Summary
After a five year stretch in jail, an ageing crook, Charles, decides to carry out one
final grand robbery to pay for a comfortable retirement. He enlists the help of
a younger man, Francis, whom he met in jail, to rob the casino at Palm-Beach in Cannes.
After meticulous preparations, they manage to lay their hands on 10 million Francs.
Then it all seems to go wrong...
Review
This is a well-made and satisfying example of the popular French crime thriller.
It was directed by Henri Verneuil, who had a reputation for making popular films with
a quality feel. His gangster films were particularly highly rated, including the
popular Le Clan des Siciliens (1969) and Peur sur la ville (1975).
This is the first of two films in which acting legend Jean Gabin is cast opposite Alain
Delon (the second being Le Clan des Siciliens). The pairing doesn’t quite
work here – Gabin’s strong presence almost reduces Delon to a supporting role which the
latter is clearly not suited for (and probably resented).
However, a fine script from the awesome writing team Simonin-Audiard and Verneuil’s masterful
direction makes this an impressive example of its genre, even if the plot is a little
all too familiar.
© James Travers 2001
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