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Poster for The Flim-Flam Man

The Flim-Flam Man

Seen it?

1967 | 104 min | Comedy, Crime

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

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