Win, Place or Steal

A well-intentioned film that is, unfortunately, a bomb. Many of the scenes outlive their usefulness. Not only that, but they're badly lit to boot. And the characters are unappealing....believe me, you would not want to know any of them.

A shame, because the actors themselves are a likeable bunch of fellas. The story revolves around three losers: Alex Karras, Dean Stockwell and Russ Tamblyn. They hatch a plan to steal a betting machine from the racetrack, with the idea of printing up their own winning tickets. That's the plot, and it takes forever to get there. Look for a quick scene with Harry Dean Stanton in the men's restroom.

With a cast of extraordinary character actors, I just had to see for myself how this could be rated such a bomb. After enduring the entire painfully slow 88 minutes, I can unfortunately confirm that the stellar cast is badly wasted. When you have the likes of Dean Stockwell, Russ Tamblyn, Alex Karras, Harry Dean Stanton, Scatman Crothers, and William Smith, how could things go so terribly wrong? Well, half the movie is so under lit that it is just voices in the dark. The editing is a chop shop job. Mostly however it is the meaningless chatter, and scenes that go on way beyond their welcome that sinks "Win, Place, or Steal". Other than the original idea of a caper involving stealing a race track tote machine, this nag never gets out of the starting gate. Beware ! - MERK

This Movie was the Mastermind of my Father, Raymond La Croix.. I would like to find a top Director and have his movie remade. It is a True life story.. Any Director out there that would be interested?