Cops and Robbers **** (1973, Cliff Gorman, Joseph Bologna, Dick Ward, Shepperd Strudwick, Ellen Holly, John P Ryan, Dolph Sweet) – Classic Movie Review 11,195

Director Aram Avakian’s 1973 buddy movie Cops and Robbers is a thoroughly likeable, stirring crime caper about two New York City cops Tom and Joe (Cliff Gorman, Joseph Bologna) who become robbers to snatch Wall Street bearer bond money on behalf of mobster Pasquale ‘Patsy’ Aniello (John P Ryan) and the Mob, and then plan to retire on the proceeds.

Donald E Westlake’s twisting yarn really rattles along, Avakian’s direction is sharp and observant, and the comedy performances are incisive. The film is a pleasure to watch.

Westlake subsequently expanded his original screenplay into a novel.

Also in the cast are Dick Ward, Shepperd Strudwick, Ellen Holly, John P Ryan, Dolph Sweet, George Harris III, Randy Jurgensen, Martin Kove, Delphi Lawrence, Lucy Martin, Nino Ruggeri, Joe Spinelli, Joseph Sullivan, Richard Ward, Charlene Dallas and Lou Wood.

The score composed and conducted by Michel Legrand was released on CD in August 2009.

© Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,195

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