A friend of mine had told me that this was funnier than Woody Allen's Small Time Crooks I admit I was skeptical, as too many so-called comedies from the black and white era don't get much more than a smile from me. My skepticism was rewarded with a very funny, fast-paced comedy with the kind of "crackling" dialogue they don't write anymore. Edward G. Robinson is a scream in the lead, and his supporting cast equals him. Don't miss this one. There's never a dull moment!
Add a Review
-
jeffy-37 August 2000
-
HotToastyRag22 May 2018I couldn't help but think as I watched Larceny, Inc. That it was a vehicle originally intended for The Three Stooges. Edward G. Robinson, Broderick Crawford, and Edward Brophy star as three ex-cons who appear to go straight by buying a luggage shop, but they're secretly digging underground to get to the neighboring bank. Their rapport is adorable, and with the quick banter and slapstick antics, it's easy to imagine Moe, Larry, and Curly in the leads instead.
I love Edward G. Robinson, so I'm always rooting for him when he's playing someone who doesn't get a fair shake. Broderick Crawford is surprisingly sweet and funny in this role, making me wonder why Hollywood ever cast him as a bad guy when he's so believable as a good, dumb sidekick. Usually Edward Brophy takes small roles, but as the second lead, he's given a large amount of screen time, and he holds his own and has great chemistry with Eddie. Jack Carson joins the cast as a confident luggage salesman who's intent on wooing Eddie's surrogate daughter Jane Wyman, who looks absolutely adorable as a blonde! Anthony Quinn, as you might guess, plays a gangster, and Harry Davenport, as you might guess, plays a likable old man. With this many recognizable faces in the cast, how can you resist this classic?
My favorite line is when Barbara Jo Allen tries to get Eddie's romantic attention. She owns the neighboring lingerie store and she invites him over to check out her supply. "You come over sometime and look at my trunks," Eddie answers back. Larceny, Inc. Is very funny, as the quips fly across the screen, you might find the plot a little familiar. If you remember a movie in which three ex-cons dig underground next to a bank, you might be thinking of Woody Allen's remake, entitled Small Time Crooks. Both are very funny, so no matter which one you start with, you're in for a treat. -
"Larceny, Inc." is a 1942 film starring Edward G. Robinson, Broderick Crawford, Jane Wyman, Anthony Quinn, Jack Carson, Ed Brophy, Jackie Gleason and Henry Davenport. The idea behind this film consciously or subconsciously may have inspired Woody Allen's "Small Time Crooks." Gangsters buy a luggage shop situated next to a bank in order to break through the wall into the bank vault; instead, they find themselves dragged kicking and screaming into legitimacy.
Edward G. Robinson is "Pressure," an ex-con who at first tries to keep customers out of the store ("if a customer comes in, blow him off") - but when he tells the young woman like a daughter to him (Wyman) that he's sincere, she starts working with a luggage salesman (Carson) on big promotions. Soon the store is jumping with customers. The merchants on the street ask for Pressure's support - the street is being torn up, and it's right before Christmas; he becomes their hero. However, when an ex con comes into the store to borrow money, he realizes the store is a front for a bank robbery and goes back and tells a scary prisoner, Leo (Quinn) who escapes and decides to do the job himself.
The funniest scene is the aggravated Robinson wrapping a suitcase when a customer asks for gift-wrapping. Robinson is hilarious - he could be doing Little Ceasar, he takes it so seriously, and he's all the funnier for it. Broderick Crawford did some comedy before "All the King's Men" - he's excellent as a dumb associate of Pressure's who's digging the hole to the bank. Jackie Gleason plays a soda jerk - and makes the most of it. Wyman and Carson don't have much to do, alas. The rest of the cast is uniformly delightful.
This is a real gem - "Small Time Crooks" takes the basic plot and goes in another direction with it - both are wonderful films. Try and catch this one on TCM. -
jwhit6772020 October 2000This film never got much recognition, possibly because wartime comedies were ignored unless they had to do with the armed services or the global crisis, but it is an absolutely delightful comedy. It is reminiscent of an old Italian story called "The Crime of Don Giovanni," involving a Roman cafe owner who was jealous of a competitor next door to him, and decided to tunnel underground to steal dishes from the other restaurant's kitchen. Robinson, Crawford, and the supporting cast are superb!
