Skip to main content
Crime Cult Classic

A ragtag crew targets an Air Force base in this 1968 crime caper led by Leslie Nielsen.

DAYTON'S DEVILS

7 MEN AND ONE WOMAN - their incredible plan - to steal a $2,500,000 military payroll!

1968 · 1h 43m · NR · Crime · IMDB TMDB

Frank Dayton (Leslie Nielsen) leads a group of crooks in a caper to steal $2,500,000 from an Air Force base. Dayton is the tough-guy military leader who recruits Mike (Rory Calhoun), ex-Nazi Max (Hans Gudegast), sadistic killer Barney Barry (Barry Sadler), and failed French artist Claude (Pat Renella) in the scheme.

▶ Watch Now My List

Quick Answer

What is Dayton's Devils about?

Dayton's Devils is a 1968 American crime film directed by Jack Shea about a group of criminals, led by Frank Dayton, who plan a $2,500,000 payroll heist at an Air Force base.

Programmer's Pick

Leslie Nielsen trades wry comedy for hard-nosed strategy in this cool caper, wrangling a crew so mismatched they could only be found in a late-'60s heist flick. Where else can you see an ex-Nazi, a sadistic killer, and a failed French artist plotting with a nightclub singer on the side?

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Frank Dayton, portrayed by Leslie Nielsen, is a hardened ex-military man who assembles an unlikely crew of specialists for an ambitious heist: stealing $2.5 million from a U.S. Air Force base. Each member brings a unique—and questionable—past to the operation. Among them are Mike, a resourceful ex-con; Max, a former Nazi; Barney Barry, a sadistic killer; and Claude, a failed French artist. The plan unfolds against the backdrop of 1960s intrigue, with nightclub singer Leda adding a dash of romance and glamour to the proceedings. Dayton's Devils is a classic crime ensemble, mixing tough-guy bravado with the complications that come from a crew of misfits chasing a high-stakes score.

Details & Specs

Director
Jack Shea
Writer
Fred De Gorter
Release
1968
Runtime
1h 43m
Language
English
Genres
Crime

Why This Matters

This film is notable for featuring the screen debut of Lainie Kazan, who would go on to a prolific career in film and television.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

View all →
Director: Jack Shea Writer: Fred De Gorter
Rory Calhoun Rory Calhoun Mike Page Leslie Nielsen Leslie Nielsen Frank Dayton Lainie Kazan Lainie Kazan Leda Martell Rodolfo Acosta Rodolfo Acosta Fishing boat captain Eric Braeden Eric Braeden Max Eikhart Pat Renella Pat Renella Claude Sadi Georg Stanford Brown Georg Stanford Brown Theon Gibson James Beck James Beck Mark Scott Bruce Glover Bruce Glover Sgt. Hawk Mike Farrell Mike Farrell Voucher Captain Bo Hopkins Bo Hopkins Truck Driver

Explore More

Why Cult

Motley Heist Crew

The film brings together a tough ex-military leader, an ex-Nazi, a sadistic killer, and a failed artist for a uniquely dysfunctional robbery team.

Air Force Payroll Heist

A high-stakes plan to steal $2.5 million from a military base sets the stage for suspense and double-crosses.

1960s Crime Style

With its 1968 release, the film captures a distinctive era of crime cinema—think sharp suits, smoky clubs, and pulp intrigue.

Notable Cast Backgrounds

The cast includes Leslie Nielsen before his comedy fame and Eric Braeden (credited as Hans Gudegast), who later became a soap opera mainstay.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Dayton recruits a criminal gang for a heist

Threat

A planned $2.5 million robbery on an Air Force base

Effect

Potential loss of military payroll funds

Setting

U.S. Air Force base

Questions from the Vault

When was Dayton's Devils released? +

Dayton's Devils was released in 1968.

Who directed Dayton's Devils? +

Dayton's Devils was directed by Jack Shea.

How long is Dayton's Devils? +

Dayton's Devils has a runtime of 103 minutes.

What genre is Dayton's Devils? +

Dayton's Devils is a crime film.

Where can I watch Dayton's Devils? +

You can watch Dayton's Devils on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

You Might Also Like

See All →