Lionel White, who wrote some of the best and authentic caper novels of the 1950s and 1960s, is well represented in this new STARK HOUSE volume. Steal Big (1960) features a group lead by a professional bank robber named Donovan. Donovan, just released from prison, wants a big score so he can live in the style he dreams about.
But Donovan’s crew all have serious flaws. Donovan broods about his accomplices: “An evil old woman who would steal the pennies from a dead man’s eyes. A puny psychopathic sadist who likes to kill for the fun of it. A punch-drunk moron who by all rights should be in a side show. A college boy who hates the world because he figured he took a bum rap. A group who isn’t dry behind the ears yet and who wants to go for the ride because she thinks she’ll get enough money out of it spring her old man out of the clink.” (p. 101)
Lionel White weaves a compelling story of gathering resources–guns, cars, recording equipment–and planning for a bank robbery that could net Donovan and his crew an estimated $750,000. But, of course, the perfect plan starts to unravel and Donovan has to scramble to adjust. GRADE: B+
The Big Caper (1955) centers around a criminal mastermind called Flood who needs money to dig himself out of debt. Flood puts together a quirky group that includes an arsonist, a psychopathic killer, and a safe-cracking specialist. The plan is brilliant, but Flood underestimates the power of attraction as two of the team fall in love. The Big Caper displays the professional preparation and planning that goes into a heist. And, it also shows how even the most brilliant plan can go wrong. GRADE: A
Nicholas Litchfield’s informative “The Learned, Bookless Master of the Big Caper” provides more information about Lionel White’s writing career than previous STARK HOUSE volumes. Cullen Gallagher sums up Lionel White’s impact in “A Matter of Time: Looking Back at Lionel White.” Plus, there’s a Lionel White Bibliography, too! Don’t miss this latest terrific Lionel White Stark House collection!
I’ve heard of White but haven’t read him, at least not yet. The great lesson of Stark House is that no matter how well read you think you are in the noir canon there’s lots more out there you haven’t yet gotten to. One of their previous White collections sits somewhere in my TBR stack.
Michael, Lionel White’s caper novels influenced Donald Westlake and many other crime writers. His CLEAN BREAK was made into the famous Stanley Kubrick film, THE KILLING.
I was going to mention that. Great early Kubrick. I’ve always meant to read more of White but didn’t want to spend the big bucks to do it, and somewhere along the line he slipped from my mind. Will have to pick these up.
Also, THE BIG CAPER was filmed in 1957 with Rory Calhoun, Mary Costa and James Gregory, according to Wikipedia, though I’ve never seen that one.
Jeff, I haven’t seen the movie version of THE BIG CAPER, either…but I bet Dan has!
White was prolific all right, but I never found him particularly compelling. Some interesting movies based on his work though.
Dan, I’m always impressed with the amount of detail in Lionel White caper novel. Planning the heist, acquiring resources, setting up the operation, etc. I’m always interested in the nuts-and-bolts of how these crimes are put together. I remember Donald Westlake saying he received mail from prison inmates who complemented him (as “Richard Stark”) on the accuracy of his caper novels.
putting the gang together is always the best part for me. Even when the gang is up to good like in Rio Bravo.
Patti, I agree. Recruiting the right people for the job is always a key element…and endlessly fascinating for me!
Getting the band back together again:
SCTV: MAUDLIN’S ELEVEN (part 1) https://youtu.be/qbd25kYIiuQ
MAUDLIN’S 11, part 2 (of 2): https://youtu.be/bUJDDuyKg2E
Since this are “caper novels”, and caper means “skip or dance about in a lively or playful way”, I’ll pass. Don’t feel like reading about folks skipping or dancing.
Since these are “caper novels”, and caper means “skip or dance about in a lively or playful way”, I’ll pass. Don’t feel like reading about folks skipping or dancing.
Oops.