On this day, February 17, 1984, Crackers premiered in theaters. Directed by Louis Malle, the crime comedy featured an ensemble cast including Donald Sutherland, Jack Warden, and a young Sean Penn. The film was a loose remake of the 1958 Italian heist comedy Big Deal on Madonna Street, shifting the setting to San Francisco while retaining the original’s mix of humor and misfit criminals attempting an elaborate burglary.
The story followed a group of bumbling thieves plotting to rob a pawnshop, with each character bringing their own quirks and dysfunctions to the scheme. Despite the talent involved, Crackers failed to connect with audiences, grossing only $129,000 at the box office, making it one of the biggest flops of 1984.
Although the film struggled commercially, it remains an interesting entry in Louis Malle’s diverse filmography and an early comedic performance for Sean Penn, who would go on to establish himself as one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors.
80s insight: Crackers was one of director Louis Malle’s rare attempts at a mainstream Hollywood film, as he was better known for his French New Wave and art house films.
The story followed a group of bumbling thieves plotting to rob a pawnshop, with each character bringing their own quirks and dysfunctions to the scheme. Despite the talent involved, Crackers failed to connect with audiences, grossing only $129,000 at the box office, making it one of the biggest flops of 1984.
Although the film struggled commercially, it remains an interesting entry in Louis Malle’s diverse filmography and an early comedic performance for Sean Penn, who would go on to establish himself as one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors.
80s insight: Crackers was one of director Louis Malle’s rare attempts at a mainstream Hollywood film, as he was better known for his French New Wave and art house films.
