The Flim-Flam Man

George C. Scott was/is a fine actor, he never had to flim-flam in performance, not even in the title role on this one. Watching the dailies, as the Casting Director I knew for sure we had the right leading man. As himself George could not put up with the flim-flam & hype of showbiz. That led to his refusing the hyped & exploited presentation of the awards the industry gave him. He's a true Actor for eternity now.

I saw this film on AMC a while back and fell in love with its charm and hilarity. The film is about a runaway teenager and a seasoned old "crook". The movie is very funny, with one great scene linked to the next one. Directed by Irvin Kershner (Empire Strikes Back). Here, he shows a flair for staging complex set pieces and good comic timing. George C. Scott, always great, seems to be the perfect choice as the old con-man. As playful as this film is, there are some tender moments between the characters, adding some heart to an already fun movie. I hope this movie becomes more widespread in the future, since I feel so many are missing out on this one!

This movie was so good, I hunted down the next scheduled airing on TV, and made sure I recorded it. I've enjoyed it on tape ever since. Here's hoping for a future DVD!

George C. Scott pulls out the player's whole bag of tricks to play the title role in The Flim Flam Man. This film is one rollicking good time from beginning to end as Scott is always thinking and fast on his feet even when in the clutches of the law.

When we first meet Scott he's at a rural general store showing the locals the fine art of three card monte. At that time he picks up young Michael Sarrazin who Scott takes under his wing, teaches him the tricks of the trade. But Sarrazin is a liability as he's an army deserter. That means he'll have military police forever on his trail.

Sarrazin also gets some romantic notions about the farmer's daughter, in this case Sue Lyon. She wants him to settle down.

The film is one laugh riot from beginning to end. In the supporting cast I have to single out Harry Morgan as the Wile E. Coyote type sheriff and Slim Pickens who gets taken good by his own greed.

My own advice to Sarrazin is turn yourself in and do your time in military prison before you embark on being a conman. Don't need those guys forever on your case. Or get into Canada and do your thing there.

The Flim Flam Man most definitely is George C. Scott's best role in one of his few attempts at comedy.

It's nice to see such an intense great actor like Mr. Scott delve into this type of lazy-style comedy. He's simply marvelous in a W.C. fields type role. Michael Sarrazin is decent and Sue Lyon very fetching. Albert Salmi is great as a deputy. Great cinematography. A 6 out of 10.

1967 was a great year for films and this was not at the top of the heap, but a pure pleasure dramady. Strother Martin shines in a bit role (one of our better characters who died too young). The mediocrity of the rural policeman is a joy to watch. Nicely-paced. George C. Scott should have done a few more like this! The poster is excellent and a fun script. Scott's unkempt dowdiness makes him all the more charming!

Anyone who has seen George.C.Scott in his most widely recognized role as PATTON(1970) should take a look at his wonderful performance in THE FLIM FLAN MAN(1967). It's like looking at two absolutely different actors. I have always admired the actors and actress' who completely disappear into their parts (Alec Guiness, Kate Blanchet, Tom Hanks, to name a few) You forget for a few hours that you are watching an actor, and that makes the characters they play stand out all the more. In this film, Scott plays Mordecai Jones, a legendary con-man who takes up with a young soldier awol from the army. The two stike a chord immediately, and start working together to make a quick buck. Things start to get interesting when the young soldier proves to be a little bit too honset for the Flim Flan Man. The locales, supporting cast, and a top notch car chase make this film top notch entertainment, but it is Scott who steals the picture (as he has done so many times i.e DR STRANGELOVE, THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS) as the wiley and charming Flim Flan Man. Grab a copy of THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS, and make it a evening. You won't be disappointed you did.