Christopher Plummer makes a terrifying mall Santa in the superb ‘70s crime movie The Silent Partner. Scriptwriter Curtis Hanson was pushed into the director’s chair after Daryl Duke was fired late in the shoot for refusing to shoot the most violent scene, but these production troubles are not evident as the finished movie is tight, smart and internally consistent.

Young Christopher Plummer fondling a girls boobs is just a tip of the mystery iceberg of this movie, filled with unlikely characters and revenge. Classic Gould in a not so classic role as a bank vault manager rather than a stoner detective. It plays well, just a little on the slow but entertaining side.

A cashier takes advantage of a robbery.