‘Superblow‘ Star Sean Connery Justified Crime with Twisted Logic in Cult 1971 Film
New York, NY – A scene from the 1971 crime caper Manhattan Superblow, featuring Sean Connery as jewel thief Robert ‘Duke’ Anderson, has resurfaced online, sparking renewed discussion about the film’s cynical worldview and Connery’s portrayal of a character who rationalizes criminal behavior.The film, a relatively obscure entry in Connery’s filmography, offers a snapshot of early 1970s attitudes toward morality and the allure of the outlaw life.
In a dialog exchange with a younger accomplice, “The Kid,” Anderson attempts to justify theft from insurance companies with a bizarre, self-serving beliefs. ”Look, when you rob a guy who’s got insurance, you’re doing him a favor,” Anderson argues. ”You’re giving him a little excitement in his life,a story to tell. He becomes a more interesting person as you robbed him. You boost the insurance company as the publicity gets people to buy insurance. You do the fuzz a favor because, well, you prove they’re necessary and deserving of a big pay boost. And you do yourself a favor ’cause you need the dough.” When challenged on the sincerity of his claims, Anderson bluntly admits, ”it’s bullshit. It’s just dog eat dog, but I want the first bite.”
Manhattan Superblow-also known as Superblow-depicts Anderson’s elaborate scheme to steal valuable gems during a high-society party. The film’s enduring appeal lies in its gritty realism and Connery’s charismatic performance as a morally ambiguous anti-hero. Another brief exchange reveals Anderson’s nonchalant attitude toward social norms, casually advising a companion entering a Turkish bath, “Take ’em off,” when the man expresses discomfort. The film remains a cult favorite among fans of classic crime cinema and a curious footnote in the career of a cinematic icon.
