Du Rififi A Paname (aka Rififi In Paris) (1966)

A gold smuggler (Jean Gabin) is at war with other local gangsters who want a piece of his small empire. Meanwhile, a U.S. Treasury agent (Claudio Brook) has infiltrated his organization. Based on the novel by Auguste Le Breton (BOB LE FLAMBEUR) and directed by Denys De La Patelliere (LES ARISTOCRATES). This stylish crime thriller is first rate! Anchored by an authoritative performance by the iconic Gabin, the film is rich in atmosphere and De La Patelliere seamlessly guides the action along while we're firmly engrossed in the narrative. Gabin's old gangster is so much more attractive than the "good" guys that we're rooting for him even though he's a criminal. Two other performances stand out: Gert Frobe as Gabin's partner in crime (his death scene is a beauty) and Nadja Tiller as his mistress. Not to be overlooked is Walter Wottitz's (ARMY OF SHADOWS) superb cinematography whether it's a snow laden country highway or a garish Paris nightclub, it enhances the film immeasurably. Surprisingly, the film's reception when it was originally released was mild. It also received some notoriety when it was the movie showing when a bomb exploded in a terrorist attack in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Despite receiving second billing, George Raft doesn't show up until the film's last half hour. With Mireille Darc, Claude Brasseur, Marcel Bozzuffi and Daniel Ceccaldi.