-
wbhickok17 May 2001Edward G. Robinson in a slapstick comedy??!!! Yep, and a damn funny one. E.G. parodies his bad guy image perfectly in this flick as he wants to pull of one last heist before going straight, so he buys a luggage store next to a bank to break in, but he soon learns that he can make more money in a legit business... but that's only the beginning! I can't figure out why nobody knows about this film, it's very entertaining. It is perfectly cast, with Broderick Crawford, as Robinson's flunkie is hilarious, Jackie Gleason has a cameo doing a variant of his 'born loser' routine. Even Anthony Quinn is funny! If you can find it in the video store on on TV watch it, it's worth your while.
-
Hysterical madcap fun. There may be no funnier moment in the history of film than Edward G. Robinson irritably gift wrapping a piece of luggage (all reasonably priced at $9.75) for a bothersome customer. The pacing of this movie is breathless (it's like a Bugs Bunny cartoon) and it's one of the few comedies that can legitimately claim to have a laugh virtually every minute. It's a movie that understands how funny a single door constantly opening and closing can be, provided there is a parade of zany enough characters passing through it, all of whom possess impeccable comic timing. It's also got a young, menacing Anthony Quinn to give it some edge, and an early Jackie Gleason to steal a couple scenes. Nearly as delightful as the king of screwball comedies "Bringing Up Baby".
-
The Warner bros, was my favorite studio from the Hollywood system between 1930-45. They make social films, gangster movies, romantic melodramas, musical comedies, and sometimes robust comedies like this one. Here, the great E.G. Robinson makes funs of his bad guys role, like he will do a few years later in Brother Orchid. Dialogues are very funny and the situations, very simples, are hilarious. Good laughs!
-
rmax3048239 May 2002S. J. Perelman, on whose play this is based, would sometimes use the nom de plume Sidney Namelrep, a silly, devil-may-care joke that is perfectly in tune with his sense of humor. He wrote some of the most outrageously funny pieces ever to appear in the New Yorker. His comedy is filled with whimsy, non sequiturs, twisted clichés, notions that seem to emerge recklessly from nowhere, scarcely masked libidinous allusions, ridiculously transparent self justifications -- the kind of humor associated with the Marx Brothers. And in fact he wrote some of their best lines in (if I remember correctly) "Monkey Business" -- "Hurry, my dear, my regiment leaves at dawn."
His wit still can be seen through the screen of the more strict narrative line seen in this movie but because the characters need to seem reasonably sane, their range is a bit restricted. ("Mmm. Did you concoct these little tidbits?") The story itself, fortunately, is so absurd that it rolls right along, in the same league as Warners' "All Through The Night."
It's a pretty ancient tale. Thieves getting into a store next to a bank in order to break through the wall into the vault. The first time I remember coming across it was in a Sherlock Holmes tale, "The Red Headed League," and I doubt it was original with Conan-Doyle. This is the earliest movie about such a caper that I'm aware of. But later there was "Big Deal on Madonna Street" and most recently Woody Allan's "Small Time Crooks," which duplicated some of the incidents as well as the general idea. (The thieves break open a water pipe while digging the tunnel; the original plan fizzles out when the phony business upstairs becomes an economic bonanza.)
It's a well-done and highly entertaining comedy with the usual roster of Warners' stalwarts at their best. The kind of movie about which you can truly say, "They don't make 'em like that anymore." I don't know how long it took to shoot. Not long, I imagine. New York City is nothing more than a street on the back lot and a handful of interiors.
Loyd Bacon, whom no one ever proclaimed a genius, knows how to shoot a film efficiently, the way a good car mechanic knows his business, moving the bodies around with careless ease. There isn't a wasted motion. Every step, every opening of a door, every snarl and stutter, serves a purpose. Robinson breezes through the whole business. Jane Wyman looks cute. Broderick Crawford is dumb beyond belief. And every item of luggage in the store is "Nine seventy-five."
