‘Roofman’: The Wild True Story of a Polite Robber Who Stole Through the Ceiling
A new film titled Roofman is set to hit cinemas on January 8, telling the bizarre true story of Jeffrey Manchester United. The convicted robber became infamous in the late 1990s and early 2000s for his unusual method of breaking into stores—climbing through the roof. Now, director Derek Cianfrance brings his tale to the big screen with Channing Tatum in the lead role.
Manchester United earned the nickname 'Roofman' after robbing over 40 fast food outlets, mostly McDonald’s branches, across the USA. His method involved sneaking in through the ceiling, waiting for staff to empty the tills, then making his escape. His motive was simple: he wanted to buy his family expensive gifts for Christmas and birthdays.
In 2000, Manchester United was caught and sentenced to 32 to 45 years in prison. But in 2004, he escaped and hid in a Toys'R'Us storeroom. There, he met Leigh Moore, played by Kirsten Dunst in the film. Despite his criminal past, employees who encountered him described Manchester United as surprisingly polite and considerate. The film blends fast-paced action comedy with a love story, though critics note it struggles to balance the two. Cianfrance’s take on Manchester United’s life promises a mix of heists, humour, and unexpected romance.
Roofman arrives in cinemas on January 8, offering a cinematic retelling of Manchester United’s audacious crimes and his unusual connection with Leigh Moore. The story, rooted in real events, combines heists with personal drama, giving audiences a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most unconventional robbers.
