The greatest movie ever made..!

A very feeble attempt at affirmatie action

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?

Grittier than a box of dirty nails, John Flynn's adaptation of Donald Westlake's novel of the same name is lean, mean and clean. No-nonsense plotting, dialogue and direction. A story of characters on the fringe, with shadowy photography (courtesy Bruce Surtees) to match. Who can resist a movie with Robert Duvall and Joe Don Baker discussing ham and eggs? I certainly couldn't.(I'm an enthusiast, not a critic. Thanks for reading.)

Don't start with a crime syndicate which controls the bank you have robbed. This is the theme of this film.Robert Duvall gets out of jail and his brother, his accomplice, who participated in this robbery which would be his last job, is shot to death by the syndicate.The film is devoted to Duvall's revenge along with his pal Joe Don Baker.Karen Black shines as Duvall's girlfriend, longing to go home, only to take a fatal bullet while sitting in back of the car.Robert Ryan, the head of the syndicate, is given relatively little to do here. His usual sinister persona is not made use here.The ending is contrived.

As in most of the movie adaptations of Donald Westlake/Richard Stark's Parker novels (POINT BLANK, PAYBACK, PARKER) the central character is after a payoff from the mob or syndicate or outfit. Here, Robert Duvall's Earl Macklin, recently released from prison, figures he's owed compensation for the assassination of his brother and a contract hanging over his own head. His plan is to keep hitting and robbing the organisation, in partnership with his colleague Cody (Joe Don Baker), until they cough up $250.000.THE OUTFIT hails from a period in movie history that was golden for premium quality crime cinema and it's a stone cold, clinically violent and meticulous little beast. Director John Flynn (who later helmed the exploitation classic ROLLING THUNDER) delivers a stylish piece of work, trimmed of frippery and unnecessary clutter. Sharp and no-nonsense, businesslike, but with a solid grip.Both script and performances are pitch-perfect - the cast of character actors (Duvall, Baker, Black, Ryan, Greer, North, Cassidy, Jaeckal) don't miss a beat and keep everything real. This is up there with Peckinpah's THE GETAWAY and Siegel's CHARLEY VARRICK.Duvall is a standout as the principled hard-nut with enough confidence and icy cool to stride into the mob heartland and take what he wants, taking out whoever gets in his way. Joe Don Baker, perhaps one of the most undervalued American movie character actors of his generation, isn't far behind as Cody. And Robert Ryan in one of his last roles gives a masterclass in ruthless contempt as the beleaguered syndicate kingpin Mailer.For an experience of the expert execution of cynical 70's neo noir with grit, pace and exciting verve then this is as good a place as any. Oh, and I'd be surprised if the ending doesn't raise at least the ghost of a satisfied smile to the most jaded viewer.

Upon reading the popular novel " The Outfit " by Don Westlake, one can well imagine how a movie of the same name would look like. That book later became the foundation for a movie directed by John Flynn. With a cast which includes Robert Duvall and Joe Don Baker, the film is a great adaptation of the novel, so much so it's made for several remakes. The last one was with Mel Gibson and 'Payback.' Duvall plays Macklin one of two brothers who unwittingly rob a small town bank belonging to the Mob or Outfit. He goes to prison for 2 years, while the outfit presided by Mr. Mailer (Robert Ryan) kills Duvall's brother. Released from prison, Macklin vows revenge and is though insane for thinking he can go up against the outfit and win. However, the movie is interesting to watch as each dramatic scene develops into a more intense and exciting story. A fine supporting cast helps to insure it's success. Members included Richard Jaeckel, Elisha Cook Jr., Roy Jenson, Henry Jones and Karen Black. This is one of those movies which mirrors the novel and improves with age. Easilly recommended for Duvall and Baker fans as the two make for a rough and tumble team. ****