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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.

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

What a brilliant caper movie! Before I go on, though, I need to point out that this movie is a reworking of the movie Rififi (1954)--a French caper movie. While Rififi generally gets higher marks among critics, I also liked this one.

The movie is unusual in that it has such a multinational cast and quite a bit of the movie is dubbed because of this. This didn't matter to say the least. However, it was interesting to see Adolfo Celi in the movie. He was the lead villain in Bond's THUNDERBALL and in this movie his voice is dubbed with a totally different voice and so he sounds a lot different.

Now on to what I loved--the complicated and exciting plot. It just keeps you guessing again and again--even up until the last scene. Also, the acting was great and the characters were well-written--everyone seemed to be at the top of their form.

So, if you want a movie about a gang of thieves pulling the ultimate heist and want to see one that's among the best, give this film a try--if you can find it, as it's not exactly a well-known flick. Perhaps with so many films like it ("Topkapi", "The Killing""Bob le Flambeur" and many others) it just got lost in the process.,

Throughout the world, men with money and those without have created a game which for all practical purposes will never end. Those with wealth seek to design a box which will keep their valuables safe. Those without money then seek to break the box of riches even if it's against the law or if it's dangerous. Hopefully the 'box-makers' will eventually come up with a fool-proof design which will keep the thieves out. That is the premise of the film called " Grand Slam." Edward G. Robinson is Prof. James Anders a mild mannered school teacher who after years of research has discovered the 'perfect crime.' for stealing valuable diamonds worth millions. Secure that he has a fool proof scheme, he visits an old mafia friend, Adolfo Celi is Mark Milford and asks for a special team of professionals. The men chosen include Robert Hoffmann who plays Jean-Paul Audry a world re-known playboy and suave lady-killer who will meet his match in a cold, dispassionate secretary (Janet Leigh) with a secret. Klaus Kinski is Erich Weiss a military man who does not quit a job until it's conquered. Riccardo Cucciolla is Agostino Rossi and George Rigaud is Gregg, professionals in their own right. Together they accept the challenge of what is a deemed an unbreakable, thief proof safe. called the " Grand Slam 70 " series. A film which has become a favorite of many E.G. Robinson fans. ****