Max (the fabulous Jean Gabin in his last film), a master thief, is spending some time behind bars, having been captured by a determined and crafty police officer. He has hidden a sizable amount of gold in Italy and is patiently waiting to get out so he can retrieve it. His prison companion wants to get out now and get the gold. So they escape, dress as priests and fly off for Italy. Unfortunately, their plane is hijacked, but the terrorists are no match for Max who gets the better of them, but the delay in getting to Rome allows the police time to track him down. What will he do now?
These old heist/escape films make crime seem fun. It becomes a cat and mouse game where each side tries to outwit the other and respects the brilliant moves each side makes. No one gets hurt, robbers have honor as do the police and all have a jolly time staying one step ahead of the other. Of course, this isn't true to life and we now have movies like Training Day and shows like The Shield where the bad guys are scum of the earth and the cops aren't much better, but the old good-time cop games are fun to watch
This movie is like day old funfetti cake. It is light, doesn't take itself seriously, sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth, but a little past its prime, not moist and tender, but still edible and enjoyable. It's fluff and it knows it, but still prides itself on being tasty. 6/10
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