JACQUES BECKER

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB

Original title:  Touchez Pas Au Grisbi

Alternate title:  Don’t Touch The Loot

France/Italy, 1954.  Del Duca Films, Antares Produzione Cinematografica.  Adaptation by Jacques Becker, Albert Simonin, Maurice Griffe, Dialogue by Albert Simonin, based on the novel by Albert Simonin.  Cinematography by Pierre Montazel.  Produced by Robert Dorfmann.  Music by Jean Wiener.  Production Design by Jean d’Eaubonne.  Costume Design by Marcelle Desvignes.  Film Editing by Marguerite Renoir.  

Jean Gabin gives a wise and worldly performance in this excellent gangster film by Jacques Becker (Le Trou). He plays an aging mobster who has recently made off with a huge payload of gold bullion and is planning to retire on it. Unfortunately, his partner decides to blab about their take and ends up getting himself kidnapped by a rival criminal, who only agrees to let the man go if Gabin shows up with the gold and gives it to him. Jeanne Moreau has a small but wonderful role as the money-hungry moll who’s looking to improve her own station, but it is entirely Gabin’s show and he’s marvelous in it. Becker’s screenplay is witty and involving, his direction mesmerizing and the glinting black-and-white photography gorgeous.

The Criterion Collection:  #271

Venice Film Festival Award: Best Actor (Jean Gabin)