Harry and Walter Go to New York

Harry and Walter Go to New York is a unique blend of comedy and crime, released in 1976. Directed by Mark Rydell, this film boasts a star-studded cast featuring James Caan, Elliott Gould, and Michael Caine, with notable appearances by Diane Keaton and Charles Durning among others. Set in the 1890s, this film expertly merges the historically nuanced period atmosphere with the vibrancy of our timeless rogue characters.

The story centers on Harry Dighby (James Caan) and Walter Hill (Elliott Gould), the main protagonists who embody the quintessential small-time crooks. With dreams larger than their abilities, Harry and Walter are vaudeville performers who are more adept at being con artists than delivering compelling stage performances. Together, they concoct plans to rob banks, but their lack of competence invariably lands them in the clutches of law enforcement. Their not-so-stellar track record does nothing to deter their lavish dreams of affluence.

Their lives take an unexpected turn during their incarceration in a New England jail where they cross paths with the highly successful British thief, Adam Worth (Michael Caine). Known for his notoriety and sophistication, Worth is a stark contrast to our unrefined duo. An unintended act of luck offers Harry and Walter a chance to partake in the upper echelon of criminal deeds. This encounter affects a dramatic shift in their aspirations, diverting from their usual small-time hustles to aiming for a bigger, more outrageous heist. New York, the bustling hub of dreams and power, thus becomes their playground, adding dimension and depth to the film.

Sprinkled with humor, the movie swings between the wildly ambitious attempts of Harry and Walter, and the consistently unraveled plans of Worth, creating a series of amusing cat-and-mouse games. Diane Keaton brilliantly portrays the role of Lissa Chestnut, an outspoken suffragette who gets entangled in the complex web spun by Harry, Walter, and Worth. She augments the story with a hint of romance and further complication to the plot.

Sporting an old-world charm, Harry and Walter Go to New York succeeds in transporting its audience back to a time suffused with magic acts, bizarre inventions, horse-drawn carriages, and early automobiles. It does not rely on cheap gags but invests in building nuanced characters that are captivating in their own unique ways. Each actor contributes to this vividly portrayed period piece with commendable performances, building suspense and intrigue throughout the narrative.

In essence, Harry and Walter Go to New York is a riveting tale of crime and ambition set against the picturesque backdrop of vintage New York. The elaborate costumes and sets lend an authentic feel to the narrative, while the crisp dialogues spark plenty of laughs. The music, composed by David Shire, permeates the delightful chaos unfolding on screen, generating memorable moments.

This comedy-crime caper remains true to its genre, presenting a balance of slapstick humour, thrilling crime, and social commentary. The on-screen camaraderie of James Caan and Elliot Gould is an absolute delight that adds an additional layer of hilarity to the plot. Michael Caine’s smooth performance garners appreciable audience admiration, whereas Diane Keaton’s portrayal of an ambitious woman fighting for suffrage in a society seeped in patriarchy gives the film a sobering undercurrent of reality.

Harry and Walter Go to New York is an enchanting journey through time and a thrilling ride that transcends the traditional tropes of comedy and crime. Bursting with ambition and humor, this film does not only serve as a satisfying comic caper but also offers a glimpse into an era long gone. The movie promises a good time to viewers, unfolding into a comedy-of-errors with a compelling historic backdrop. An irresistible, classic comedy, Harry, and Walter Go to New York is a must-watch for those who enjoy timeless laughter infused with the thrill of the chase.