WOODY ALLEN

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB.  USA, 1969.  Palomar Pictures International, Jack Rollins & Charles H. Joffe Productions, ABC Pictures.  Screenplay by Woody Allen, Mickey Rose.   Cinematography by Lester Shorr.   Produced by Charles H. Joffe.  Music by Marvin Hamlisch.  Production Design by Fred Harpman.  Film Editing by Paul Jordan, Ron Kalish.  

Woody Allen‘s first film as director (not counting his dubbing job on What’s Up, Tiger Lily?) is a hilarious riot that is still a treat to watch today. It’s a staged documentary about a bank robber (Allen) who, despite his best efforts, can’t avoid being completely inept at his criminal occupation. The inquisitive camera interviews his family and friends as they divulge the details of his life and how difficult it is for him to get ahead in his business. Some of the sight gags (like Allen using a loaf of bread to hide a camera with which to scope out a bank’s security cams) are priceless.