The Bite aka The Big Con (1975)
"The Bite," originally released as "The Big Con," resurfaced with its new title following the success of "The Sting." While both films share similar plot elements,"The Bite" adopts a more lyrical and comedic approach. The film, directed by Jerry Denby, runs for 78 minutes and follows three con artists—Sweet Kate, The Toledo Kid, and Johnny Memphis—who devise a scam to persuade local banker Francis B. Dobbs to invest in a 'house of ill repute.' They recruit various characters, including attractive women and influential figures, to seduce Dobbs into making the purchase, leading to a comically unexpected conclusion. Released in 1974,"The Bite" features a talented cast, including Sara Nicholson, Alan Marlo, Robert Everett, and Andrea True. The direction is noted for its strength, with the film exhibiting higher production values than most contemporaries. Despite its explicit content, the film is recognized for its well-crafted set and costume designs, musical scoring, and clever script filled with witty one-liners and plot twists.
As a blend of a 1930s period piece and a 1970s hardcore film,"The Bite" successfully showcases the cinematic quality of lower-budget Hollywood productions. The film's structure includes multiple scenes featuring various actors, contributing to its overall comedic narrative.