Harry in Your Pocket

Original, offbeat character study with bracing dramatic moments stars Michael Sarrazin as an unskilled young thief in Seattle who gets himself and his new girlfriend (the appealing Trish Van Devere) hired on by a wily old pickpocket and his partner, a no-nonsense type with a big ego and a calculating manner. After some training, the foursome move on to Salt Lake City, where they become a finely-tuned team of cons. The smooth direction by Bruce Geller, the occasionally clever script from writers James David Buchanan and Ron Austin, and a superb cast including James Coburn and Walter Pidgeon promise a sure-fire movie. Unfortunately, the disappointing third act doesn't so much unravel as it does dry up, with the writing smacking of moralistic pandering ("Don't let this happen to you!"). Still, two-thirds of a great picture, one with a jazzy look, some amusing interplay and memorable characters. **1/2 from ****

I caught "Harry in your Pocket" on an on-demand cable channel, and I hadn't seen it since its original theatrical release. I have to say that I enjoyed it, partly because it is a great example of the early '70s antihero type of film, and because as a kid who grew up in Seattle where the beginning of the movie is filmed, it was cool to see the old buildings (long since replaced by skyscrapers) and the old restaurants like the Brasserie Pittsbourg and Rosellini's 410.

Much of the film is dated, particularly the hairstyles and the clothes, but not so much that ruins the overall enjoyment of the film.

Most people will enjoy the dissection of the act of pickpocketing, and the entire culture of the pickpockets, which is painstakingly explained. While amoral, the characters are likable, and the scene never gets too heavy, even though there is conflict.

The ending is typically downbeat, which like "Butch Cassidy" and others was a hallmark of these antihero type of films. Strangely, the movie was marketed as a comedy, but it really wasn't, particularly by today's standards. Not hugely important or groundbreaking, just a great example of Coburn's work and similar films of that era.

Many an actor dreams of having a mixed repertoire of characters which he has play throughout his career, eventually becoming exclusively his. Doubtless, a few wish they could shed certain character images as they have become synonymous with and is difficult to shake it loose. This rarely ever happened to actor James Coburn. Here is one film which many of his fans never seen. In this film called "Harry In Your Pocket " he naturally plays the master pickpocket called Harry. In his travels he encounters a street thief named Ray Haulihan (Michael Sarrazin) and his beautiful partner Sandy Coletto (Trish Van Devere) who are looking to upgrade their ability as thieves. At first Harry and his aging partner Casey (Walter Pidgeon) are simply amused with the pair, but later, they become a foursome which becomes quite formidable. Refused by Harry to teach him the art of pickpocketing, Ray convinces Casey to teach him for a cut of the take as Casey has a Cocaine habit to support and one which eventually leads to tragedy. Once Harry learns of the young couple operating without him, he acquiesces and becomes their leader with one important rule, 'Harry never holds'. With the trio now planning to take on a grand event in New Orleans, they have no idea the police are awaiting them. With the rare appearance of Walter Pidgeon this movie is sure to become a classic in years to come. Exceptional feature. ****

Michael Sarrazin plays Ray Haulihan, a hard working but not typically efficient pickpocket, who lifts the watch of Sandy Coletto (Trish Van Devere) one day in a train station. This act sort of binds them together, and since they're both now in need of some finances (in going to confront him, she left her other valuables vulnerable), they go to meet with Casey (Walter Pidgeon), who's recruiting members for a team of thieves that will be masterminded by Harry (James Coburn, smooth as always). Casey and Harry are veterans of the pocket picking game, and therefore experts, who teach the young couple everything there is to know about it.

Much of the joy here lies in learning the lingo and watching the Harry / Casey / Sandy / Ray team in action as they finally start to gel. Tony Giorgio, who has a small role as a detective, served as the technical adviser, and the whole premise is fascinating enough to reel viewers in, with the presentation by writers James David Buchanan & Ronald Austin and producer / director Bruce Geller remaining largely matter-of-fact and fairly low key for the duration. Although this was marketed as a comedy, "Harry in Your Pocket" is actually pretty serious most of the time, although it's not without laughs. It benefits greatly from location shooting on a few American and Canadian locations (Seattle, Salt Lake City, Victoria) and good, straightforward storytelling, not to mention a wonderful music score by the ever dependable Lalo Schifrin. Hairstyles and fashions may help to date the film, but this is never a big distraction.

The quartet of principal actors all shines. Van Devere is very, very sexy, and Coburn is compulsively watchable as usual. But Pidgeon is a special treat as the endearing old timer who unfortunately happens to have a cocaine habit. (He also played a pickpocket in his penultimate film, "Two-Minute Warning".) Top character actor Michael C. Gwynne ("Payday", "The Terminal Man") has a one scene role as a fence.

A very fine film, overall, that deserves to be better known. It was the only theatrical filmmaking effort for Geller, better known as a TV veteran who'd created the classic series 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Mannix'.

Eight out of 10.

A terrific Coburn vehicle. Great job by Walter Pidgeon showing why he lasted so long as a supporting player. The scenes in all of the various western cities are great.

Showing people who strive to learn an ancient "trade" rather than work for a living! I really enjoyed this. It adds so much to Coburns' legend.

How else do you live in fancy hotels and meet beautiful people unless you have a real secret of success.

Always remember, "Harry doesn't carry."

Coburn is certainly a guy I will miss.