![]() ![]() The pace is capable to detail a scene like, for example, Max and Riton brushing their teeth without being boring. ![]() Will Max exchange his gold for Riton? "Touchez pas au grisbi" is a classy French-Italian production with a great story of honor and friendship. He abducts Riton to force Max to give the gold to him. Riton has made a comment to Josy about the gold and soon Angelo discovers that Max and Riton have the stolen gold. Riton's mistress Josy (Jeanne Moreau) is tired of him and has found a new lover to support her, Angelo (Lino Ventura), who is a dangerous gangster. They have stolen eight gold bars of 12 kg each that worth 50-million francs and Max has kept them hidden for their retirement. The middle age bon-vivant Max (Jean Gabin) is a former gangster and close friend of his partner Riton (René Dary). A very taut yet leisurely script, excellent acting and a dynamite finale-this film is terrific. For example, when Bob grabs a showgirl's breast backstage, you know this sure ain't a Hollywood film of the 50s! Overall, there's nothing not to like about the film. Aside from TOUCHEZ PAS AU GRISBI ("Don't Touch the Loot"), other such French films as BOB LE FLAMBEUR ("Bob the Gambler") and RIFIFI proved that in some ways, even, the French could do Noir better-achieving a certain realistic sleaziness that American censors wouldn't allow. In the 50s, the French began imitating American Noir but often they made it uniquely their own-with grittier dialog (with much spicier language), a bit of nudity and a sharper edge. When Riton is captured, what will Max do? Will he leave his old friend or will he give up the gold to ransom Riton? And, even if he does surrender the loot, what then?! The film did a great job creating a Film Noir ambiance that is uniquely French. Too bad that Riton wasn't quite as smart, as a "dame" weaseled this secret out of him and told another crook-who now is determined to get the gold. ![]() His contingency plans were brilliant as well and he seemed to have covered every base. Instead of running away or spending the money, he just sat tight and did nothing to tip his hand. Unknown to the other thugs, Max and his friend (Riton) committed a huge heist of 50,000.000 francs in gold a year earlier. However, despite being "on top", he's very tired of the life and longs for retirement. His manners are pretty effortless and he is a big man in the underworld. It was refreshing to see him playing such an unglamorous role. Gabin was 50 years-old when he made this film and, if anything, looks a good bit older than that-looking more like a man of 60. However, in a brave move, actor Jean Gabin plays a role of an older man who is simply tired and ready to call it quits on his life of crime. Sometimes actors never know when to quit-playing youthful roles long after they are obviously too old to realistically carry off the character. ![]()
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