Take the Money and Run Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cello-playing loser tries to rob banks, but ends up being more lovable than menacing, proving incompetence can be endearing.

🍿 Take the Money and Run: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Early Life of a Would-Be Criminal

The film, presented as a mockumentary, chronicles the life of Virgil Starkwell (Woody Allen), an inept and hapless individual destined for a life of crime. From a troubled childhood to failed attempts at a musical career (highlighted by his struggles with the cello), Virgil’s early life is marked by a series of comedic misfortunes that set the stage for his future endeavors. Despite his lack of talent or success, Virgil is determined to make his mark as a career criminal. He dreams of becoming a bank robber, but his efforts are consistently thwarted by his own incompetence, leading to a string of hilariously failed heists and encounters with the law.

Love and Incarceration

Virgil’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets and falls in love with Louise (Janet Margolin). Their relationship adds a layer of sweetness and absurdity to Virgil’s otherwise chaotic existence. Even as Virgil continues to pursue his criminal aspirations, Louise stands by him, though often bewildered by his antics. However, Virgil’s career choices repeatedly lead to imprisonment. His attempts to escape are equally disastrous, filled with slapstick mishaps and unfortunate timing. Even in prison, Virgil’s ineptitude shines through, making him a target for both fellow inmates and the authorities.

The Downward Spiral

Despite Louise’s attempts to steer him toward a more honest life, Virgil finds himself drawn back to crime time and again. His efforts to hold down a legitimate job are sabotaged by his own incompetence or by circumstances beyond his control. Each failed attempt pushes him further down a path of desperation and absurdity. Ultimately, Virgil’s life becomes a cycle of crime, capture, and escape, punctuated by moments of tenderness with Louise. The film highlights the futility of his endeavors, portraying him as a tragicomic figure trapped in a world of his own making.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Virgil Starkwell (Woody Allen): An incompetent and unlucky criminal whose life is chronicled in a mock documentary style.
• Louise (Janet Margolin): Virgil’s girlfriend and wife, who supports him despite his inept criminal endeavors.
• Fritz – Director (Marcel Hillaire): The director adds a layer of meta-commentary on filmmaking and Virgil’s life through his documentary approach.
• Narrator (Jackson Beck): The narrator’s dry, serious tone enhances the mockumentary style, contrasting with Virgil’s absurd actions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Louise: “He is always very depressed. I think that if he’d been a successful criminal, he would have felt better.” – Louise reflects on Virgil’s lack of success in his chosen career.
• Virgil: “After fifteen minutes I wanted to marry her, and after half an hour I completely gave up the idea of stealing her purse.” – Virgil describes his instant connection with Louise.
• Virgil’s father: “(wearing a Groucho Marx mask) He was always bad–I knew he’d never amount to anything” – Virgil’s disguised father gives a less-than-supportive assessment of his son’s life choices.
• Virgil: “This is a gub!” – Virgil attempts to rob a bank but misspells ‘gun’ on his demand note.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.5M
• Domestic Gross: $6.1M
• Worldwide Gross: $6.4M

💥 Take the Money and Run Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Take the Money and Run’ for the first time and just being completely blown away. The scene where he tries to rob the bank with the misspelled note had me in stitches. Woody Allen’s character, Virgil, is just so relatable in his ineptitude. It’s a feel-good movie that I always go back to when I need a laugh. The mockumentary style really made it stand out, and I think it’s one of his most underrated films.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Woody Allen”
  • “People who enjoy mockumentaries”
  • “Viewers seeking light-hearted comedies”
  • “Those who appreciate slapstick humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Comedic depictions of crime”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Woody Allen’s mockumentary style is groundbreaking, delivering a fast-paced comedic experience. It’s a hilarious take on crime films, with Allen’s signature wit shining through. The film’s innovative approach makes it a must-see for comedy fans.
• The New York Times: “Allen’s comedic timing and visual gags are at their finest in this early work. The film’s mockumentary format adds depth, making it more than just a collection of jokes. The character, Virgil Starkwell, became an instant icon.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “This film set the standard for mockumentaries. Allen’s blend of slapstick and intellectual humor creates a unique comedic experience. While some jokes may fall flat, the overall result is laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely entertaining.

Audience Reactions

The misspelled bank robbery note is comedy gold.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s creative and original humor.

The cello scene in the marching band is iconic and laugh-out-loud funny.: Audiences love the physical comedy and sight gags.

Overall Consensus: A hilarious and innovative mockumentary that showcases Woody Allen’s early comedic genius, though some jokes may not land for everyone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is considered one of the earliest and most influential mockumentaries.”
• “Woody Allen originally envisioned a more complex film, but editor Ralph Rosenblum streamlined it into a tighter, gag-filled comedy.”
• “The ‘documentary’ style allowed Allen to experiment with visual gags and absurd situations.”
• “The budget was $1.5 million.”
• “The film was originally supposed to have a bloodier, more violent ending like Bonnie and Clyde, but producers asked Allen to change it.”

🖥️ How to Watch Take the Money and Run?

Currently, ‘Take the Money and Run’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check these services for the most up-to-date availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Take the Money and Run, you might like these similar films:

• Bananas (1971): Another early Woody Allen film with similar slapstick humor and absurd situations.
• This Is Spinal Tap (1984): A classic mockumentary that follows a fictional rock band, showcasing a similar style of humor.
• Small Time Crooks (2000): Another Woody Allen movie about inept criminals trying to achieve their goals.
• Zelig (1983): Another Woody Allen film presented as a documentary, using similar techniques of interviewing ‘experts’ and using fake archival footage to tell its story.

🛒 Take the Money and Run Related Products

• Woody Allen Film Collection Blu-ray: A collection of Woody Allen’s early films, including ‘Take the Money and Run’, offering a nostalgic look at his comedic beginnings.
• Retro ‘Take the Money and Run’ Movie Poster: A vintage-style poster, perfect for collectors and movie buffs to display their love for classic comedy.
• Cello Starter Kit: Everything you need to start playing the cello, inspired by Virgil Starkwell’s early (and failed) musical aspirations.
• Groucho Marx Glasses: Pay homage to the film’s running joke with the iconic glasses and nose disguise. Perfect for parties and cosplay.

🎧 Soundtrack

Take the Money and Run features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Soul Bossa Nova” – performed by Quincy Jones (Performed by Marvin Hamlisch and His Orchestra)
• “Marching Band Music” – performed by Various Composers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Woody Allen’s Cello Marching Band (from Take the Money and Run )

Remember that hilarious cello marching band scene? It’s one of the most iconic moments from ‘Take the Money and Run’! Check it out and see why this movie is so funny!

Woody Allen converted to a Rabbi

Can you imagine Woody Allen as a Rabbi? This conversion scene from ‘Take the Money and Run’ is pure comedic gold! You have to see it to believe it – I can’t stop laughing at how absurd it is.

Opening to Take the Money and Run- 1999 Anchor Bay Widescreen Edition VHS

Ever wonder what it was like to watch ‘Take the Money and Run’ on VHS back in the day? This video shows the opening from the 1999 Anchor Bay release! It’s kind of cool to see how movies were experienced before streaming.

✨ Rate