Three corrupt cops (Ray Sharkey, Steve Railsback, James Keach) plot to break into the Depositors Trust Bank in Medford, MA on Memorial Day weekend 1980. Using their underworld connections, they bring in some cons to help with the safe blowing and alarms. The heist itself goes off perfectly, but due to the already unsavory rep of Captain Gerry Clemente (Sharkey), things start to come unraveled as his boss (Ed Asner) begins his investigation alongside the Feds. To make matters worse, the mob now wants a cut of the haul and the robbers can't unload most of the jewelery.
Based on a true story of the biggest bank heist (close to $25 million) in US history, this flick originally aired as a NBC Sunday Night movie. It is based on Gerry Clemente's confessional book (written while in prison) and, unfortunately, seems to side with him on the belief that all would have been fine if everyone else hadn't screwed up the job. TV vet Paul Wendkos directs it all in a pretty straightforward manner but the film seems a bit rushed trying to fit into a 2-hour time slot. For example, the heist is over in a matter of 5 minutes. A two-parter over four hours would have been better. The cast is great, although Sharkey is prone to histrionics (something I've never liked about his acting). Robert Lyons and George Kennedy also pop up in small roles.
Based on a true story of the biggest bank heist (close to $25 million) in US history, this flick originally aired as a NBC Sunday Night movie. It is based on Gerry Clemente's confessional book (written while in prison) and, unfortunately, seems to side with him on the belief that all would have been fine if everyone else hadn't screwed up the job. TV vet Paul Wendkos directs it all in a pretty straightforward manner but the film seems a bit rushed trying to fit into a 2-hour time slot. For example, the heist is over in a matter of 5 minutes. A two-parter over four hours would have been better. The cast is great, although Sharkey is prone to histrionics (something I've never liked about his acting). Robert Lyons and George Kennedy also pop up in small roles.