The Outfit (1973 film)

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The Outfit

Theatrical poster
Directed by John Flynn
Produced by Carter DeHaven
Written by Donald E. Westlake (novel)
John Flynn
Starring Robert Duvall
Karen Black
Joe Don Baker
Robert Ryan
Timothy Carey
Music by Jerry Fielding
Cinematography Bruce Surtees
Editing by Ralph E. Winters
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Release date(s) October 1973
Running time 86 min
Language English
IMDb profile

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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Reception

Roger Ebert in his review, praised it as "a classy action picture, very well directed and acted."