“Don’t Touch the Loot” aka “Grisbi” (1954) directed by Jacques Becker, starring Jean Gabin / Z-View
Don’t Touch the Loot aka Grisbi (1954)
Director: Jacques Becker
Screenplay: Jacques Becker, Albert Simonin, Maurice Griffe; based Touchez pas au grisbi by Albert Simonin
Stars: Jean Gabin, René Dary, Dora Doll.
Tagline: From the demi-mondes of Paris…with its pimps, its pushers, its passions, from the world of “RIFIFI” and “RAZZIA”…an electrifying adventure in suspense!
The Plot…
Max has beaten the odds. He’s a criminal who reached middle age without going to prison or worse getting killed. What’s better is that Max and Riton, his trusted crime partner, recently pulled off a heist of gold bars worth millions. More than enough for both Max and Riton to give up their life of crime and retire.
One night shortly after the heist, Max meets Riton at a nightclub. Riton has brought along Josy, his latest girlfriend. Josy’s a dancer half Riton’s age. Later that evening Max spots Josy making out with a young man.
When Max is heading home for the night, he notices he’s being followed. He gets the drop on the thugs and sends them running. Max calls Riton to warn him. Max then picks up Riton and takes him to a safe house. Riton admits that he told Josy about their latest score to impress her. They realize that Josy has sold them out.
The next day Max meets with his uncle who will fence the gold. When Max calls to update Riton, he learns that Riton has been kidnapped. The thugs want the gold bars in exchange for Riton’s safe return.
Max is promised a simple trade and nobody will get hurt. Don’t count on it.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
It’s interesting that Jacques Becker doesn’t focus on the theft of the gold bars (in fact it happens prior to the start of the film). I like the pace of the film. Jean Gabin is perfect as Max, the world weary criminal who is so close to living the dream. Max reminded me a bit of Mike McClusky (Mayor of Kingstown) and Harry (Mobland) in his ability/ways to deal with situations/people.
Don’t Touch the Loot aka Grisbi (1954) rates 5 of 5 stars