Watch The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight

The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight is a 1971 comedy film, loosely based on the novel of the same name by Jimmy Breslin. The movie is directed by James Goldstone and stars Jerry Orbach, Leigh Taylor-Young, and Jo Van Fleet. The film follows the inept and hapless Brooklyn-based gang led by Kid Sally (Orbach) and their comically doomed efforts to make a name for themselves in the world of crime.

The film is set in Brooklyn in the 1930s, and it opens with Kid Sally trying to collect protection money from a local bar owner. The scene immediately sets the tone for the film, as the gang bumbles their way through the collection, accidentally giving away the money to a nearby church instead. The rest of the movie follows the gang's various misadventures as they try to outsmart the local mafia boss and make their mark.

The plot of the film is a classic comedy of errors, with each member of the gang somehow managing to mess things up even more than the last. The gang includes such memorable characters as Mario (Lionel Stander), an aging hitman with a heart of gold, and Baccala (Leigh Taylor-Young), a beautiful and cunning thief who becomes the object of Kid Sally's affection.

One of the standout performances in the film is Jo Van Fleet's portrayal of Big Momma, the grizzled and world-weary mother of the local mafia boss. Van Fleet brings a sense of gravitas and depth to her role, elevating the film beyond its slapstick roots. Her scenes with Orbach are some of the most memorable in the movie, as their characters engage in a battle of wits and wills.

The film also features a number of memorable comedic set pieces, such as the gang's ill-fated attempt to rob a bank using a stolen garbage truck, and their disastrous attempt to sneak into Big Momma's mansion disguised as Italian chefs.

The chemistry between the cast members is a real highlight of the film, with each actor fully committed to their roles and delivering memorable performances. Orbach is particularly impressive as Kid Sally, bringing a sense of manic energy and charm to the character that makes him both likable and hilarious.

Overall, The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight is a fun and entertaining comedy that still holds up today. While it may not be the most sophisticated or nuanced film, it has a certain charm and energy that makes it a classic of the genre. Fans of slapstick humor and classic gangster films will find much to enjoy here.

The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight is a 1971 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.