The Outfit (1973 film)

Infobox Film | name =The Outfit


caption =Theatrical poster
director = John Flynn
producer = Carter DeHaven
writer = Donald E. Westlake (novel)
John Flynn
starring =Robert Duvall
Karen Black
Joe Don Baker
Robert Ryan
Timothy Carey
music = Jerry Fielding
cinematography = Bruce Surtees
editing = Ralph E. Winters
distributor = Warner Bros.
released = October 1973
runtime = 86 min
language = English
budget =
imdb_id = 0071960

"The Outfit" is a 1973 film directed by John Flynn. It stars Robert Duvall, Karen Black, Joe Don Baker and Robert Ryan. The film is an adaptation of the book of the same name by Richard Stark and features the character of Parker introduced in "The Hunter".

Plot

Released from prison In Illinois after serving 2 years and 3 months for carrying a concealed weapon, professional thief and bank robber Earl Macklin (Duvall)is told by his girlfriend Bett (Black) of his brother's execution by the Outfit. It seems a bank Earl and his brother robbed was a "front" for the Outfit, who, having killed Earl's brother, now want to kill him. Earl teams up with old partner Cody (Baker)and starts to hit the Outfit to accrue $250,000 compensation he feels he's due for his brother's murder. Promised the pay-off, but then double crossed by the Outfit's Godfather figure (Ryan), Macklin and Cody decide to topple the whole organisation.

Trivia

While the theatrical version has an upbeat ending, the TV version concludes with Earl and Cody trapped within Mailer's burning house while the police and fire department surround the building.

Reception

Roger Ebert in his [http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19731023/REVIEWS/310230301/1023 review] , praised it as "a classy action picture, very well directed and acted."