It's all very amusing. -
boblipton11 December 2020Edward G. Robinson is just out of prison and planning to go straight, but gets sidetracked into robbing a bank. His plan starts out with him buying a luggage store next to the object of his affection, whereupon he and his associates -- Eddie Brophy, Broderick Crawford -- begin tunneling through to the vault. However, his adopted daughter, Jane Wyman, the other shop owners on the torn-up block, and actually running a store keep interfering with his quiet plans.
Like many of the Warner Brothers comedies of the era, it's more frantic than funny, but it's full of many supporting comic actors of the period doing their shticks. Robinson is, of course, perfect as a smooth-talking con man in his last movie under long-term contract for Warners.
It's directed by Lloyd Bacon, one of the company's workhorse directors of the era. He was never noted much for a style, but if the studio needed a movie brought in on schedule and budget, he was their man. He began as an actor in Broncho Billy shorts in 1914. By 1922, he was directing Lloyd Hamilton shorts. He went to work for the Warner Brothers in 1925, and stayed there until 1944. He directed the last of his 99 features in 195, and died two years later at the age of 65. -
jazza92314 March 201090/100. This is one of Edward G. Robinson's best films and one of the best comedies of the 1940's. The supporting cast is amazing, Edward Brophy, Anthony Quinn, Jack Carson and Harry Davenport are excellent, but it's Broderick Crawford that steals every scene he is in. Look for a very young Jackie Gleason as the soda jerk. The adapted screenplay by Everett Freeman and Edwin Gilbert from S.J. and Laura Perelman's play (The Night Before Christmas) is outstanding. It moves along briskly and there is never a dull moment. Funny situations, great dialog and it is unique and different. I am very surprised this film is not better known, it's a fine classic.
-
A goofy, giddy adult satire that plays like a kiddie comedy (replete with broad jokes, slapstick, and a lovable oaf played by Broderick Crawford). Three crooks (including Edward G. Robinson, with mind-racing gusto) give up plans to rob a bank when they realize the sweetest racket of all: capitalism. An entertaining little film.
-
nickenchuggets16 June 2021When I mention Edward G Robinson, the last thing that will probably cross your mind is the word "comedy." This is what makes Larceny Inc. Such a strange movie: it features Robinson in a role he barely played. This movie is one of only a few gangster movies I can think of that has a funny undertone. There doesn't seem to be a lot of information about this movie online and I couldn't find how audiences at the time felt about it, so I feel like I have to give my opinion on whether or not it's good. The answer is an emphatic yes. This movie is about Chalmers "Pressure" Maxwell (Robinson) getting out of prison along with his friend Jug Martin, who's not very intelligent. A fellow criminal named Leo wants to rob a bank with the assistance of Maxwell and his friend, but they turn him down. Maxwell wants to move to Florida with his family but is too poor. To rectify this, he devises a plan to rob the bank (the same one Leo wanted to break into) by digging a hole into the bank from the basement of a luggage store. However, things backfire in a hilarious way when Robinson's new luggage store actually turns out to be a huge success, and the non-stop flood of customers looking for things to buy forces his henchman digging the tunnel in the basement to do things very quietly. Later on, Leo gets out of prison and decides to force Robinson to break into the bank using explosives around Christmas time. Robinson objects strongly, saying the success of his luggage business is generating all the money he needs. At the film's climax, the store is set on fire after the former owner shows up, but Maxwell saves him. Maxwell then says he wants to start his own series of stores. I was surprised by this movie because it is actually pretty funny, and it's a very rare thing to see Robinson in a comic relief role. Some of the funniest parts in this movie stem from the moments where his gang is trying to tunnel into the bank, and a customer walks into the store. Robinson has to devise a system of banging on a radiator to alert them so that they shut their jackhammers off and don't arouse attention. Robinson didn't do many comedy things, but this fits him surprisingly well, and Anthony Quinn as Leo plays the part to great effect, as he is intent on ruining Robinson towards the end. This movie deserved more recognition.
