John Dortmunder, portrayed by Robert Redford, is a recently released inmate navigating his way out of a prison's exit process. This includes collecting his old clothes, confirming his identity with a fingerprint, and gathering his personal belongings. As he steps out into freedom, the warden takes a moment to deliver a seemingly well-meaning rehabilitation speech, but John, with a hint of sarcasm, suggests that he has already undergone successful rehabilitation thanks to the warden's own program. The warden, with a knowing smirk, cryptically implies that it’s not the last time they’ll cross paths, hinting at John's future troubles.
Once outside, John is quickly approached by a car, and despite his initial apprehension, the driver turns out to be none other than his childhood friend, Andrew Kelp, played by George Segal. The reunion is less than cordial, as John instinctively throws a punch at Kelp, evidencing the tension lingering from their past. As they make their way into the city, Kelp, with an enthusiastic disposition, hands John a cold beer and reveals that he is now married to John’s sister, which adds another layer of complexity to their friendship.
Caught in the moment, Kelp introduces John to an interesting proposition involving a high-stakes heist at a museum featuring the coveted Sahara Stone—a dazzling gem held within an impenetrable display case. Initially, John is skeptical, unsure of the feasibility of such a dangerous endeavor. However, persuaded by Kelp's relentless enthusiasm, he agrees to meet with the mastermind behind the scheme, a character known only as The Doctor, excellently depicted by Moses Gunn.
In a park, The Doctor outlines his ambitious plan to swipe the Stone for his homeland, which has been historically embroiled in conflict over its ownership. He convinces John of the importance of the job, offering a substantial payout of $25,000 for each member of the team, but negotiations quickly ensue regarding upfront planning expenses. John is apprehensive, laying out numerous reasons why this heist could go disastrously wrong. He points out the Stone's position within the museum, the tight security, and the dangers they are likely to face, yet the lure of the potential payday and the thrill gradually sway him.
After agreeing to join their ragtag team, the heist begins to take shape. They enlist the help of colorful characters, including John's sister’s husband, Stan Murch, beautifully brought to life by Ron Leibman. Here, comedic antics and fast-moving sequences unfold, showcasing John's meticulous planning as they run reconnaissance missions around the museum.
As days roll into nights filled with preparation, John and his motley crew engage in various ridiculous yet engaging scenarios—from explosive experiments to dizzying moments of being in disguise within the museum's confines. The meticulous nature of the heist plan enables them to see the finer details, but their plan quickly veers into chaos, leading to mishaps and unintended consequences.
A defining moment occurs when the team, outfitted as guards, attempts to execute their plan amidst an absurd chain of events involving explosions and disguises, leading to laughter and heightened tension. Even as they encounter various blunders, including a rather infamous incident involving Kelp's poor lock-picking skills, John’s determined spirit remains undeterred.
The film takes a thrilling turn when everything goes wrong—guards surround them, and a frantic chase ensues that feels both nail-biting and comically improbable. Each character’s wit and quirky talents are put to the test as they scramble to recover what they've lost, leading to more slapstick moments that only escalate.
In the aftermath, as news headlines highlight their misadventures, John visits a doctor, portrayed brilliantly by Charlotte Rae, who diagnoses him with gastritis and suggests he steer clear of stressful circumstances, unknowingly foreshadowing further calamities. Meanwhile, Kelp’s enthusiasm remains unquenchable; he gets swayed into concocting more audacious plans like breaking out Greenberg, played by Paul Sand, from prison, who still holds the Stone.
Battling against time and reality, the gang bands together, shaping an elaborate heist plan that tests their limits. As they navigate through layers of institutional chaos to execute their latest scheme, they must confront both their pasts and the seriocomic consequences of their ambitious theft. Through it all, John continues his quest for the Stone,-driven not just by the promise of wealth but by an insatiable longing to prove himself against impossible odds.
In a wild crescendo of events, as they explore the chaotic landscape of theft and loyalty, John ultimately uncovers a deeper perspective on friendship, success, and the absurdity of their circumstances, leading to an exhilarating finale where they seek redemption not just for themselves but for their ultimately flawed yet quirky crew.
