The Hot Rock
1972's THE HOT ROCK was a bit different than what I was expecting. True, it is an oddball comedy crime caper movie with an assortment of personalities. But director Peter Yates' film, working from a screenplay by William Goldman who adapted the same named Donald E. Westlake novel, was far more low key an approach than I would've selected for this busy story. Low energy as well. Almost lethargic at times. As if the filmmakers took the notion of playing things cool a bit too close to heart. Dr. Amusa (Moses Gunn), an African UN diplomat, offers the just released from prison John Dortmunder (Robert Redford) and his brother-in-law Andy (George Segal) a proposition - steal a gem from the Brooklyn Museum that once belonged to his people. Apparently, it was stolen more than once over the centuries. This is an important plot note, and some significant foreshadowing. John and Andy team up with getaway driver Stan (Rob Leibman) and explosives expert Allan...
