Going in Style (1979)

Three friends living on the dole decide to rob a bank.

Director:

Martin Brest

Writers:

Martin Brest (screenplay by), Edward Cannon (story by)

Stars:

George Burns, Art Carney, Lee Strasberg

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George Burns	...	Joe
Art Carney	...	Al
Lee Strasberg	...	Willie
Charles Hallahan	...	Pete
Pamela Payton-Wright	...	Kathy
Siobhan Keegan	...	Colleen
Brian Neville	...	Kevin
Constantine Hartofolis	...	Boy in Park
Mary Testa	...	Teller
Jean Shevlin	...	Mrs. Fein
James Manis	...	Hot Dog Vendor
Tito Goya	...	Gypsy Cab Driver
William Pabst	...	Bank Guard
Christopher Wynkoop	...	Bank Manager
John McComb	...	Businessman in Bank

Storyline

Joe, Al, and Willie are three old men who have resigned themselves to dying. One night, Joe hatches a scheme to put a bit of excitement back into their lives: robbing a bank.

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Plot Keywords:

man wears eyeglasses | friend | robbery | bank robbery | black comedy | 

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Taglines:

Meet three guys with an outrageous plan to beat the system ...

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although the three actors portrayed seniors of approximately the same age, their ages--from oldest to youngest--spanned over 20 years. When the film was made, George Burns (born 1896) was eighty-three; Lee Strasberg (born 1901) was seventy-eight; while Art Carney (born 1918) was only sixty-one-years-old.

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Goofs

When they rob the bank Joe hold the bag such that money falls out. Later in the overhead shot there is no sign of the spilled cash.

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Quotes

Al: [after the plane takes off] What's that shaking sound?
Joe: You asking me?

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Connections

Remade as Going in Style (2017)

User Reviews

'How would you guys like to go on a stick-up with me?'

Martin Brest is best known for his popular successes BEVERLY HILLS COP, MIDNIGHT RUN and SCENT OF A WOMAN, but more recently his career made a bit of a tumble with the disastrous GIGLI (2003), starring Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez and snoozefest (and trying so hard to be 'profound') MEET JOE BLACK (1998), but this little gem is how he got noticed (and might even be his best effort yet).

The story is simple: three kindly old men (George Burns, Art Carney and Lee Strasberg), indistinguishable from the half-forgotten ranks of senior citizens you might pass on any city park bench in warm weather, decide to light up their lives by sticking up a Manhattan bank in broad daylight.

Don't be put off by the idea of 'three old guys robbing a bank.' This film is a delight in a very New York and very low-key fashion with hardly any grand scenes or set-ups, but with great writing, sharp dialog and the three leads giving their very best. Although the film was marketed as a comedy, it's above all a heartfelt drama and a truly moving portrayal of old age.

One of the highlights: when the three seniors are on a little trip to Manhattan and Art Carney starts dancing to the rhythms some Caribbean Street musicians. It's such a marvel to see 80-year old George Burns clapping and smiling and genuinely having fun at this improvised street scene. It's a shame this film is practically forgotten. A heartfelt, funny, and ultimately a very moving picture. Don't miss this one.

Camera Obscura --- 9/10

Details

Official Sites:

Warner Bros. WB Shop / Warner Archive

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 December 1979 (USA)

Also Known As:

Going in Style

Filming Locations:

TWA Terminal, JFK International Airport, Jamaica, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,781,164, 30 December 1979

Gross USA:

$26,869,286

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$26,869,286

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1