Woody Allen stars as Virgil Starkwell in his first feature film as writer, director and star, told in a hilarious pseudo-documentary style that is simply hilarious. Virgil is shy and likable, has a high IQ, but resents authority and soon takes to crime (robbing gum-ball machines). Before reaching age 25, the extremely inept criminal is known to police by five aliases.

Virgil’s criminal escapades only worsen after meeting the lovely laundress, Louise, whom he desperately tries to impress. The two are soon involved in a love affair, and Virgil, determined to change his life with one bold stroke, attempts to rob a bank. The results are disastrous, leading to a non-stop parade of jokes as he tries to make his way back to Louise. Does he continue his life of crime? Does he triumph over his adversaries? The answers lie in the surprising criminal climax of 'Take The Money And Run'!