle's assistant (Felicia Farr) and goads Molly into an uneven showdown.

Siegel's sparse plot and deliberate pacing allows plenty of atmosphere, not just from the Nevada locations. Varrick's world is alternately seedy and dangerous, mixing high-priced call girls with ruthless violence. Molly demonstrates his ruthlessness time and again (watch him pick on a wheelchair-bound storekeeper), but makes an impact just huffing his pipe. The bad guys rely on brute force, making them an easy mark for Charlie. If the finale strains credulity, well, how often do you get to see a car-vs.-crop duster duel?

Walter Matthau proves an ideal antihero. He's no action star but a weathered professional, using wits and skill to stay a step ahead of the mob. Andy Robinson gives a layered turn far removed from his psychotic Scorpio Killer. Joe Don Baker (Junior Bonner) makes a superb villain, displaying understated ferocity in every scene. John Vernon (Topaz) plays a banker and Tom Tully (The Caine Mutiny) makes his final screen appearance.

Charley Varrick is a solid caper. The decade produced its share of classic thrillers, and Varrick stands among the best.