The Movie based on The Outfit

The Outfit
(1973)

Movie:

Depiction of Parker:

Parker played by:  Robert Duvall

Name in film:  Earl Macklin

Written and Directed by John Flynn

When Parker's brother (!) is killed by the Outfit, he decides that they owe him compensation.  He pulls several heists with the help of partner Cody (Joe Don Baker, playing a character based on Handy McKay) before eventually taking on Mailer, the Outfit's top man.

Robert Duvall is second only to Lee Marvin amongst the films I've seen in his portrayal of Parker (not counting the Payback bootleg).  He is generally a bastard but unfortunately does have some nice-guy traits.  He also drags along a useless Karen Black for 3/4 of the film, something which Parker would never have done and which the scriptwriter should never have done either. 

The Outfit is a pretty good movie that deserves to be remembered more than it has.  Robert Duvall is excellent as always, and the supporting cast are a talented bunch as well.  I love Joe Don Baker, even when he's in a piece of shit like Mitchell, so seeing him in a good movie was a treat.

Although the film is rather loosely based on the novel in terms of storyline and characters, it does lift several scenes and several lines from the book, often out of order.

Availability: The Outfit is in print; I got my copy from Amazon but I'm sure other companies have it too.  It is only on VHS, and in a mediocre transfer.  Personally, I would like to see it on a double-feature DVD with The Split, which has never been available on video.  Are you listening, MGM?

Other Cast Members:

Bett Jarrow [Bett Harrow]--Karen Black
Cody [Handy McKay]--Joe Don Baker
Mailer [Bronson]--Robert Ryan
Jake Menner--Timothy Carey
Richard Jaeckel--Chemy
Sheree North--Buck's Wife
Felice Orlandi--Frank Orlandi
Marie Windsor--Madge Coyle
Jane Greer--Alma

Back to The Outfit

Back to The Violent World of Parker