The Gentleman Bandit Poster

The Gentleman Bandit 1981

★ 5.05 votes96 min📅 1981-05-06

In 1981's gripping crime drama *The Gentleman Bandit*, audiences are drawn into the extraordinary true story of a respected Baltimore priest who becomes entangled in an unlikely criminal saga.

Director: Jonathan Kaplan

Cast

Ralph Waite
Ralph Waite
Father Bernard Pagano
Julie Bovasso
Julie Bovasso
Doris
Jerry Zaks
Jerry Zaks
Carl Schnee
Joe Grifasi
Joe Grifasi
Det. Esposito
Estelle Parsons
Estelle Parsons
Marjorie Seebode
Tom Aldredge
Tom Aldredge
Monsignor Nicholson
Arthur French
Arthur French
Det. Doerfler
Ed Van Nuys
L. Dene Wedge Jr.
Joe Ponazecki
Ron Clouser
Frances Chaney
Frances Chaney
Rona Mintz

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Gentleman Bandit (1981) about?

This fact-based crime drama follows the strange true story of Bernard Pagano, a respected Baltimore priest accused of a series of daring armed robberies in the late 1970s. The film explores how a man of the cloth could find himself at the center of such a bizarre and public scandal, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator.

Who directed The Gentleman Bandit?

Jonathan Kaplan directed *The Gentleman Bandit (1981)*. Known for his work in crime and drama genres, Kaplan crafts a compelling narrative that balances tension with emotional depth.

Who stars in The Gentleman Bandit?

The film features Ralph Waite in the lead role, supported by Julie Bovasso, Jerry Zaks, Estelle Parsons, and Tom Aldredge in a compelling ensemble cast.

Is The Gentleman Bandit (1981) worth watching?

While lacking an IMDb rating, *The Gentleman Bandit* offers a gripping narrative driven by strong performances and a unique premise. Crime drama enthusiasts will appreciate its blend of suspense and human drama, making it a memorable TV movie worth streaming or downloading.

How long is The Gentleman Bandit?

The Gentleman Bandit (1981) has a runtime of 96 minutes.

About The Gentleman Bandit (1981) — A True Story of a Priest Turned Bandit

In 1981's gripping crime drama *The Gentleman Bandit*, audiences are drawn into the extraordinary true story of a respected Baltimore priest who becomes entangled in an unlikely criminal saga. Directed by Jonathan Kaplan, this TV movie transforms a shocking real-life headline into a tense exploration of identity, justice, and moral ambiguity. As the narrative unfolds, the film immerses viewers in the unsettling atmosphere of late 1970s America, where faith and fallibility collide in the most unexpected ways. With a blend of crime drama tension and human drama depth, *The Gentleman Bandit (1981)* lingers as a thought-provoking tale of mistaken identity that challenges perceptions of heroism and villainy alike.

Starring Ralph Waite in a standout role as the conflicted protagonist, the cast brings gravitas and emotional nuance to a story that feels ripped from the headlines. Surrounded by a talented ensemble including Julie Bovasso, Jerry Zaks, and Estelle Parsons, Waite anchors the film with a performance that captures both vulnerability and resilience. Tapping into themes of redemption and societal expectations, *The Gentleman Bandit* becomes more than a crime story—it's a meditation on the complexities of human nature and the blurred lines between innocence and guilt.