Going in Style
Going in Style is a 1979 American heist comedy-drama film written and directed by Martin Brest.[1] The story follows three elderly friends—Joe (George Burns), Al (Art Carney), and Willie (Lee Strasberg)—who live monotonous lives on limited pensions in New York City and decide to rob a bank to add thrill and purpose to their final years.[2] Released on December 25, 1979, by Warner Bros., the film runs 97 minutes and blends humor with poignant observations on aging and friendship.[3] The narrative unfolds as the trio, feeling overlooked by society, meticulously plans and executes the robbery, confronting personal fears, health issues, and the complexities of their bond along the way.[1] Brest's screenplay, adapted from a story by Edward Cannon, draws on the actors' real-life seniority for authentic emotional depth, avoiding stereotypes while highlighting the characters' resilience and camaraderie.[3] Produced on a $5.5 million budget, Going in Style grossed $26.9 million at the domestic box office, marking a commercial success for Brest's directorial debut.[4] Critics praised its sharp dialogue, inventive storytelling, and standout performances, with the film earning an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on contemporary reviews.[2] Burns, Carney, and Strasberg collectively won the Pasinetti Award for Best Actor at the 1980 Venice Film Festival, underscoring the ensemble's impact.[3] The movie inspired a 2017 remake directed by Zach Braff, featuring Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Alan Arkin in the lead roles.[5]1979 original film
Plot
Going in Style follows three elderly friends—Joe (George Burns), Al (Art Carney), and Willie (Lee Strasberg)—who share a modest apartment in Queens, New York City, and lead monotonous lives on fixed pensions. Their routine involves sitting on a park bench, where Joe feeds pigeons as his only hobby.[6] Visited by Al's nephew Pete, who needs help securing a bank loan, the trio accompanies him to a local bank and witnesses an armed robbery in progress. Inspired by the event, Joe proposes that they rob a bank themselves to inject excitement into their dull existence. Al and Willie, feeling overlooked and nearing the end of their lives, agree to the plan. The friends meticulously prepare, acquiring disguises and rehearsing their approach. They execute the heist at a bank in Manhattan, escaping with $35,000.[6] In the aftermath, they indulge in small luxuries and adventures, but tragedy strikes as Willie suffers a fatal heart attack. Joe and Al donate $25,000 to Pete, passing it off as insurance proceeds from Willie's death. With the remaining $10,000, the two travel to Las Vegas, where Al wins $70,000 at craps before he too dies of a heart attack. Joe returns, gives the winnings to Pete, and confesses to the robbery, resulting in his arrest—though the film ends on an ambiguous note suggesting possible evasion of full consequences.[6] The story explores themes of aging, friendship, mortality, and the search for purpose in later life.Cast
The cast of the 1979 film Going in Style features veteran actors portraying the central trio of elderly friends, emphasizing authentic depictions of aging and camaraderie. George Burns stars as Joe, the instigator of the heist who feeds pigeons and leads the group. Art Carney plays Al, the more hesitant friend with a nephew needing financial help. Lee Strasberg portrays Willie, the frail member grappling with health issues. [7]| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| George Burns | Joe | Pigeon-feeding instigator. |
| Art Carney | Al | Hesitant friend with nephew. |
| Lee Strasberg | Willie | Frail, health-compromised friend. |
Production
Going in Style marked the directorial debut of Martin Brest, who also wrote the screenplay based on a story by Edward Cannon. Produced by Tony Bill and Fred T. Gallo for Warner Bros., the film had a budget of $5.5 million.[1] Cinematography was handled by Billy Williams, with music composed by Michael Small. Development began in the late 1970s, with Brest initially considering unknown actors but ultimately casting established stars like Burns, Carney, and Strasberg to enhance authenticity and appeal.[8] Principal photography took place primarily in New York City, including locations in Queens and Manhattan, to capture the urban setting of the characters' lives.[9] The production ran for 97 minutes, blending comedy, drama, and heist elements while focusing on poignant observations of elderly life. Brest aimed to highlight the actors' natural chemistry, drawing from their ages (Burns was 85, Carney 61, Strasberg 79) for genuine emotional resonance.[8]Release
