Buddy Root (Robert Vaughn) is a slick bad boy up to no-good. He was kicked out of college and is desperate to avoid the draft. Stu Bradley claims to be a successful writer but it's a lie. He needs $500 as a fake advance selling his book to fool his new wife and her father. Store clerk Bob Miller is obsessed with his girlfriend Gloria who refuses to marry him. She has a backbreaking accident and needs money for medical. They come up with a plan to rob the supermarket.
With hindsight, it's obvious to make Robert Vaughn the undeniable lead of the movie. The other characters are only supporting cast. I actually like Stu's predicament and it's a great opportunity to go on a crime spree. He's the lying type and a good second fiddle in a crime duo. Bob's predicament is less compelling. The fall looks silly and Bob whines too much. It's sillier than the other two and I would just cut him out. I would make Buddy even harder. I really like Buddy and Stu as a duo. This may as well be a part of Crime doesn't pay.