The Old Con

The gang were geniuses of their craft. They lived the 1960’s like no other, the decade was awash with lucrative heists and cons. They were notorious among the authorities, one detective in particular, Russo, was keener than anyone to bring them down, but lack of concrete evidence scuppered his chances of bringing them to justice. Bob reveals some personal news that cements his belief that they should go their separate ways and face reality. Frank and Don agree, Jerry on the other hand is eager, and greedy for more. Jerry goes on a rampage, he attempts to execute a lone con and gets caught in the act.

Current day. Bob has it all, a family, a lucrative job, the house of his dreams, yet he is succumbed by boredom, and an element of nostalgia. He decides to search for his old partners in crime. After a short search, through various connections, he gathers his co-conspirators. The group are delighted to be in one another’s company after years apart. All is merry, the dynamic of the group still lives, the only element that has changed, is their age. Frank, Bob’s right hand man, lives the unstable bachelor life, he has the money but none of the happiness. Don, the oldest of the group who suffers from the early stages of Alzheimer’s, lives alone, he gambles day and night like nobody’s business. After being recently released from prison, Jerry lives a dull life. He works from nine, and goes home at five to his small, decrepit apartment. Bob, Frank, Don and Jerry are fatigued by the mundane, repetitive nature of their current lives. They jump at the opportunity during their reconciliation, they plan ahead with the con.

Things turn complicated when Nancy, Bob’s wife, arrives unannounced. After years of taking the back seat, she demands to be involved with the con. Bob reluctantly agrees, he sends her inside, with the task of gaining information. In Nancy’s attempt to gain intelligence, she sparks a bond with Russo. The relationship between Russo and Nancy blossoms, which creates more problems for Bob, jealously.

Russo unveils his latest business venture, a development of luxury apartments. He hosts a masked soiree at the casino, the dirty rich are in attendance. Investment money is brought in for the event, the group plans to rob it. Things head south at the party when forgetful Don compromises their identity. Russo knows they’re up to something, he summons the uninvited boys. Catching on to their plan, a disgruntled and wistful Russo offers them a deal; if the boys can steal the money without being noticed, they can keep it. If they are caught red handed, Russo personally gets to put them in jail. They have twenty four hours, the deals on. On with the con.

Friendship is a fundamental theme throughout. The group encounters various obstacles along the way, the differing personalities within the gang prove vital, each have their strengths and weaknesses. Themes such as nostalgia, reunion and trust are also explored.