New York, March 8, 2006 – People arriving at the Chelsea West Cinemas for the Failure to Launch premiere felt really lucky to be invited to such an exclusive event. Police officers were swarming all around to control the crowds that had no doubt gathered to swoon over Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey.

But it turned out that just prior to the premiere, with a full coterie of camera crews waiting on the red carpet, the Citibank branch at 322 W. 23rd Street, across from the theater, had been robbed. The bank robber crossed the street and avoided capture by approaching the “Will Call” desk, and asking for his premiere ticket. Kidding! The robber did apparently run right through the media setup, escaping through a walkway next to the movie theater, although those on hand weren’t aware of it until the police showed up.

An NYPD spokesman confirmed the robbery, and told OAN that no one was injured, and the suspect had no weapon, and that he took some money from a bank customer, and "fled north on 23rd Street". The spokesman would not disclose whether any money was stolen from the bank, or how much. We on the red carpet did not notice any exploding dye packs from a fleeing robber.

At any rate, we’re very impressed. A bank robbery is an innovative way to get media attention for your movie premiere.