Grand Slam (1967)

A retired professor (Edward G. Robinson) asks the assistance of his childhood friend (Adolfo Celi, THUNDERBALL), now a crime lord, in requisitioning three professional criminals (Klaus Kinski, George Rigaud, Riccardo Cucciolla), each with their own specialty and a gigolo (Robert Hoffman) in pulling off a theft of 10 million dollars worth of diamonds. An uptight "plain" secretary (Janet Leigh in glasses) literally holds the key to the theft's success. A gem of an international heist thriller courtesy of Giuliano Montaldo (SACCO AND VANZETTI) is first rate stuff. The robbery itself is beautifully played out with the requisite tension and a marvelous twist at the end. The movie is set in Rio De Janeiro during carnival time and cinematographer Antonio Macasoli takes advantage of that as well as the colorful Rio locations. Unfortunately the usually reliable Ennio Morricone's score comes off as hastily put together. If you're remotely interested in heist thrillers, this is definitely worth checking out.