1966 - GAMBIT, a heist comedy

Gambit is a comedic variation on the famous Jules Dassin film Rififi.  In that film we meet a group of professional criminals who plan and execute a jewelry store heist with almost military precision.  In fact the heist runs about 30 minutes.  Rififi is considered a classic in the crime thriller genre, while not a classic on the level of Rififi, Gambiit is a clever and at times very funny spin on the Rififi heist idea.

The film stars Michael Caine in one of his early roles as the would be master criminal.  Shirley MacClaine is his chattering accomplice who just won't stop talking.  Herbert Lom is the rich guy they intend to steal a priceless statue from.  Even though this film is almost 60 years old it's best not to reveal to many of the entertaining plot details or spoilers.

 

The director was Ronald Neame who was a solid professional behind the camera.  He had originally worked with the mercurial David Lean as a cinematographer .  From there he worked himself up in the British film industry as a producer, screenwriter and finally director.  He was a no nonsense kind of a guy, always very well organized and prepared when on a film set.

 

 Neame had a long career in the film industry and is chiefly remembered as the guy who got a film out of what was apparently a disorganized mess of a production called The Poseidon Adventure.  Neame also directed Judy Garland in her final film, Garland was at this time in her career, difficult to work with.  Neame was a battle scared veteran of the film business.  Gambit must have seemed like a vacation.

The film has an excellent screenplay by Alvin Sargant and Jack Davis,  the running time is 109 minutes.