Hot Money (1983)

Hot Money Poster

Burt, a clever ex-con, has changed his identity and has managed to land a job as a deputy in small town in upstate New York. On the 4th of July, while the drunken Sheriff Paisley is busy with the local parade and festivities, Burt quietly steals a million dollars in cash from the cellar safe in the local rich old widow's house. Unsuspected, Burt makes plans to live the rest of his life in the lap of luxury in a far off place with his attractive girlfriend, local hash house waitress Jeanette. But when a crisis of conscience hits him like a wave of ice cold water, he starts to think twice about his dastardly deed, and how that purloining of the old lady's money is wrongly affecting his friends as well as innocent locals. But will Burt do the right thing?

Film Intro
"Hot Money" is a film from 1983 directed by Zale Magder and including stars Harvey Atkin, Roberta Weiss, and Harry Ditson. It is an action-packed comedy-crime drama that focuses on the principle of money laundering and the underworld.

Plot Overview
The film initiates with a distinct concept to beat the system - by minting fake coins. 2 characters, a slot-machine mechanic and an expert gambler, team up to achieve this. The mechanic, Steve Wolf (Harvey Atkin), has the technical competence to produce fake coins, and the gambler, Mimi (Roberta Weiss), has the connections and audacity to disperse them in casinos across the city.

Their strategy starts successfully, positioning no evident obstructions initially. Nevertheless, quickly enough they discover themselves stuck in a web of unforeseen consequences. They are pursued by mobsters who quickly recognize something is awry after finding the fake coins in their slots.

Performance and Character Dynamics
Harvey Atkin and Roberta Weiss beautifully embody the characters of Steve and Mimi. Their on-screen chemistry is delightful to watch, specifically as they browse the twists and threats that come their way. Steve's ingenuity and Mimi's strong enterprise move the plot, keeping audiences hooked till the end.

Dispute and Resolution
As Steve and Mimi's counterfeit scheme ends up being commonly known, the hazard versus their lives increases. They consistently discover themselves in lethal scenarios. Nevertheless, their perseverance and quick thinking see them through the installing pressures and risks from the mafia.

The climax of the film is a timeless cat-and-mouse game where Steve and Mimi try to outmaneuver the mobsters. As audiences at the edge of their seats, they handle to escape from the mob in an awesome automobile chase sequence, symbolizing a much-coveted win versus the underworld.

The film ends on a joyful note, as they handle to evade the police and underworld mobsters, ultimately retiring on the 'hot money' they built up.

Conclusion
"Hot Money" is an entertaining movie that integrates funny with elements of criminal offense, tension, and adventure. The idea of minting counterfeit coins and passing them off in fruit machine gives the plot a non-traditional spin. It brilliantly represents characters navigating the sexy lure of easy money and the subsequent dangers they deal with.

Apart from the well-scripted plot, the movie features intense efficiencies from the lead stars, who easily bring their quirky, bold characters to life. The film is skilled with action series and awesome chase scenes, keeping the audience enthralled.

All in all, "Hot Money" is an engaging crime-comedy movie offering a distinct story and memorable performances-- a must-watch for fans of the genre. In spite of being a film from over three decades back, it still carries a timeless appeal and showcases the lengths to which people can go to protect monetary prosperity, making it a relevant watch.

Top Cast

  • Michael Murphy (small)
    Michael Murphy
    Burt / Tom
  • Orson Welles (small)
    Orson Welles
    Sheriff Paisley
  • Ann Lange
    Jeanette
  • Daniel Buccos
    Federal Agent
  • Lu M. Dishart
    Tom's Secretary
  • Sharon Dyer
    Fat Lady
  • Michele Finney
    T.J. Pierson
  • Jo Ann Frost
    Female Prison Guard
  • Marvin Goldhar
    Ron Morrow
  • John Granik
    Bill Martin
  • Tom Harvey
    Carl Page