The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)

Five strangers are hired by millionaire Thomas Crown (Bullitt, The Getaway) to pull of a bank robbery, dump their money and go their separate ways. The Boston police are baffled until a female insurance investigator (Dunaway, Bonnie and Clyde) gets involved and the trail leads her to Mr. Crown. Her hunch is correct but now she needs evidence and what follows is a chess game to see who is checkmated first.

Probably most memorable for its stylish style of split screen production by Norman Jewison (Rollerball, Agnes of God), this still is an entertaining crime drama with a good cast and clever script. There’s much symbolism to be found within the complex (but easy to understand) plot, and the two leads have undeniable chemistry. A great jazzy soundtrack, brilliantly conceived dialogue, a solid supporting cast and great sets and wardrobe all contribute to make this one of the Sixties’ coolest crime flicks.  

Qwipster’s rating: A

MPAA Rated: Not rated but likely PG-13 for a scene of sensuality and mild language.
Running Time: 102 min.

Cast: Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, Paul Burke, Jack Weston, Biff McGuire
Director: Norman Jewison
Screenplay: Alan Trustman