Going in Style premiered at the 1980 Venice Film Festival before its wide theatrical release by Warner Bros. on December 25, 1979, in the United States. [10] The film received a PG rating for mild language and thematic elements. International releases followed, including in Australia on April 3, 1980, and West Germany in December 1980.[10] Marketing emphasized the star power of Burns, Carney, and Strasberg, positioning the film as a heartfelt comedy-drama about friendship in later years. It was later released on home video, with availability on streaming platforms as of 2025.[2]Reception
Upon release, Going in Style received positive reviews for its blend of humor, pathos, and strong performances, particularly praising George Burns's charismatic lead role. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 82% approval rating based on 11 reviews, with critics noting its "sharp dialogue and inventive storytelling."[2] Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune awarded it three-and-a-half out of four stars, commending its "bitter" yet empathetic treatment of old age.[11] Vincent Canby of The New York Times found it "curious" but appreciated its avoidance of sentimentality. The film grossed $26.9 million at the domestic box office against its $5.5 million budget, achieving commercial success for Brest's debut.[4] At the 1980 Venice Film Festival, Burns, Carney, and Strasberg collectively won the Pasinetti Award for Best Actor.[12] It has been retrospectively recognized for its sensitive portrayal of aging, influencing discussions on elderly representation in cinema, though it garnered no Academy Award nominations. As of November 2025, its critical standing remains positive, with no major reevaluations.2017 remake
Plot
In the Brooklyn neighborhood, three lifelong friends and retirees—Joe, Willie, and Albert—struggle with financial devastation after their decades-long employer, a steel factory, abruptly closes and freezes their pensions, which are held by a local bank.[13][14] Desperate to cover mounting bills, support their families, and address personal crises—such as Joe's impending home foreclosure and Willie's urgent need for a kidney transplant—they hatch a bold plan to rob the bank responsible for their losses.[14] Inspired by witnessing an armed robbery at the bank, the trio enlists the help of a neighborhood criminal named Jesus to train them and refine their strategy.[14] After practicing with a low-stakes holdup at a grocery store, they time their heist for the chaos of a St. Patrick's Day parade, donning clown disguises to evade detection amid the crowds.[14] The operation unfolds with tense precision, allowing them to escape with $2.3 million, though not without close calls, including interference from a suspicious FBI agent and the strain of their advancing ages and health issues.[14] In the days following the robbery, the friends allocate the proceeds to settle overwhelming debts, provide for their grandchildren's futures, and indulge in simple pleasures they had long been denied, all while crafting alibis and navigating narrow escapes through sheer luck and mutual support.[14] Their ingenuity pays off as they avoid capture, ultimately channeling some funds to uplift their tight-knit community.[14] The story culminates in a resolution that affirms their unbreakable bond, offering a poignant exploration of economic insecurity in the modern era, the redemptive power of friendship, and the pursuit of second chances later in life.[14] The lead actors' nuanced portrayals deepen the emotional resonance of these themes, highlighting the characters' camaraderie amid adversity.[13]Cast
The principal cast of the 2017 remake of Going in Style is led by an ensemble of veteran actors portraying three lifelong friends navigating retirement challenges. Michael Caine stars as Joe Harding, the determined leader of the group who faces a serious health crisis. Morgan Freeman plays Willie Davis, a cautious retiree managing diabetes and requiring medical support. Alan Arkin portrays Albert Garner, the group's sarcastic and quick-witted member with a background in the military.| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Caine | Joe Harding | Determined leader facing illness. |
| Morgan Freeman | Willie Davis | Cautious diabetic retiree. |
| Alan Arkin | Albert Garner | Sarcastic ex-military man. |