A modest TV movie from the early 70's,this commendably short and brisk caper with comedy elements is given an undoubted touch of class by having Henry Fonda in it's lead,with a venerable cast of supporting actors such as Larry Hagman,Leonard Nimoy,James MacEachin,John Marley,Noah Beery and Woodrow Palfrey.
The plot is standard,generic caper fare;a disillusioned Fonda,who alternates between security and parole officer,is given short shrift by his employer while approaching retirement and plans a gold bullion robbery with several criminals on his watch (Hagman,Nimoy,MacEachin) all the while keeping an eye on his security superior (Marley).
There's little reason why Fonda decides to plan such an elaborate robbery plan,and not much room for in depth characterisation or high production values,but nevertheless,THE ALPHA CAPER is a very enjoyable and often amusing time passer,with a well-detailed heist,some decent suspense,an easy-going script and likable performances.Despite the crooked behaviour on board,no one is really evil and certainly not violent,and although the plot inevitably takes predictable turns, you end up with a smile on your face at the end after a very pleasant hour and a quarter's entertainment,with some memorable and very funny moments included,best of all Fonda being presented with a gold watch at his retirement party!
THE ALPHA CAPER was modest in it's intentions (as most TV movies are), but is unexpectedly a notch or two up than normal fare of this kind thanks to it's cast and above average script and direction.
RATING:7 out of 10.
The plot is standard,generic caper fare;a disillusioned Fonda,who alternates between security and parole officer,is given short shrift by his employer while approaching retirement and plans a gold bullion robbery with several criminals on his watch (Hagman,Nimoy,MacEachin) all the while keeping an eye on his security superior (Marley).
There's little reason why Fonda decides to plan such an elaborate robbery plan,and not much room for in depth characterisation or high production values,but nevertheless,THE ALPHA CAPER is a very enjoyable and often amusing time passer,with a well-detailed heist,some decent suspense,an easy-going script and likable performances.Despite the crooked behaviour on board,no one is really evil and certainly not violent,and although the plot inevitably takes predictable turns, you end up with a smile on your face at the end after a very pleasant hour and a quarter's entertainment,with some memorable and very funny moments included,best of all Fonda being presented with a gold watch at his retirement party!
THE ALPHA CAPER was modest in it's intentions (as most TV movies are), but is unexpectedly a notch or two up than normal fare of this kind thanks to it's cast and above average script and direction.
RATING:7 out of 10.