Only When I Larf

Only When I Larf is a 1968 British light-hearted comedy crime drama, directed by Basil Dearden, and starring Richard Attenborough, David Hemmings, and Alexandra Stewart. It is adapted from the 1968 novel Only When I Larf by Len Deighton, and features Attenborough as an ex-brigadier con man in a variety of guises. Plot summary In New York City, a trio of confidence tricksters enter a tall office block and go to an empty unit on the 39th floor. They quickly change the identity of the office. Two Americans arrive. Lowther (Attenborough) assumes the role of Mr Stevens, the boss. Bob is ushered in by the secretary and introduced as Mr Glover. They discuss high finance in front of the Americans. They persuade the Americans to write a cheque for $250,000. He writes a cheque for $2 million to them. The cheques are placed in a faux wall safe. Bob goes to other side and takes the smaller cheque out. He re-disguises himself as a security guard. He goes to the bank with Liz and she withdraws the $250,000 as cash. With the two Americans still in the office Lowther excuses himself for a few minutes but leaves the building. Bob and Liz board a helicopter on a rooftop of the Panam Building near the Chrysler Building. Lowther joins just before it takes off. A view of the Tower Bridge and the Thames tells us that we are now in London. Lowther discusses his past in the British Army. Lowther is married to Liz and Bob is his son by an earlier marriage.