William Friedkin directed this period piece/caper-comedy, adapted from Noel Behn's non-fiction book "Big Stick-Up at Brinks", chronicling the 1950 robbery of Brink's headquarters, which netted the crooks some $3M. Often-filmed heist gets a joshing tone this time out, cast with actors comfortable with each other and familiar to audiences in these particular characterizations. There are no surprises; everything has been preconceived for a safe, nondescript entertainment. For his part, Friedkin displays a light, casual touch, but the broader moments of comedy don't really come off (slapstick doesn't seem to be this director's thing). Peter Falk heads up the amateur squad of thieves; he's right at home here, and his repartee with Peter Boyle, Allen Garfield, Paul Sorvino and Gena Rowlands as his wife is smooth...so smooth, in fact, that the film slides right out of the memory. ** from ****