It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

Before "The Sting", "House of Games" or "The Grifters", there was "Harry in Your Pocket".When amateur thief, Ray Haulihan (Michael Sarrazin) teams up with Sandy Coletto (Trish Van Devere), they get the chance to work in a 'wire mob' with a couple of pickpocket pros: Harry (James Coburn) and Casey (Walter Pidgeon). At first, Harry, who has many rules, only wants the attractive Sandy to provide distraction while he picks the pockets of his marks, but soon Ray learns the trade and their lives become entwined, leading to big changes for them all.This is an absorbing movie with a moral dilemma at its core. As the movie plays out, both Ray and we, the audience, learn the art of pickpocketing, and we end up on the side of the likable, but disconcerting set of criminals. As the team plies their trade, there does not seem to be the slightest degree of remorse over their victims. Although they only target wealthy-looking marks, our moral judgement is also suspended; when one of the team is caught through an accident, we feel that he is the victim.Sandy and Casey are the warm heart of the film while Ray and Harry test each other for alpha male status – and Sandy. Ray is the novice who does not seem entirely suited to a life of crime. Harry is beyond cool. Steve McQueen was the 'King of Cool' at the time, but Coburn, wearing Ray Bans as though he was born with them on, gave him a run for his money with this film.Interesting locations along the West Coast of the U.S. and Canada open the film out. Lalo Schifrin contributed a breezy score that accompanies the well-choreographed stings on the streets – the lightness of the score also seems to give us permission to identify with the crew.This may have been the first film to feature this kind of con to such a degree. A similar wire mob sequence was one of the best things in 2015's "Focus" with Will Smith and Margot Robbie. In that film, the veteran con artist also teaches the novice how to be successful in a life of crime – it's a formula that worked well for both films."Harry in your Pocket" is over 40 years old now – credit cards were just beginning to replace cash – but it doesn't seem particularly dated. It's a movie that still won't disappoint too many people.

This recalls pleasant French films that celebrate petty thieves and rascals. Bruce Geller obviously had great potential for other films. James Buchanan and Ronald Austin provided an entertaining and almost believable script. Michael Sarrazin unfortunately plays his role in his usual wooden, implausible style but the old masters James Coburn and Walter Pidgeon enrich with their usual nuances. Trish Van Devere almost overcomes some early ambiguities in the script.The professionalism of the cinematography by Fred Koenekamp and editing by Arthur Hilton enhance, without in any way distracting from, the narrative. The score by Lalo Schifrin does call attention to itself but, nonetheless, works.As someone who has visited Salt Lake City several times, I enjoyed that locale. Seeing some place outside L.A. helps sometimes. This is not a ground-breaking work. It is not especially ingenious. It is not reflective or thoughtful. However, the film is not trivial, except for Michael Sarrazin who seems unable to play any but flat roles. Watching this movie diverts one on a sultry summer afternoon.

Just re-saw this movie after some thirty-three years. I first saw it at the now long gone Circle Theater in Miami Springs, Florida. I was a big fan of James Coburn and Micheal Sarrazon, and just had to see this movie. It was enjoyable when I was fifteen years old, and it was still enjoyable now. Very good acting from everyone involved. The movie plays almost like a play and the focus is on the four main characters, with little in regards to the supporting cast.Pick-pocketing was and always will be around. The film tends to make it an art with a romantic flavor, but then again, it's Hollywood. A bit of a surprise ending, but if you're expecting car chases, punch-outs, and shootouts, you will be greatly disappointed. Just a well-acted and entertaining little flick. Harry in Your Pocket is a pocketful of entertainment.

A terrific Coburn vehicle. Great job by Walter Pidgeon showing why he lasted so long as a supporting player. The scenes in all of the various western cities are great.Showing people who strive to learn an ancient "trade" rather than work for a living! I really enjoyed this. It adds so much to Coburns' legend.How else do you live in fancy hotels and meet beautiful people unless you have a real secret of success.Always remember, "Harry doesn't carry."Coburn is certainly a guy I will miss.