Take the Money and Run (1969)

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Woody Allen's first outing as director, writer, and actor turns out to be a hilarious quip of a film that almost always steadily throws the laughs at you.

Allen plays Virgil Starkwell, outcast. He didn't really fit in as a child, so he turned to a life of crime. But, as we see him now in his adult years, he has yet to commit a sucessful crime. As he's trying to steal purses in the park, he meets Louise (Janet Margolin), and the fall in love. This time, the love seems true because he isn't 60 years old and falling in love with her. In documentary style film, we find out about more of his escapedes.

The documentary style didn't do anything for me in Zelig, but it worked here because it was more of a mockumentary. It had more "acting" scenes and less interviews. A lot of times, there was no narration, just like a "real" movie, and that added to the movie some. Allen's comedic style is one I adore, and this is no exception. He is very funny and his comedy is genuine and original. There's been too many "crime is glorious" movies, but this one made you actually feel for the criminal. That's no easy task.

I hadn't heard of Janet Margolin before this, but she was pretty good as Allen's lover. However, a couple times it seemed like she tried too hard in the "dramatic" parts, but I can overlook that. Speaking of dramatic parts, there were a few too many lulls in the comedy, especially during the romantic collages, but those too can be overlooked if just the comedy is anaylzed.

Allen's gags are not outrageous, not controversial or anything like that. Most of them are simple one-liners, though there are a good number of sight gags, most involving his crimes. One particually funny scene is when Allen and his gang are about to rob a bank, when another gang comes in, also wanting to rob the bank. It's a fun 86 minutes that will leave you giggling from beginning to end.

Rated PG for brief language and criminal overtones.

Review Date: September 29, 2002