-
kenjha2 August 2009Three criminals buy a luggage store next to a bank so they can tunnel their way to riches, but the luggage business takes off. It takes a while to hit its stride, but it is an enjoyable comedy. The only problem is that it has a tendency to sink to the level of The Three Stooges, with Robinson playing the Moe role. Crawford is amusing as a lovable lug, and Brophy fits in well as the third member of this motley crew. It is not clear if Wyman is Robinson's girlfriend or his "stepdaughter," as he puts it. Anyway, it is Carson and Wyman who provide the romantic subplot. Gleason is hilarious in a bit role as a nosy soda jerk.
-
drjgardner29 January 2017Edward G Robinson (1893-1973) was one of Warner's biggest stars of the 1930s, usually playing a gangster. The 1940s would see him expand with films like "The Sea Wolf" (1941), "Double Indemnity" (1944), "The Woman in the Window" (1945), "Scarlet Street" (1946) and "House of Strangers" (1949) and later he would do such notable films as "The Ten Commandments" (1956), "Hole in the Head" (1959), "The Cincinnati Kid" (1965), and "Soylent Green" (1973). He also took a brief tour into comedy with films like "The Little Giant" (1933) and 'The Whole Town's Talking" (1935), and this one "Larceny Inc." was one more attempt. While he was an excellent actor, comedy was not his forte, and this film shows it. The dialogue is snappy, but neither Robinson nor Broderick Crawford carry it off. Crawford, if you recall was best as a heavy, winning the Oscar for "All the King's Men" (1949) and spending years on TV on "Highway Patrol".
It's a great cast. Look for a very young Jackie Gleason as a bartender and an equally young Anthony Quinn as a prisoner. Jane Wyman and Jack Carson appear in their first of several films together.
Though the cast is talented, the film is not very funny. In addition, the film never exceeds its origins as a play.
1942 was a good year in films – "Yankee Doddle Dandy" and "Mrs. Miniver" were the clear Oscar winners and at the box office. Other popular films included "Casablanca", "Woman of the Year", Alan Ladd's "This Gun for Hire", Gary Cooper's "Pride of the Yankees", and "Road to Morocco" -
Last night I had a good time with a ginger ale and a movie recommended by a brilliant poster, our own misspaddylee. It was worth the watch...Oh uh, what was it? Why "Larceny Inc." (1942) of course. A great little comedy of crime with humor that moved fast and furious.
2 crooks, J. Chalmers 'Pressure' Maxwell (Edward G. Robinson) and Jug Martin (Broderick Crawford), are released from prison. They enter the Warden's office for their 'stay out of trouble' pep talk and the Warden (Joseph Crehan) loses his suit to 'Pressure'. (Ya gotta see it to believe it. He is one smooth talker.) They are greeted, on the outside, by Maxwell's niece (and the apple of Jug's eye) Denny (Jane Wyman). On their lips are promises to go straight...it's too bad it's NOT written on their hearts.
Oh yes, they do purchase a Luggage Shop from Horace Bigelow (Harry Davenport). That looks to be a positive move even if the shop is located next door to a bank with a full vault.
Meanwhile Denny and new boyfriend Jeff (Jack Carson) get the real business moving by using Jeff's promotional know-how. This is to help the 'good guys' out. That's when real bad guy Leo Dexter (Anthony Quinn) escapes from jail, shows up at the shop and moves in for the take...from the bank not the luggage shop. From there the humor moves faster and more furiously. The crooks play off of each other. The dialog keeps you laughing.
Seeing Jack Carson in a romantic lead seemed strange. Seeing Jack Carson in a romantic lead with Jane Wyman as the girl he adored seemed even stranger. But it added to the humor.
And there are many other memorable roles, too. For example these played by Edward Brophy as Weepy Davis the gang member turned luggage salesman. John Qualen is Sam Bachrach a nosy shop owner. Barbara Jo Allen plays Mademoiselle Gloria who develops an instant interest in J. Chalmers Maxwell. Grant Mitchell as Mr. Aspinwall, the vault owner, ah I mean banker next door. And a certain Jackie Gleason does a short, memorable part as Hobart the lunch counter man. You have got to see those facial expressions...each and every facial expression.
