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Touchez pas au Grisbi (1953)

Director: Jacques Becker

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Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

This model French gangster picture set the rules for the great sequence of underworld movies from Jean-Pierre Melville that followed. An ageing and weary Gabin attempts to retire after one last robbery. Instead he finds himself in a world of moody double-crosses. Becker's film, full of neat angles and delightful little bits of business, is laconic and admirably methodical. If its code of honour and its world of safe houses (and the absence of any police) make it seem like a wartime resistance film, it does also show what other gangster movies often ignore: that the reason for earning money dishonestly is to be able to live in style. And this film takes as much pleasure in watching Gabin open a bottle of wine as it does observing him in action. A fine supporting cast includes a young Lino Ventura and an even younger Jeanne Moreau.

Author: CPe 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

  • Harry Cox said...
    Posted on May 17 2008 17:56 I saw this film on the BBC televiion at the age of 10 Im now 52 and I remember it well. The story of honour amoung thieves and how friendship meant evrything. Jean Gabin as the aging gangster ready for the last job to fund his retirement was played with the ease and style that was Gabin (the French Spencer Tracey).
    Its the kind of film where you root for the robber to get away with the loot. This film set the scene for many films over the years (Heat - Michael Mann). A must see.
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Cast & crew

Director: Jacques Becker

Cast: Jean Gabin, René Dary, Paul Frankeur, Paul Oettly, Lino Ventura, Jeanne Moreau, Dora Doll, Daniel Cauchy full cast

Genre(s): Gangsters

Duration: 94 mins


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