The Outfit

1973
PG
1h 43m

IMDb RATING

7.0/10

5.2K

YOUR RATING

Robert Duvall, Joe Don Baker, Karen Black, and Robert Ryan in The Outfit (1973)

Released from prison In Illinois after serving 2 years and 3 months for carrying a concealed weapon, professional thief and bank robber Earl Macklin (Robert Duvall) is told by his girlfriend Bett (Karen Black) of his brother's execution by the Outfit. Macklin teams up with old partner Cody (Joe Don Baker) and starts to hit the Outfit to accrue $250,000 compensation he feels he's due for his brother's murder.

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Heist Crime Drama Thriller

Earl Macklin robs a bank owned by the mob, serves his prison time and is released, only to start a private war against the crime outfit that owned the bank.Earl Macklin robs a bank owned by the mob, serves his prison time and is released, only to start a private war against the crime outfit that owned the bank.Earl Macklin robs a bank owned by the mob, serves his prison time and is released, only to start a private war against the crime outfit that owned the bank.

Director
- John Flynn
Writers
- Donald E. Westlake
- John Flynn
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.0/10

5.2K

YOUR RATING

Director
- John Flynn
Writers
- Donald E. Westlake
- John Flynn
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
Brian Garfield, in an introduction to a reprint of the novel on which this film is based, notes that it originally was written by director John Flynn as a period piece, intending to be set in the postwar 1940s. That's why such "film noir" veterans as Elisha Cook Jr., Richard Jaeckel, Marie Windsor, and Jane Greer appeared in it. The studio, however, decided it would be too expensive to shoot a period picture, so the script was superficially updated --- the World War II vets became Vietnam vets, and actors and actresses like Robert Ryan, Karen Black, and Sheree North joined the cast. The result was that the story was restored to its original concept. (The series on which this book was based was written and set in the then contemporary 1960s and 1970s). Had the period piece idea gone through, this would have represented a rare case of backdating a character.

Goofs
A killer fires a revolver with a silencer on the barrel. The gun would still make a loud sound due to the gap between the cylinder and the barrel.

Quotes
Buck's Wife: [alone with Jack Cody, who's sitting on the porch of the 'hideout', while she's dressed in nothing but a see-through bathrobe] Wanna come on inside 'n have a drink?
Jack Cody: No, thank you.
Buck's Wife: You sure? We got time...
Jack Cody: No, thank you MA'AM.
Buck's Wife: ...You got a problem?
Jack Cody: [smirking] Lady, after a while... a fella learns things... Some women are trouble.
Buck's Wife: ...Suit yourself.
[Goes into the house. Pissed]
Jack Cody: ...I'll always do...

Alternate versions
SPOILER: The TV version plays out as a true noir with The Outfit (1973) ending as Earl and Cody are trapped within Mailer's burning house while the police and fire department surround the building.

Connections
Featured in TCM Guest Programmer: George Pelecanos (2014)

Soundtracks
Your Guess Is Just As Good As Mine
Written by Steve Gillette and Jeremy Joe Kronsberg

User reviews70

Review

Featured review

8/10

"Can we deal?"

Jerry Fielding was a great composer. The edgy sense that follows "The Outfit" from scene to scene is helped immeasurably by his soundtrack. The music builds up, adding a lot to the tension factor. The music is economical, not flashy at all. It has a very close to the bone quality to it. So why do I start by talking about the music? Because it's just so rare that a soundtrack adds so much, it actually makes a better film.

Robert Duvall and Joe Don Baker have a very natural interplay, a sort of grimy half-drunk friendship that feels immediately true to life. Karen Black is very good as well. The plot itself is basic, with shades of "Point Blank" and various other revenge-oriented films. John Flynn is not the most imaginative director, so it's a little low on the style end of things visually. Somehow, it all comes together. Good acting, really great soundtrack, and a fast pace. You'll get into this one.