The Hot Rock (1972) is a sly comic caper movie directed by Peter Yates, starring Robert Redford, George Segal, and Moses Gunn. The film was based upon Donald E. Westlake's novel which introduced his long-running Dortmunder character.
Four more of the Dortmunder series have been filmed (with the character renamed in most instances), beginning with Bank Shot (1974) starring George C. Scott, and followed by Jimmy the Kid (1982) starring Paul LeMat (followed by a 1999 German remake); Why Me? (1990) starring Christopher Lambert; and What's the Worst That Could Happen? (2001) starring Martin Lawrence.
The soundtrack to the film was provided by Quincy Jones.
Tagline:They're out to steal the hottest diamond in town with the funniest schemes in history !
Dr. Amusa approaches Dortmunder about a valuable gem in a museum that is of great signifigance to his people in Africa, stolen during colonial times. Dortmunder assembles a crack team of cat burglars and hatches an elaborate plan for stealing the gem. Despite their care and experience, circumstances and plain bad luck keep the gem just out of their reach. Written by Murray Chapman
