"Dayton's Devils" isn't a bad little crime thriller, but it could have been far more entertaining. The biggest difference between this payroll robbery caper and most is that the heist happens on a U.S. Air Force Base. Frank Dayton (Leslie Neilson) is the mastermind behind this audacious outing, and a former Nazi named Max (Eric Braeden of "The Rat Patrol") serves as his co-planner. They have worked out a meticulous plan to steal approximately over a million bucks. As plans go, their plan is sufficiently elaborate. Frank and Max have selected a number of individuals with expertise in appropriate areas to make a safe getaway. They masquerade as U.S.A.F. personnel, enter a military installation, and take over the paymaster's office. After they herd the payroll employees into the vault, they load several boxes of money into a truck and clear the gate moments before the Air Police get wise to their scheme. The authorities have no luck initially catching up with them. When they do, they crash into the rear of a parked truck on the side of a mountain and plunge into the sea. The Coast Guard ply the waters and inspect the boat that they will eventually use to transport the loot to safety. Naturally, since this was made back in the 'crime doesn't pay days before "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot," our villainous protagonists watch as their plan falls through because the skipper of the fishing boat knows how much money was stolen. He wants the lion's share and a gunfight erupt on the boat. During the fracas, the boat catches on fire and the Coast Guard rushes to their rescue. Mind you, "Dayton's Devils" isn't a bad little flick, but director Jack Shea generates little suspense during the intricate operation. Roy Calhoun co-stars but takes top billing over Leslie Neilson. Lainie Kazan has a small supporting role and you get to see her shed her clothes and climb into a wetsuit. This was Leslie Nielson during his straight-faced bad guys role playing days. Look for Mike Farrell of "M.A.S.H." fame in a bit part along with Bo Hopkins and Bruce Glover. Better production values and a stronger script might have bolstered this routine effort. Nielsen is appropriately abrasive as the leader, while Rory Calhoun is just another one of the henchmen.
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