Hot Millions (1968)

Just released from prison for embezzlement, a con artist (Peter Ustinov) uses another man's identity to get a job with a major corporation and then proceeds to use their mainframe computer to issue checks to bogus companies, then proceeds to cash the checks! Directed by Eric Till (IMPROPER CHANNELS). The screenplay of this British comedy caper film was inexplicably nominated for an Oscar for best original screenplay! It's modestly entertaining but far from fresh or original. Ustinov's corporate thief isn't very likable so we're not rooting for him to get away with the money and the corporation he's embezzling from isn't particularly odious so we don't have a grudge against them. There's no tension or suspense which is deadly for a heist film, comedy or drama. Two performances stand out: Maggie Smith (a last minute substitute for Lynn Redgrave) as an incompetent secretary, who ends up as Ustinov's love interest and Bob Newhart as Ustinov's company rival. With Karl Malden, Robert Morley and Cesar Romero.