When you have a good hearted person like Helen (Betty Field), it's easy enough to be misguided. It only took one exchange between the two to understand that Harry Wade (Walter Matthau) was a con man and a swindler, but she just couldn't see it. Totally misreading a conversation they had regarding a potential marriage, Helen nervously takes it upon herself to lend Harry eight thousand dollars with his promise to pay it back in two days time. The money isn't hers, as she performs some sleight of hand with a home buyer's deposit at the real estate office where she works. True to form, conniver Harry's juggled plans to return the money never materialize, leaving him one last con game to perform in order to return the money to the woman he might actually have a soft spot for. The twist here leaves Helen downcast and dispirited, while in a stunning turnabout, Harry made good but at a terrible sacrifice.
Review of A Very Moral Theft
