Charley Varrick Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Walter Matthau robs a bank, accidentally steals the mafia’s lunch money, and has to outsmart them before they turn him into cement shoes…or worse, a grumpy old man.

🍿 Charley Varrick: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Bank Robbery Gone Wrong

Charley Varrick, a former stunt pilot turned crop duster, supplements his income by robbing small-town banks. He, his wife Nadine, and an accomplice named Harman Sullivan target a bank in Tres Cruces, New Mexico, expecting a small score. The robbery turns violent when local law enforcement arrives, resulting in a shootout with casualties, including Nadine getting shot and wounded.

Unexpected Loot and Mafia Involvement

After escaping, Varrick and Sullivan discover the stolen cash amounts to over $750,000, far exceeding their expectations. Realizing the money belongs to the Mafia, who were using the bank for money laundering, Varrick understands they are in far more danger than they initially anticipated. The mob is certain to retaliate, and they now have both the police and organized crime after them.

The Mob’s Ruthless Pursuit

The Mafia hires a cold-blooded hitman named Molly to retrieve the stolen money and eliminate the robbers. Molly begins his relentless pursuit, leaving a trail of violence as he closes in on Varrick and Sullivan. Varrick must use his wits and resourcefulness to outsmart Molly and escape with his life, while navigating the dangerous world of organized crime.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Charley Varrick (Walter Matthau): A former stunt pilot turned crop duster and bank robber who finds himself in deep trouble after robbing a mob-connected bank.
• Molly (Joe Don Baker): A ruthless and efficient hitman hired by the Mob to recover their stolen money and eliminate the robbers.
• Harman Sullivan (Andrew Robinson): Charley’s young, impulsive, and reckless accomplice who complicates their escape.
• Sybil Fort (Felicia Farr): A secretary who becomes involved with Charley and assists him in his plan.
• Maynard Boyle (John Vernon): The nervous bank president with ties to the Mob, desperate to retrieve the stolen money and save himself.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Charley Varrick: “You know what dirty money is? That’s the kind of money you can’t declare on your income tax.” – Charley explains to Harman the trouble they are in and how the bank was likely a drop for mob money.
• Charley Varrick: “In the old days I could make this plane flip onto its back.” – Charley reflects on his past as a stunt pilot, foreshadowing his resourcefulness.
• Molly: “I got no problem with that.” – Molly repeats the phrase whenever asked to do something unethical or brutal.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3 million
• Domestic Gross: $7.5 million
• Worldwide Gross: $194

💥 Charley Varrick Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Charley Varrick’! Walter Matthau is just fantastic as this seemingly ordinary guy who’s actually a total mastermind. The scene where he’s figuring out how to outsmart the mob in that junkyard was genius! And Joe Don Baker as the hitman? Seriously chilling. It’s one of those movies that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Definitely going on my list of favorite crime thrillers. I really enjoyed that the plot had a lot of twists and turns, that all tie in for a satisfying ending.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1970s crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate neo-noir films”
  • “Those who like Walter Matthau’s dramatic roles”
  • “People interested in heist movies with clever protagonists”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and gunfights”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief scene of implied sexual activity”
  • “Death and murder”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Don Siegel directs with his signature efficiency, crafting a tight, suspenseful thriller. Walter Matthau delivers a brilliant performance as the cunning anti-hero, making ‘Charley Varrick’ a must-see for fans of crime films. The supporting cast, particularly Joe Don Baker, adds to the film’s overall impact.
• RogerEbert.com: “Although underrated, ‘Charley Varrick’ features a complex plot and memorable performances. Matthau brings a unique charm to the role of a criminal mastermind, creating an engaging cat-and-mouse game with the mafia. Siegel’s direction maintains tension throughout, making it a compelling watch.
• The New York Times: “Matthau, excels in a role that showcases his versatility beyond comedy. Don Siegel’s skillful direction and a sharp script ensure ‘Charley Varrick’ is a classic crime film. The supporting cast enhances the story, making the film engaging and memorable.

Audience Reactions

Walter Matthau’s performance is genius.: Viewers praise the film for its smart plot, excellent acting, and tension-filled atmosphere, highlighting Matthau’s performance as a standout.

The junkyard scene is classic.: Many viewers appreciate the film’s gritty realism and unpredictable nature, emphasizing how it stands out among crime thrillers.

Overall Consensus: ‘Charley Varrick’ is a highly regarded crime thriller praised for its smart plot, excellent performances (especially Walter Matthau), and suspenseful direction.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Walter Matthau reportedly disliked the film, which he felt hurt its box office performance.”
• “The film was initially intended to star Clint Eastwood.”
• “Director Don Siegel also played an uncredited role as a man in the bank during the robbery.”

🖥️ How to Watch Charley Varrick?

Charley Varrick is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for possible television airings. Unfortunately, it’s not currently included in any major streaming subscription services, making digital rental or purchase the primary way to watch this classic crime thriller.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Charley Varrick, you might like these similar films:

• The Getaway (1972): A heist gone wrong forces a couple to outrun both the law and their criminal associates in a high-stakes chase.
• No Country for Old Men (2007): A character finds himself in possession of money he shouldn’t have, leading to a relentless pursuit by a ruthless killer.
• Thief (1981): A professional thief plans one last heist to secure his future, but the job puts him at odds with the mob.
• Killing Them Softly (2012): After two junkies botch a mob-protected card game, hitman Jackie Cogan is hired to track them down.

🛒 Charley Varrick Related Products

• Charley Varrick [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition with restored visuals and bonus content, offering a premium viewing experience for fans and collectors.
• Lalo Schifrin: Charley Varrick Soundtrack [Digital Download]: Get the original movie soundtrack in high-quality digital format, featuring Lalo Schifrin’s iconic compositions and Dee Dee Warwick’s memorable theme song.
• Charley Varrick Movie Poster [Print]: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, ideal for framing and displaying in your home theater or entertainment room.
• Crop Duster Biplane Model Kit [Collectibles]: A detailed model kit of the crop duster biplane flown by Charley Varrick in the movie, perfect for hobbyists and fans of aviation and cinema.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “You Can Make a Memory Out of Me” – performed by Dee Dee Warwick
• “Charley Varrick Theme” – performed by Lalo Schifrin

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

’71 Lincoln Continental makes bank heist escape

Check out this insane car chase from ‘Charley Varrick’! The ’71 Lincoln Continental really steals the show, but honestly, I can’t believe they got away with some of those stunts.

✨ Rate