Stormy -
Very fast and very funny gangster-comedy from Laura and S.J. Perelman's play "The Night Before Christmas" features Edward G. Robinson as a just-sprung ex-con who finagles his way into becoming the owner and operator of a luggage store in New York City. Why? Because the National Bank is right next door...and its vault is just behind the cellar wall in Robinson's shop. Opening with a hilarious prison baseball sequence, the movie keeps rising higher with each new scene and eccentric new character, like a balloon you don't want to see pop. The dialogue is full of tickling, hard-boiled wit, and Robinson's cuddly cohorts-in-crime (Broderick Crawford and Edward Brophy) are absolutely wonderful. The picture doesn't have a mean-spirited thorn to quibble over, however the third act doesn't live up to the spirited lunacy of the rest--and the final tag jumps too far forward in time. Mostly a delightful enterprise, with a marvelous supporting cast including Jack Carson and Jane Wyman as would-be sweethearts. Woody Allen borrowed the basic premise in 2000 for his hit comedy "Small Time Crooks". *** from ****
-
utgard1428 November 2014Delightful comedy about ex-con 'Pressure' Maxwell (Edward G. Robinson) and his two pals (Broderick Crawford, Edward Brophy) who buy a luggage store so they can dig a tunnel in the basement to break into the bank next door. They hilariously have to keep up appearances by actually running the store. Soon they discover the store might be so profitable they don't need to break into the bank after all.
Robinson's in rare form here. He was such a talented actor who was fantastic at both drama and comedy. The whole movie revolves around his character and his performance is nothing short of brilliant. Wait until you see the scene of him wrapping a customer's package. Backing him up are Crawford and Brophy, both of whom are excellent. Fun supporting cast includes Jane Wyman, Jack Carson, Harry Davenport, and John Qualen. Anthony Quinn plays the villain. Jackie Gleason has a bit part as a soda jerk. A really funny movie with lovable characters and a pleasant upbeat tone throughout. They don't make cute, genial comedies like this anymore. Definitely recommended! Oh and if you ever wanted to see Edward G. Robinson play catcher in a baseball game, you'll get your wish at the start of this movie. -
redryan6411 January 2016MADE DURING THE great, Golden Age of the Sound movie, this is a great example of Warner Brothers at the zenith of its production machine. Not so coincidentally, it was during the first year of our (the USA's) official involvement in World War II.
WE SEE FROM the credits that this is a film that was adapted from a stage-play. This was not an unusual method of movie-making then, nor is it now. Adaptation of even plays that were considered to be unsuccessful for not having been produced often led to what would be considered to be at least a passable motion picture. We do seem to recall that Warners bought the rights to one here to for unheard of play called EVERYONE COMES TO RICK'S. The play was adapted without any pretensions of being a major motion picture into CASABLANCA (Warner Brothers, 1942). Ever hear of it Schultz?
SO IT WAS with that same sort of casual attitude that the studio adopted in its prosecution of this story. It was just to be another of the yearly output. This was a policy that was wisely followed and insured that a great and entertaining roster of pictures would guarantee moviegoers of America and the World would get their money's worth on "Movie Night" at the local movie houses.
IN EXAMINING AND dissecting the very crux of LARCENY INC., we find a certain adherence to formula. Basically speaking, they take a preexisting story and bring it to the celluloid medium via their employing the roster of contract players to deliver the finished product. On the top spot in billing, we have Edward G. Robinson as the proverbial crook with the heart of gold. His support is furnished by folks like: Jane Wyman (then Mrs. Ronald Reagan), Jack Carson, Broderick Crawford, Ed Brophy, John Qualen, Barbara Jo Allen, Grant Mitchell and others; including young Anthony Quinn and Jackie Gleason.
THE STORY's PLOT is kind of old hat, even having whiskers then. Simply stated, a group of hardened (but with hearts of Gold) ex-cons plot to open a luggage shop as a means of using the cellar as a venue to tunnel into the bank vault adjacent to the storefront. But things go wrong as the new business turns out to be quite lucrative, as well as its being strictly legit.
IN THE END (of course) the gang opts for staying in the luggage business. Chalk this up to the State Pen's Correctional system!
ANOTHER ASPECT THAT we must consider is that of "the comical and lovable" good crook. In this they area, the movie's pedigree can also be traced to folks like Damon Runyan; who made a living by turning out tales of members of the underworld, whom he romanticized.
