The Great Bank Robbery

The Great Bank Robbery is a 1969 Western comedy film about a group of hapless outlaws who plan to rob a bank in a small town in Texas. Starring Zero Mostel, Kim Novak, and Clint Walker, the film is directed by Hy Averback and based on the novel by John H. Reese.

The film begins with the arrival of crime novelist John Dortmunder (Mostel) in a small Texas town, where he is immediately mistaken for a notorious outlaw named Parker. Befriended by Deputy Sheriff Clayton (Walker), Dortmunder soon learns of a plan to rob the town's only bank, which is rumored to be overflowing with money.

Driven by his curiosity and his desire to write a great crime novel, Dortmunder decides to join the gang of outlaws planning the heist. The gang consists of a group of bumbling misfits, including the dim-witted Gaspar (Larry Storch), the trigger-happy Gus (Wallace Ford), and the con artist Little (Akim Tamiroff).

As the gang prepares for the heist, Dortmunder begins to take charge, using his knowledge of crime to help the group plan the perfect robbery. However, things quickly begin to go awry, as the gang's incompetence and bickering threaten to ruin the heist before it even begins.

Adding to the chaos is a barmaid named Kitty (Novak), who becomes involved with both Dortmunder and Parker, and a local businessman named Akers (John Anderson), who is plotting to steal the money for himself.

As the day of the robbery approaches, tensions rise within the gang, and Dortmunder must use all of his wit and cunning to keep the group on track. When the heist finally takes place, it is not the smooth operation the gang had hoped for, leading to a hilarious and action-packed race to escape with the money.

Filled with memorable characters and sharp wit, The Great Bank Robbery is a comedy that both parodies and celebrates the Western genre. With its mix of slapstick humor and clever storytelling, the film remains a beloved classic of its era.