SYNOPSICS
Harry in Your Pocket (1973) is a English movie. Bruce Geller has directed this movie. James Coburn,Michael Sarrazin,Trish Van Devere,Walter Pidgeon are the starring of this movie. It was released in 1973. Harry in Your Pocket (1973) is considered one of the best Comedy,Crime,Drama movie in India and around the world.
In Seattle, aspiring pickpocket Ray is not very adept at his chosen profession. He thinks he's made it to the big time when he learns that a "cannon" - a pickpocket - is looking for an apprentice. The cannon is Harry, recently arrived in Seattle, with his older associate, Casey, a man with a penchant for cocaine. What Harry and Casey are really looking for is a "stall" - someone to act as the distractor. Harry thinks Sandy, Ray's girlfriend (and one of his former marks), is better suited to the job, but, Sandy will not do it unless Ray's included, as well. Ray appreciates what Harry can and does teach him and Sandy, but, Ray doesn't much like the romantic and sexual interest Harry' starts showing in Sandy. Harry's number one rule; Harry never holds, and after relocating their operation to stay one step ahead of the law, Ray's tired of being the 4th musketeer in the group, and itches to become a world-class cannon himself. This doesn't fit within Harry's grand scheme, and allegiances ...
Harry in Your Pocket (1973) Reviews
Keep your hands in your pockets for this one.
How can you enjoy a film about pickpockets that isn't a comedy, but a deep, emotional analysis of the fall of two master cannons (street slang for pickpockets) and the training of the next generation? Easy. Offbeat, it wasn't shot in glorious LA or New York or Chicago, but in Salt Lake City, the plain states and Canada. Featuring the always intense James Coburn as the titular character, with the great and glorious Walter Pidgeon as his aging, cocaine addicted mentor, supported by then rising stars Michael Sarrazan (fresh off his success in "The Groundstar Conspiracy") and Trish VanDevere (pre-George C.Scott), it took a peek behind the veil at one of the world's oldest professions, in your face robbery without the victim every knowing it. Light and breezy during the small capers, but dark and brooding during the intervals, we see a changing of the guard, but one not born of pomp and ceremony, but of despair, loneliness and resignation. The other posters are right. It would never be made these days. No sex, violence, guns, backstabbing, revenge or enough neon. So, hopefully, they'll never try to remake it and ruin the memory of a classic.
They don't make them like this anymore
Hollywood in the oughties could never make a film like Harry In Your Pocket. With its 'glorification' of pickpocketing, its characters who are utterly charming and utterly without remorse, and its downbeat ending, this film would end up on the trash heap or go straight to cable. It's a reminder of how glorious American film was in the late 60s and early 70s, and how straitjacketed it is at present. Not quite a classic, but still worth catching for James Coburn and Walter Pidgeon.
Entertaining '70s antihero movie
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.
Better than it's rated
Harry in your pocket is not a lost masterpiece but more of a lost movie of the decade that was famous for it's crime genre cinema. It's one of the better Coburn films of the 70's and pretty decent all around. All four principal characters take the equal burden of the story, which never becomes boring, predictable or tedious. There are some great scenes that show us the tricks of the trade, but every bit of it remains interesting to the end. Walter Pigeon and James Coburn lead the way in a story of life on a day to day basis, never looking beyond tomorrow, and doing a job that might just take you down in flames, so enjoy it while you can. And they do, best clothes, best hotels, best food and coke, but never in one place for more than a week. Michael Sarrazin and lovely Trish Van Devere are great as well as a no future lovers who immerse themselves in Harry's combustible world of fast money and quick pleasures. The job is risky and takes it's toll, that's how it goes and the ending serves the story. I don't know why this movie wasn't released on DVD but it surely deserves the attention of all fans of 70's cinema. Find and enjoy.
Not well known
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.