Many explanations have been bandied about to explain the global economy's recent sluggish performance, but experts stubbornly refuse to look for answers where they can most often be found: in mid-'70s British/German co-productions starring Omar Sharif. Sure, economists often blame the slump on the irrational exuberance of the late '90s, but what if the crash is instead an international act of collusion orchestrated by sexually voracious brokers who become wildly aroused by risk and danger? Crime And Passion stars noted bridge expert Sharif as one such fellow, an international financier of mystery who derives sick thrills from placing himself and his clients' money in constant danger. Running out of luck and eager for some quick bucks, Sharif first tries some insider trading, but an even bigger opportunity presents itself when underling Karen Black tells him of his impending financial doom—and her flirtation with a wealthy client. Sharif's financial troubles, of course, send him into a fit of sexual ecstasy, and after ravishing Black, he convinces her to marry, then divorce, her wealthy client so the two can split the proceeds. Agreeing to the plan, Black quickly weds her antiquated, monocle-sporting cane enthusiast, while Sharif looks on. But the plan soon hits a snag, as Sharif finds out that he's been mistakenly accused of embezzling $2.5 million. This predictably sends him into a fit of hormonal lust, and after having carnal relations with a maid, he tracks down Black and pleads with her to lend or give him the money. Now shacked up with male ski bunny Joseph Bottoms, Black wants little to do with her erstwhile employer. But Sharif has even greater worries: A skier, a driver, and a Divine lookalike are all attempting to kill him. Meanwhile, Black's mysterious husband has been spying on her through a series of secret cameras, and after orchestrating Bottoms' death (through a car accident in which Bottoms utters the immortal last words, "Far out!"), he sets about having Sharif killed. His efforts are foiled when his assassin is killed instead, and he eventually freezes to death outside his own castle, while a reunited Black and Sharif bask in the love that can only exist between an upscale con man and a gold-digging hussy.
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