WE CERTAINLY ARE not suggesting that one should skip getting the chance to screen this whenever it shows up. It is a delight in the development of character and in the interplay between the thugs. Jack Carson, Broderick and Edward Brophy tend to steal many a scene and Jane Wyman provides us with a fine, if somewhat diminutively crafted role.
BUT TO US, both Schultz and I agree that it is a testament to the versatility of Edward G. Robinson. Sometimes it's difficult to believe that such a brilliant comedy role is done so well by one who is a virtuoso dramatic actor and an iconic figure in Hollywood history. -
jesusmariacastillo4 February 2009This film is real hard , not just to get, but hardly ever's shown on t.v. The last time I saw it was about 15 years ago, man,I miss it,It's a shame, because this film will have you rolling in laughter for at least 3/4 of it. The Late Robinson and Crawford took their tough guys characters and turned them into the funniest you've ever seen ! This movie was made when entertainment WAS entertainment. There are no nude scenes, no foul or vulgar language. There is some shooting action, but the main story line here, is the chemistry between Robinson & Crawford. Around the 6th minute after the movie starts, when Robinson's telling Crawford that the warden's neck tie was the hardest to get from him , is hysterical , not to mention when their playing baseball in the prison's yard, or when they're digging a hole in the basement of the luggage store. This is pure clean comedy !
-
DKosty1231 August 2016S J Perelman wrote the play this is based upon along with his wife Laura. While not household names now, they wrote for the Marx Brothers including perhaps the brothers funniest film, Horse Feathers. Here along with Edward G. Robinson, Jane Wyman, and Broderick Crawford along with a great supporting cast, this is a movie that very much reflects Horse Feather's as far as pacing.
Robinson is great at comedies, as he did several of them and all of them are quite funny. He seems to have a straight face mobster type of character yet his timing is flawless for comedy. Crawford is more known as a cop in the 1950's Highway Patrol, but as con Jug Martin, he cuts it up pretty well with Robinson. Jane Wyman whose married to 3rd Husband Ronald Reagan at this point, is pleasant in this film. For Wyman this is already her 55th role in a busy career.
The plot has to do with ex-cons planning to go from the basement of a luggage store underground to a bank vault and steal plenty of money. What happens instead is by accident and a lot of help they become successful businessmen on the up and up.
The important thing here is the laughs with a great script and capable cast. -
mmallon44 February 2016How can you resist a film like Larceny Inc once you've heard the plot? It's one of those quirky film concepts I just love. A cocky criminal and his two buffoons buy a luggage store so they can dig their way into the bank next door. Perhaps the film's greatest strength is how it plays out like a live action cartoon. Nothing ever goes beyond the scene in the moment; for example in one scene a set of oil pipes are burst during the digging process and the basement from which they are digging from is drenched in oil and yet this is never mentioned again. Even as one character who is not involved in the ban heist comes across the two drenched in the oil he bizarrely does not comment on their appearance; that's the twisted cartoon world Larceny Inc incorporates. I've always thought actors from the 1930's resembled cartoon characters with their exaggerated facial features and distinctive accents; very true with this cast including Edward G. Robinson, Jack Carson, and even a young Jackie Gleason; all live action caricatures. Actors who emerged after the war generally didn't have this and instead were actually more lifelike. You really get a sense of the world the movie takes place in with a street populated with such memorable and mostly ethnic characters giving the movie that Shop Around the Corner edge to it.
Maxwell aka Pressure's gift wrapping has to be the comedic highlight of Robinson's career; a comedy moment which couldn't be timed more perfectly. His uttering of "$9:75" is funny enough as it is but his pathetic attempt at gifting wrapping which follows had me in stitches. I also love Jack Carson's attempt at hitting on Jane Wyman. This scene has nothing to do with the rest of the movie but has got to be the ultimate "skipping the pleasantries" monologue I've ever heard.
There are so many layers within Larceny Inc. Is the movie a celebration or an indictment on capitalism? The gangsters' involvement in legitimate business is what makes them renounce their past ways but only after they've essentially been seduced and consumed by the capitalist system. Larceny Inc was released in 1942 just months after the US got involved in the war but the film's production began prior to that with its themes of business and consumerism are completely counterproductive to the war effort, something I've noticed with many films released in 1942. There is also the irony that the gangster is the one who brings the community together and the authority figures in the movie are played as fools.
