Charley Varrick 1973
"When he runs out of dumb luck, he always has genius to fall back on!"
In Don Siegel's gripping 1973 crime thriller *Charley Varrick*, Walter Matthau stars as the titular character, a down-on-his-luck small-time crook who, along with his crew, attempts a routine bank heist in a sleepy town.
Director: Don Siegel
Cast
Walter Matthau
Charley Varrick
Joe Don Baker
Molly
Felicia Farr
Sybil Fort
Andrew Robinson
Harman Sullivan
Sheree North
Jewell Everett
Norman Fell
Mr. Garfinkle
Benson Fong
Honest John
Woodrow Parfrey
Harold Young
William Schallert
Bill Horton
Jacqueline Scott
Nadine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Charley Varrick (1973) about?
The film follows Charley Varrick, a struggling ex-pilot turned criminal, as he pulls off a bank robbery that accidentally steals millions from the mob. Now, pursued by both the authorities and ruthless gangsters, he must use every ounce of his cunning to outmaneuver them and escape with his life.
Who directed Charley Varrick?
Don Siegel, known for his work in crime thrillers and action films, directed *Charley Varrick*. His sharp direction brings tension and realism to the story of an ordinary man caught in extraordinary danger.
Who stars in Charley Varrick?
The film features Walter Matthau in the lead role, supported by Joe Don Baker, Felicia Farr, Andrew Robinson, and Sheree North in key supporting parts.
Is Charley Varrick (1973) worth watching?
Absolutely—if you love crime thrillers with layered characters and relentless pacing. Matthau's performance is magnetic, and Siegel's direction keeps the suspense tight. While it lacks a formal rating, its reputation as a gritty, intelligent heist film makes it a must-watch for genre fans.
How long is Charley Varrick?
The film runs for 111 minutes, or roughly 1 hour and 51 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Charley Varrick (1973) — A Small-Time Robber's High-Stakes Gamble Against the Mob
In Don Siegel's gripping 1973 crime thriller *Charley Varrick*, Walter Matthau stars as the titular character, a down-on-his-luck small-time crook who, along with his crew, attempts a routine bank heist in a sleepy town. What begins as a simple score quickly spirals into a high-stakes nightmare when they unknowingly make off with millions belonging to the mob. With the law and organized crime hot on his trail, Charley must outsmart both to survive—turning desperation into a battle of wits.
This tense cat-and-mouse game blends sharp dialogue with moments of dark humor, all set against a backdrop of sun-bleached Americana that Siegel masterfully transforms into a pressure cooker of danger. The film explores themes of luck versus intellect, the fragility of plans under pressure, and the cost of chasing a second chance. Matthau's performance crackles with a mix of charm and grit, making *Charley Varrick (1973)* a standout entry in the crime genre, where every decision could be his last.
