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All fans of uninspired and pretentious nowadays heist movies, like "Now you see me" or "Ocean's Eight", should also have the decency to seek out the older classics of the genre, because they are a dozen times more inventive, original and exhilarating. Yes, I do realize this statement makes me sound like an old and nagging sourpuss. Anyways, I'm referring to classics like "Charley Varrick" or the original "The Italian Job" (1968), but even more to the flamboyant Euro-Exploitation efforts, like "Kriminal", "Danger: Diabolik" or "Grand Slam". This downright awesome, near-perfect thriller owes a lot to the French landmark "Rififi", but stands on itself as one of the coolest crime-capers ever made!

The great Edward G. Robinson, film-noir legend of the 30s and 40s, stars as a recently retired schoolteacher who worked in Rio de Janeiro his entire career. For more than 30 years, he stared at a diamond company across the street, and had the time to meticulously plan the most daring heist of the century. He needs to recruit specialists in particular areas, however, and ask the help of his old pal Mark Milford (Adolfo Celi) who has the - hand down - most genius database of criminals, arranged by there area of expertise! Four men, including the almighty Klaus Kinski, are hired to pull off the heist, but many complications arise, like a difficult-to-seduce secretary who holds the office keys, a brand new & hi-tech alarm system, carnival parades in the Rio city center and distrust among themselves.

"Grand Slam" probably borrowed several ideas and crucial key-elements from other titles; - Italian films usually do that. But I also know for a fact that even more films, like "Entrapment" or the "Ocean's 11" remake, took nifty little e elements from this gem. The preparation for the heist is absorbing and intelligent, whereas the actual heist is nail-bitingly tense. The four master-criminals are amazing! It's too bad you know from beforehand this type of film never ends well for them, because you honestly will root for them. The ultimate twist is a bit tacky, admittedly, but back then movies just had to end with a harsh "crime doesn't pay" message. Final word of praise goes out for the fantastic soundtrack, courtesy of - who else - Ennio Morricone. Great music, for a great film!

Released in the USA by Paramount as GRAND SLAM in the late sixties, this slickly-made heist film is a first-rate effort exploiting the Jules Dassin classic, RIFIFI. The all-star international cast is exceptional, with Klaus Kinski being the standout. One of the best of it's kind, and still enjoyable today. Ennio Morricone wrote the eclectic score, featuring some catchy bossa-nova tunes to complement the location. Thanks to Image Entertainment, the picture is now available on DVD in a widescreen version to capture all the excitement! Check it out.

Rififi is a great movie, and like most great movies; it's often imitated, although unlike films such as The Exorcist, Jaws and Alien; the Rififi imitations are usually quite good. The field is lead by Jean-Pierre Melville's masterpiece 'The Red Circle', but following hot on its heels is this excellent little Italian thriller. Grand Slam mixes an intricate plot, interesting characters and a bucket load of style and the result is a film that constantly thrills and entertains. The plot follows the fortunes of a varied group of criminals brought together to carry out a daring robbery. Schoolteacher James Anders notices a chance in Rio de Janeiro to steal ten million dollars in diamonds and contacts his friend who gets in touch with several specialists to carry out the job. Aside from the obvious safe crackers, they also recruit a tried and tested womaniser to steal a key from a secretary. Everything is put into place for the robbery to go to plan, but naturally there are more twists and turns in store for thieves to deal with.

Grand Slam is an Italian film but features a host of international talent, including Hollywood performers Edward G. Robinson and Janet Leigh acting alongside cult stars such as Klaus Kinski, Robert Hoffmann and Adolfo Celi. The cast comes together very well and it's thanks to the great performances that this film works so well. Director Giuliano Montaldo keeps things ticking over nicely and the build up to the heist is always interesting. Naturally given the film's influences; the heist itself is a timed and careful (also wordless of course) affair that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The Rio de Janeiro setting provides some lovely locations and the film does look very nice on the whole. With the focus being on the plot, you can expect some twists in the tale and Grand Slam certainly does no disappoint in that respect as the film features a great twisted ending that fits what went before it very well indeed. Overall, Grand Slam is an excellent heist flick that more than does the classic French film that influenced it justice. Recommended!

"Grand Slam" is a nice heist film, in search of an ending that makes some sense. The cast includes Janet Leigh, Klaus Kinski, and Edward G. Robinson, so the acting is totally acceptable. The intricate diamond caper is also depicted quite well, and the Rio locations another plus. What seems like an endless build up to the actual heist pushes the film into too long territory at just over two hours. Despite the length, interest is maintained until the startling surprise conclusion, an ending that will leave the bewildered audience gasping in disbelief after all that has preceded it. I defy anyone to explain the logic behind the ending of this film. To put things in perspective, even if things did take place off screen to support such a finale, it is far from believable, and leaves a very bad taste that is likely to linger for quite awhile. - MERK

I think this is the best heist film ever made, surpassing its supposed inspiration, "Rififi". Fast pace, suspenseful and brilliantly photographed, it is a must see for all caper film buffs. The problem seems that no one seems to know WHO owns the rights to Telecast this film. It would be great on DVD too.