Is Kidnap - Extortion: Robbery By Telephone Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1973)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1973, Kidnap - Extortion: Robbery By Telephone represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into An action packed industrial film about how to handle kidnapping and extortion made by Bill Rebane under his North Star Communications Company for the Citizen's State Bank & Trust Co. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "An action packed industrial film about how to handle kidnapping and extortion made by Bill Rebane under his North Star Communications Company for the Citizen's State Bank & Trust Co. in Wausau, Wisconsin. Restored and included on the Arrow Video Weird Wisconsin collection."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Susan Cohan, the performance in Kidnap - Extortion: Robbery By Telephone feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Bill Rebane is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 14 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Kidnap - Extortion: Robbery By Telephone truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Kidnap - Extortion: Robbery By Telephone explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1973 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Bill Rebane respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Kidnap - Extortion: Robbery By Telephone is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Susan Cohan or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Kidnap - Extortion: Robbery By Telephone is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.