Robbery (1967)

A daring plan of hijacking a mail train carrying several million pounds is carefully put into motion by a master thief (Stanley Baker). To this end, he sets up a team of criminal minds, each an expert in his field. This British heist thriller, expertly directed by Peter Yates, was enough to capture the attention of Hollywood which imported him to direct BULLITT. There's a thrilling car chase through the streets of London in the film which now seems like a trial run for the more famous car chase in BULLIT. Clearly inspired by the infamous "Great Train Robbery" of 1963, Yates spends a great deal of time on the details and the planning of the robbery but far from being boring, it's the most intense part of the film. The actual train robbery, while superbly done, almost seems like an anti climax. One of the very best of its genre. The swinging jazz score is by Johnny Keating (HOTEL) and the cinematography by Douglas Slocombe (RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK). The cast includes Joanna Pettet (second billed but wasted as Baker's wife), James Booth, Frank Finlay, Barry Foster, William Marlowe and Clinton Greyn.