The Great Bank Hoax

The Great Bank Hoax is a 1978 American comedy film written and directed by Joseph Jacoby. The film stars Richard Basehart, Ned Beatty, Charlene Dallas, Burgess Meredith, Michael Murphy, Paul Sand and Constance Forslund.

The Great Bank Hoax
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Joseph Jacoby
Written by	Joseph Jacoby
Produced by	Joseph Jacoby Ralph Rosenblum
Starring	Richard Basehart Ned Beatty Charlene Dallas Burgess Meredith Michael Murphy Paul Sand Arthur Godfrey
Cinematography	Walter Lassally
Edited by	Ralph Rosenblum
Music by	Arthur B. Rubinstein
Distributed by	Warner Bros.
Release dates	September 1977 (1977-09) (Deauville) November 1978 (1978-11)
Running time	87 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Plot

There is intrigue and deception at a small-town bank when it is discovered that an unsuspecting employee (Paul Sand) has embezzled $109,000 while acting as chief clerk. Fearing a public scandal could lead to the collapse of the bank despite the insurance coverage, bank officers Jack Stutz (Burgess Meredith) and Manny Benchly (Richard Basehart) decide to hide the theft in a seemingly clever plot that will make them even more money. However, when word of the crime gets out, the whole community becomes outraged and gets involved, resulting in plenty of trouble.

Cast

• Richard Basehart as Manny Benchly
• Ned Beatty as Julius Taggart
• Charlene Dallas as Cathy Bonano
• Burgess Meredith as Jack Stutz
• Michael Murphy as Reverend Everett Manigma
• Paul Sand as Richard Smedley
• Constance Forslund as Patricia Allison Potter
• Arthur Godfrey as Major William Bryer Ret.
• John C. Becher as Alex Kaiser
• Guy Le Bow as The Sheriff
• John Lefkowitz as Deputy Bert
• Bibi Osterwald as Sara Pennyworth
• Alek Primrose as Rev. De Verite
• Martha Sherrill as Louise Farthington
• Roy Tatum as Deputy Jason

Production

The film was financed by Georgia investors and filmed in Madison, Georgia. Warner Bros. picked the film up for US distribution.^[1]

It was previously known as Remember Those Poker-Playing Monkeys and Shenanigans.^[1]

Release

The film was screened at the 1977 Deauville American Film Festival and the Virgin Islands Film Festival. Its premiere was in Atlanta, Georgia under the title The Great Georgia Bank Hoax.^[1]