The film was very well made. It's main character is Jerry Clemente, who along with his gang of "bad" cops take their piece of Boston's criminal offerings. At first they were petty, but it was not enough for Clemente. He soon sets his eye to a bank with big score written all over it. The question for Clemente is whether he can keep his "circle" together before a case is built against them..
3 Reviews
A nice heist flick that should have been longer
udar5523 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
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.
Good Movie
jimel981 March 2014
A good movie. It's been quite some time since I've seen it, but I remember the history. First off, the synopsis got it wrong, Clemente was NOT a Boston Police Officer, he was with the Metropolitan Police which was a state agency charged with patrolling many of Massachusetts parks, parkways, highways and water sources. Their responsibility was similar to that of the State Police but geographically, not as wide. They were a fine agency (prior to the merge with the State Police in the 90s-which is not related to the crimes). Clemente was a schemer and as Ed Asner's character says at one point, "He was never a cop, just a crook who dressed like a cop" or words to that effect.
Ed Asner is charged with looking into the Depositor's Trust Heist as well as some other dealings with Clemente has been potentially involved in. He gets his man.
It's a fine cast, very professional and though the film has some flaws (poetic license is a bitch) it's very watchable and entertaining. Ed Asner is the consummate pro as is George Kennedy. Ray Sharkey does a pretty believable job as Clemente and is "I can't be touched" attitude which he finds out the hard way, just ain't true.
Nicely done but like many movies that have been made over the years, it's largely forgotten and become lost somewhere out there. That's a shame if for no other reason, it's the only movie ever made about that sad and infuriating event.
Ed Asner is charged with looking into the Depositor's Trust Heist as well as some other dealings with Clemente has been potentially involved in. He gets his man.
It's a fine cast, very professional and though the film has some flaws (poetic license is a bitch) it's very watchable and entertaining. Ed Asner is the consummate pro as is George Kennedy. Ray Sharkey does a pretty believable job as Clemente and is "I can't be touched" attitude which he finds out the hard way, just ain't true.
Nicely done but like many movies that have been made over the years, it's largely forgotten and become lost somewhere out there. That's a shame if for no other reason, it's the only movie ever made about that sad and infuriating event.
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