The Grand Theft

"The Grand Theft" is Ken Del Veccio's screwball farce that is a huge mess, part self parody (penned by star Blanche Baker)and that's the best part of the movie. The house players (all have worked on most of Ken's films)know the guy and know just how funny indie movies are made. The first time viewer will no doubt get the joke, but it's all too much after about a half hour. The plot is simple, Barbara Blushe (Baker is a hilarious actor who plays herself in part) wrote a script and pitches it to Mario (Joe Rosario filling in for Del Veccio busy behind the camera). Thomas G Waites (in a rare comic role) is the co-star with family issues. They need money for a movie and decide to rob a jeweler. "The Producers" knockoff (without musical delight)is as close as it gets. The crowd of fans watching this movie had a wonderful time, and were all in on the backhanded jokes. I was pleased with the writing and the runaway pace of the movie. Waites is a remarkable actor and shines above all, and Baker once again proves her chops as a comic actor (and her script is very funny, but too many chefs in the room make it hard to follow). Del Veccio pokes fun at himself with glee. Good effort from the willing cast and crew.