Charley Varrick, played by Walter Matthau, is a small-time crook who robs banks with his wife, Nadine, and his partner, Harman Sullivan. They target a bank in a small New Mexico town thinking that they will get away with a small haul, but to their surprise, they end up stealing $765,000 from a mafia-run money-laundering operation.
When the Mafia realizes that their money has been stolen, they start to track Charley's team down. They first approach a corrupt law enforcement officer, Molly, played by Joe Don Baker, who they believe is in cahoots with them. But when Molly fails to retrieve the money, the Mafia hires a hitman named Maynard Boyle, played by John Vernon, to go after Charley.
Charley, along with his girlfriend, Jewell, played by Felicia Farr, and Harman, goes on the run. They travel to various locations, change their appearances, and adopt fake identities to evade the police and the Mafia. However, when they realize that Maynard is still hot on their trail, they come up with a plan to take him out and secure their freedom.
Charley Varrick is a brilliant heist film that combines elements of comedy, action, and suspense. With its sharp writing, engaging characters, and stylish direction, it remains an underrated gem from the 1970s that deserves more attention.
