$ (Dollars)

I have fond memories of seeking out obscure (for me at least, at the time) 70s movies on VHS at my local video store when in high school.  The promotion was called "2 for Tuesday" and it offered two rentals for the price of one (new releases were $2.99 and catalog titles were $.99).  There was a limit of 3 (or 6 total rentals depending on how you look at it) and you could keep them for 7 days.

I remember renting two specific titles on no particular Tuesday -- both starred Warren Beatty (The Parallax View, and ($) Dollars).  I re-watched ($) Dollars over the weekend in glorious HD on the Sony Movie Channel.

 This is a heist movie and the set-up is a good one.  Beatty plays a financial security expert at a German bank (i.e., he knows a lot about installing security systems) and a very young Goldie Hawn plays a hooker (with a special knack for dressing up in fireman's garb).  Germany happens to have a law in place such that the authorities are not allowed to search safety deposit boxes (unlike, say, in the U.S. where they do have said permission given probable cause).  Beatty and Hawn use this as a driver to charm their way into executing a rather clever and exciting bank heist.

In addition to both Beatty and Hawn, the filmmakers make good use of the filming locations.  Among other Western European cities, there are some beautiful German locations and set pieces throughout this picture.  Additionally, it boasts one of the longer chase scenes (on foot) ever filmed that I am aware of.  I can't help but wonder if it was, in part, an homage to RIFIFI -- an excellent European heist movie from the 50s that made effective use of long periods of silence.

($) Dollars is a charming picture that holds up reasonably well.  It is fun to watch Beatty in his prime and Hawn early in her career.  The chase climax, while lasting nearly 1/3 of the movie(!) is exciting throughout.  Also of note, is the colorful score by Quincy Jones. I recommend seeking out this overlooked gem.