Larceny Inc can also join films like Rocky IV and Die Hard as Christmas movies which aren't about Christmas, and Edward G Robinson dressed as Santa Claus? Sold! -
EDWARD G. ROBINSON spoofs his own image as a tough guy crook in LARCENY, INC. in which he's the leader of a bunch of inept crooks who open a luggage shop because it's next door to a bank with a vault they want to rob. Never mind that it means digging a tunnel...Robinson has dumb cluck BRODERICK CRAWFORD doing that and ED BROPHY acting as a front for the luggage shop.
On top of that, pert JANE WYMAN is Eddie's girlfriend who really wants him to go straight and JACK Carson is a luggage salesman who hasn't got the foggiest idea that the store is really not in the luggage business.
It's sappy but relieved by some good performances from a dependable Warner stock company that includes a lot of their best contract players, even JACKIE GLEASON in a minor role and good old HARRY DAVENPORT. It's the kind of film you'll see once and forget immediately after, but fun while it lasts. JOHN QUALEN as a banker, FORTUNIO BONANOVA as a barber and BARBARA JO ALLEN (A/K/A VERA VAGUE of radio fame and voice-overs for Disney) are a few that stand out in the supporting cast.
Summing up: Lightweight stuff, but good for a few laughs. -
PamelaShort16 November 2013Top-notch comedic performances are finely delivered by Edward G. Robinson, Broderick Crawford and Edward Brophy in this hilarious story about three ex-cons, who buy a Luggage Shop that is next door to a bank. The shop is used as a clever front, while they try to tunnel into the the banks vault. The comical antics are endless and the crooks soon discover selling the luggage is profitable and much easier, until the unsavoury Anthony Quinn discovers their plan, and the three are forced to resume breaking into the bank. With very funny situations and witty dialogue, all the performers mesh perfectly which helps this story to move along at a pleasing pace, creating a very rewarding comedy gem. A full synopsis cannot compare to the fulfilling enjoyment brought by watching this 1942 film, and I highly suggest the viewing is well worthwhile.
-
bkoganbing3 June 2007Now personally I don't see what Anthony Quinn was squawking about in Larceny, Inc. Edward G. Robinson and sidekicks Edward Brophy and Broderick Crawford take over a caper that Quinn has planned. Robinson serves his time in prison and Quinn gets denied parole. It's not like Quinn took a copyright out on the idea and you can't count on him busting out of stir.
Nevertheless that's what Quinn does and he does see things differently which is the whole basis for the plot of Larceny, Inc.
Edward G. Robinson, as he did in a number of films, gets a chance to satirize his own gangster image and he does it quite well. This was one of his last films under his Warner Brothers contract and he went out in style. Robinson would be back at Warner Brothers in the latter half of the Forties with Key Largo which was definitely not a comedy.
Robinson is the brains and he gets stalwart support from Edward Brophy and Broderick Crawford, two guys who at that time usually played simple minded lovable lugs. Brophy went with the flow, but Crawford was quoted as saying that he was not the world's greatest wit, but he always resented playing half a one. He got his big chance at the end of the Forties with All the King's Men and an Oscar.
Robinson's adopted daughter is Jane Wyman and her beau is salesman Jack Carson. Wyman was also a few years from an Oscar for Johnny Belinda and Carson did break the mold of playing lovable blowhards.
It's a pretty funny film, best scene is when Crawford strikes a pipeline in the basement and for a minute they think they've struck oil in New York City.
And already refined too. -
Even Anthony Quinn couldn't save this turkey. There are more stereotypes in this B comedy than in a three stooges skit. If simple-minded farce is your idea of a good time, then this film is for you. It is just about the worst thing I ever saw Robinson try to do, and Crawford is wasted here. This is what passed for entertainment during WW 2. It is apparent that audiences were satisfied with very little substance at this point in time, and would laugh at just about anything that would make them forget the war for about an hour. There really is no plot or story and is more cartoonish than a movie. Don't waste your time.