
The Flim-Flam Man
Seen it?1967 | 104 min | Comedy, Crime
Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 17 times its budget, though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans and anyone who wants a laugh.
- The mood
- Light and funny.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 44 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1967: an older pace and style.
Mordecai Jones, a silver-tongued swindler and self-proclaimed “M.B.S., C.S., D.D.—Master of Back-Stabbing, Cork-Screwing and Double-Dealing,” has made a career out of charming and cheating his way through life. Played with devilish charm by George C. Scott, Jones takes on a new protégé in Curley, a wide-eyed Army deserter eager for direction. Together, they crisscross the backroads of the rural South, pulling off a string of homespun cons while staying one step ahead of a relentless local sheriff. Along the way, Curley falls for Bonnie Lee Packard, a rebellious heiress who joins their misadventures. But as the scams grow riskier, Curley begins to wonder whether a life of flimflam is worth the price. With its colorful characters, offbeat humor, and standout performance by Scott, The Flim-Flam Man is a rollicking Southern caper about cons, conscience, and unlikely camaraderie.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
75% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$6 million worldwide on a $385K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 23K people sought it out in the past year
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Cast & crew
Directed by Irvin Kershner
- George C. ScottMordecai Jones
- Michael SarrazinCurley
- Sue LyonBonnie Lee Packard
- Jack AlbertsonMr. Packard
- Alice GhostleyMrs. Packard
- Albert SalmiDeputy Meshaw
- Slim PickensJarvis Bates
- Harry MorganSheriff Slade
- Strother MartinLovick
- George MitchellTetter