THE BANK SHOT

US, 1974, 83 minutes, Colour.
George C. Scott, Joanna Cassidy, Sorrell Brooke, Clifton James.
Directed by Gower Champion.

The Bank Shot is an enjoyable comedy robbery film. However it does not compare with some of the more elaborate and entertaining films of this kind in the early 70s. It was adapted from a novel by Donald Westlake, the author of the novel on which the very successful film The Hot Rock was based. The Hot Rock was directed by Peter Yates and starred Robert Redford and George Segal. George C. Scott is very good in the leading role in this film. It is attractively photographed. It was directed by the famous dancer of the 50s, Gower Champion.

1. The appeal of the film, comedy, prison story, cooks, bank caper, the blend of these?

2. The contribution of Panavision and colour, musical style? The comedy sequences, the comical style? Such effects as the ballet silhouette outline of the criminals' getting rid of the money?

3. The virtue of the film in its brevity? Precision?

4. The setting in the prison, Ballantyne as a character within this context, temperamental, domineering? A failed genius with brilliant ideas and poor execution? George C. Scott's comic style? The contrast with Bulldog Streiger and his style, pride in running the prison farm? Sequences and details of their clash? Two temperaments of pride clashing?

5. The realism and humour of Karp and his plan? The temptation to break out? Ballantyne's refusal, sudden decision and comedy and drama of his breaking out?

6. The importance to Streiger of his pursuit, by Karp, the importance of the chases with their dram and comedy? Seeking out clues, setting up headquarters? His motivation, style? A mocking of this kind of authority figure?

7. Comment on the portrayal of the gang, various personalities, age, sex, comedy types? Efficiency and inefficiency? Participation in the crime?

8. El adding a bit of glamour to the proceedings? Conventional heroine? Her participation in the plot?

9. Audience response to the plan to rob the bank and take it away? Ballantyne's refusal, the impact of his brainwave?

10. How well-constructed and filmed was The Bank Shot itself, taking the whole bank, transporting it, painting it, pursuit?

11. The irony of Streiger's presence, the irony of the blowing up of the bank and going into the sea? Ballantyne vanishing?

12. Why did audiences enjoy this kind of caper, the poking fun at criminals and authority? Human nature and the incorrigible aspects of human nature?