Going in Style (1979)

TOMATOMETER

82%

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Critic Consensus: No consensus yet.

AUDIENCE SCORE

73%

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Movie Info

Joe (George Burns), Al (Art Carney), and Willie (Lee Strasberg) are three senior citizens who share a small apartment in New York City. They live off social security checks and spend their days sitting on a park bench, reading newspapers, feeding pigeons, and fending off obnoxious children. It's a dull life, and finally Joe is driven to suggest something radical to break the monotony; why not go on a stick up? None of them have a criminal history (though Joe claims he "did some stealing during the war"), but just planning the bank robbery puts a new spring in their step. Al surreptitiously borrows some pistols from the collection of his nephew, Pete (Charles Hallahan), and the trio, disguised with novelty Groucho Marx-style glasses, pulls off their heist to the tune of 35,000 dollars. Unfortunately, the excitement is too much for Willie, who suffers a fatal heart attack the same day. At his funeral, Joe and Al decide to give the bulk of the dough to Pete and his family, and attempt to blow the rest of it on a whirlwind excursion to Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the eccentric robbery has become a colorful news story for the media and the police are closing in on the amateur criminals. ~ Fred Beldin, Rovi

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Cast

George Burns
as Joe
Art Carney
as Al
Lee Strasberg
as Willie
Charles Hallahan
as Pete
Pamela Payton-Wright
as Kathy
Siobhan Keegan
as Colleen
Brian Neville
as Kevin
Constantine Hartofolis
as Boy in Park
Mary Testa
as Teller
Jean Shevlin
as Mrs. Fein
James Manis
as Hot Dog Vendor
Margot Stevenson
as Store Cashier
Tito Goya
as Gypsy Cab Driver
William Pabst
as Bank Guard
Christopher Wynkoop
as Bank Manager
Joseph Sullivan
as Moon
Bob Maroff
as Cab Driver
Vivian Edwards
as Bellhop
Barbara Ann Miller
as Waitress
Karen Montgomery
as Hooker
Catherine Billich
as Cashier
Betty Bunch
as Cashier
Anthony Call
as FBI Agent
Mark Margolis
as Prison Guard
Eric William Larson
as FBI Agent
Reathel Bean
as FBI Agent
Tony DiBenedetto
as Prison Guard
Alan Brooks
as FBI Agent
Paul L. Smith
as Radio Announcer
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Critic Reviews for Going in Style

All Critics (11) | Top Critics (3)

A trio of contrasting personalities, the veterans bring both a mischievous wit and a sense of subdued anger to a familiar comic plotline, and the film achieves a rare balance of laughter and compassion.

Jun 24, 2006 | Full Review…
Time Out
Top Critic

Though the cast is headed by three fine actors, two of whom, Mr. Burns and Mr. Carney, are also extremely funny men, it never elicits any emotional response more profound than curiosity.

May 9, 2005 | Rating: 2.5/5
New York Times
Top Critic

There are laughs, but the prevalent tone is one of discreet compassion, without condescension or sanctimony.

Jan 1, 2000 | Full Review…
Chicago Reader
Top Critic

'70s comedy caper tugs at heartstrings; some swearing.

Apr 18, 2017 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Common Sense Media

Touching and amusing comedy.

Jun 17, 2015 | Rating: B | Full Review…
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Director Brest does a great job with a sensitive subject, drawing fine performances from everyone.

Oct 8, 2013 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…
TV Guide
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Audience Reviews for Going in Style

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Going in Style Quotes

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