Break the Bank
Break the Bank is a game show created by Richard S. Kline. It aired in syndication from September 16, 1985 to May 23, 1986, with repeats airing until September 12. It was not related to two previous shows by the same name. The series debuted with Gene Rayburn as host, with Joe Farago taking over in December 1985. Kandace Kuehl was the co-host for the first three shows and was then replaced afterward with 1983 Miss USA winner Julie Hayek. Voice-over artist Michael Hanks was the announcer. Break the Bank was the first game show produced under the Kline & Friends production company, with former Barry & Enright director Richard S. Kline the executive producer and director of the series. Other former Barry & Enright staffers, including Gary Cox and D.A. Diana, also worked on this show.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of eccentric and elderly residents of a retirement home decide to rob a bank to fund their failing facility. Led by the cunning and determined 'Granny' Mae, they devise a surprisingly elaborate plan involving disguises, distractions, and a healthy dose of old-fashioned audacity. Their heist, however, proves to be more complicated and chaotic than they initially anticipated, leading to a series of comedic mishaps.
Critical Reception
Break the Bank was met with a largely negative reception from critics, who found its premise far-fetched and the execution lacking in humor and originality. Audience reception was similarly muted, with the film failing to gain significant traction.
What Reviewers Say
- The film's premise of elderly individuals robbing a bank is seen as more absurd than amusing.
- Performances are often cited as the only redeeming quality, though even they struggle with weak material.
- The comedy relies too heavily on slapstick and predictable gags, failing to deliver genuine laughs.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but general sentiment indicates a lack of interest and a perceived failure of the film to deliver on its comedic premise.
Fun Fact
Despite its title, the film was a significant box office disappointment and did not 'break the bank' for its distributors.
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