William Rose adapted Guy Owen's novel about a con-man down South who gets himself and his young accomplice into hot water. Uneven direction by talented filmmaker Irvin Kershner, who curiously keeps changing the movie's tone and focus--resulting in scenes that either play too fast or too slow. The outright slapstick takes a while to adjust to, though it's far preferable to the dull sub-plots, such as the budding romance between Army deserter Michael Sarrazin and lusty-eyed "good girl" Sue Lyon. George C. Scott gives a surprisingly jubilant leading performance, and the location shooting throughout Kentucky is flavorful, but the story isn't intriguing or satisfying. ** from ****
Review of The Flim-Flam Man
