No Deposit, No Return

No Deposit, No Return is a fun-filled family comedy film from 1976, directed by Norman Tokar and featuring veteran actors David Niven, Darren McGavin, and Don Knotts. The film weaves a humorous tale involving the misadventures of two children stuck in the middle of a haphazard kidnapping fiasco.

In this movie, David Niven and Darren McGavin portray the offbeat duo of Duke and Bert, two petty crooks with hearts of gold. Duke, played by David Niven, is an experienced criminal with a posh British accent, while his counterpart, Bert, played by McGavin, lacks finesse and often finds himself at the receiving end of Duke's sarcastic jabs. Alongside them, Don Knotts plays the bumbling private detective Skeet, offering a fair amount of his comedic talent throughout the film.

The plot of No Deposit, No Return centers around two siblings, Tracy and Jay Osborne, played by Kim Richards and Brad Savage, who are sent to stay with their stern but loving Grandfather J.W. Osborne, played by veteran actor Charles Martin Smith, while their mother is off on a business trip. However, Tracy and Jay are less than thrilled about spending their Easter holidays cooped up in their Grandfather's mansion. Missing their mother and her freewheeling ways, they cook up a plan to reunite with her in Hong Kong, using their round-trip airfare and the money from their piggy bank.

However, their escape attempt goes awry at the airport when they cross paths with Duke and Bert. Seeing an opportunity to make some easy money, Duke and Bert concoct a plan to pretend to kidnap the children and ask for ransom from their wealthy grandfather. Accompanied by their unexpected captors, Tracy and Jay embark on a quest to turn the tables on Duke and Bert and hatch a plan to expose the fake kidnapping.

No Deposit, No Return takes a comical look at crime and family bonds through the adventures and misadventures of Tracy and Jay. They find themselves involved in a slew of hilarious predicaments, outsmarting the authorities, and maneuvering Duke and Bert around their tiny fingers. The siblings, being clever and resourceful, manage to retain control of the situation, often outwitting their would-be captors.

Throughout the film, comedy is woven into the narrative with perfect timing, creating moments of laughter that transcend age. The performances of Niven and McGavin, who brilliantly play the bungling criminals, are utterly entertaining. The children, too, give lively performances that match their adult counterparts, leading to a captivating dynamic that forms the heart of the film.

Complementing the main actors, Don Knotts provides additional comic relief as the inept and hilariously clumsy private detective, Skeet. His slapstick antics and constant failures to catch the supposed kidnappers add to the overall hilarity of the movie.

The movie takes the audience on a roller coaster ride, filled with chase scenes, slapstick comedy, and a fair share of heartfelt moments. The dialogue is witty, and the script, replete with clever plot twists, keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.

Set against the backdrop of beautiful San Francisco and the bustling San Francisco Airport, the movie also offers visually appealing scenes that add to the overall charm of the film. It's a warm narrative, focusing on the themes of family, friendship, and sticking together during times of trouble.

All in all, No Deposit, No Return is not just a staple comedy movie of the mid-70s but also a timeless classic that transcends generations. It's a fantastic blend of family sentiment, humor, and a dash of adventure. The '70s charm and the lively performances of the cast make this movie a delightful watch for the entire family.