Rent Touchez Pas Au Grisbi (1954)

Ingots and Ingrates - Touchez Pas Au Grisbi review by CH

A heist has taken place. That is stock in trade for a film noir. What distinguishes Jacques Becker's Touchez pas au grisbi (1954) from others is that there is no rush to dispose of the goods, indeed the gold. The ingots can bide their time as smartly-dressed Monsieur Big (Jean Gabin) decides when to bow out quietly from an illicit trade, and enjoy a less anxious life.

Here are women (including Jeanne Moreau) as curved as the smart automobiles whose whitewall tyres ply the Paris streets from one night club to another. Trouble is that Gabin's accomplice, René Dary, has let slip sufficient to his girlfriend just as she is tiring of him; she does not lose time in telling others of the wealth to be had for a little rough-handed asking.

Such is the plot, and it does not lack for gunfire - and quite a climax -, but, as much as anything, here - on a second viewing - is a study in loyalty (it was, predictably, released here as Honour among Thieves). For all the action, this is a reflective story, taken from a novel by Albert Simonin (and there are indeed elements akin to the dur novels by his near-namesake). He wrote two more in this series. Both were filmed, but do not appear to have the réclame of this one, which is so good that one feels inspired to seek them out.

Nigh on perfect - Touchez Pas Au Grisbi review by NP

A nigh on perfect crime flick. Jean Gabin touches the sublime as an ageing gangster who just wants to go to bed. Also a clear influence on Scorsese's equally excellent The Irishman.

Sublime - Touchez Pas Au Grisbi review by sb

FILM & REVIEW Cool stylish French gangster movie has Gabin as Max an ageing crook who pulls off one last heist before retiring. What’s interesting is that although it’s a heist movie it dispenses with the normal setup and robbery and moves straight into the third act when he has the loot (50 million franks in good bullion ) stashed away - he just has to convert it into cash. A rival gang have other plans and kidnap his partner Riton (Dary) and set up an exchange - the loot for his lifelong buddy. Of course Max isn’t going to take this lying down so enagages his own crew for the final confrontation. Gabin is excellent in the lead playing Max as the perfect gentleman with an eye ( and much success ) with the ladies and brings a world weary aura to the part. It’s a whirlwind of cafes, restaurants and night clubs shot mainly at night with a neat Gallic take on the American Gangster movie . You do have to pay attention with its large cast and complicated betrayals but once you have a sussed out who is who it’s a really great film - 4/5