The Stick Up

Interesting second feature from Jeffery Bloom following his highly original (and better) "Dogpound Shuffle" ('75). Bloom attempted to bring something fresh and different to his earlier films but was limited in budgets to achieve full effectiveness, still, they are quite pleasing to watch and do feature a fine sense of wry humour. This one is not as polished as 'Dogpound Shuffle' but the participation of some interesting British bit players holds interest while it winds its way to an odd ending.

Multi-Award winner Michel J Lewis (Baxter '73) provides a jaunty music score, along with some creative visual touches from director of photography Michael Reed (On Her Majesties Secret Service '69). The director's wife, Pamela McMyler (marvelous in Dogpound Shuffle) is effective as the love interest of the reliable (and underestimated) David Soul.

David (who we sadly lost this year) also supplies a couple of interesting songs along with the director. Good fun for those who enjoy humour with a leaning towards a British flavour, while nicely written by an American.

It's always intriguing to find an old movie no-one's here's reviewed before. Sometimes they turn out to be buried treasure: this one turns out to be yet another shoddy-looking British production from the 1970s with a fish-out-of-water American lead.

David Soul was always too broad for anything but TV, but he's likeable enough here and the rest of the cast add local colour and charm. It's cheaply shot but the rural locations are quaint and atmospheric.

The Stick-Up aims to be a cut-price comedy Bonnie & Clyde - or perhaps Paper Moon - and succeeds in creating at least a few agreeable moments in a mildly Withnail-like setting.