Cops and Robbers (1973)

Two disillusioned New York policemen plan a $10 million robbery to fuel their low pensions, only to run into one debacle after another in the process.

Director:

Aram Avakian

Writers:

Donald E. Westlake (novel), Donald E. Westlake (screenplay)

Stars:

Cliff Gorman, Joseph Bologna, Charlene Dallas

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cliff Gorman	...	Tom
Joseph Bologna	...	Joe
Charlene Dallas	...	Secretary
James Ferguson	...	Liquor Store Clerk
Frances Foster	...	Bleeding Lady
Gayle Gorman	...	Mary
Walt Gorney	...	Wino
George Harris II	...	Harry
Ellen Holly	...	Ms. Wells
Randy Jurgensen	...	Randy
Martin Kove	...	Ambulance Attendant
Delphi Lawrence	...	Rich Lady
Lucy Martin	...	Grace
Arthur Pierce	...	Ambulance Attendant
Nino Ruggeri	...	Mr. Joe

Storyline

Tom and Joe are disillusioned New York cops who decide to pull off one big robbery and retire on the proceeds. Bearer bonds are what the local Mafia boss will buy, so that's what they go for. Central Park is the location for the switch. Can they come out of it with their lives and the money ?

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Plot Keywords:

bearer bonds | switch | mafia | investment bank | loot | 

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Taglines:

They make $ 215.39 a week as Cops, and $10,000,000 in one day as Robbers. HOW DID THEY GET AWAY WITH IT?

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Genres:

Crime | Comedy

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 August 1973 (USA)

Also Known As:

Entimotatoi kleftes

Filming Locations:

Douglaston, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Elliott Kastner Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Last completed cinema film of Kent Smith.

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Goofs

Belvedere castle in Central Park was closed for renovations until 1983. Mafia guy a top castle with binoculars. Movie's setting is early 70's.

User Reviews

Cops and Robbers is a steal.

New York City cops Tom and Joe are in the mist of burn out. Why me syndrome eats at them in every way including getting in the wrong lane on the highway. They decide on a bold move to remove themselves from the relentless rat race by stealing and selling security bonds to the mob while remaining untraceable themselves.

Cops and Robbers is a very decent suspense comedy overachiever. Lack of star power works in its favor with Cliff Gorman and Joseph Bologna as the two rogue cops as non-descript everydays they ooze New York and are not required to perform acts of cool bravado to protect their careers. They are not master thieves, instead learning as they go along and it's this thin ice approach that gives the film it's well paced balance of humor and suspense.

Made during the Serpico era when the NYPD was swimming in corruption it's hard not to root for these dirty cops being squeezed on both sides. It may be a low rent sting but it does have the benefit of bluffing the audience deeper into the final moments than predictable outcomes reserved for superstars like Newman and Redford.