The Burglars (1971)

In 1970s Athens a group of professional burglars plan an emerald heist from the home of a gem collector but the corrupt Greek police inspector Abel Zacharia is on their trail.

Director:

Henri Verneuil

Writers:

Henri Verneuil (scenario), Vahé Katcha (scenario)

Stars:

Jean-Paul Belmondo, Omar Sharif, Dyan Cannon

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jean-Paul Belmondo	...	Azad
Omar Sharif	...	Abel Zacharia
Dyan Cannon	...	Lena Gripp's
Robert Hossein	...	Ralph
Nicole Calfan	...	Hélène
Myriam Feune de Colombi	...	Isabelle Tasco (as Myriam Colombi)
Raoul Delfosse	...	Le gardien de la villa Tasco
José Luis de Vilallonga	...	Tasco
Renato Salvatori	...	Renzi

Storyline

In 1970s Athens a group of professional burglars led by Azad plan a daring burglary. The victim is the rich gem merchant Mister Tasco. The treasure to be plundered is Mister Tasco's sumptuous emerald collection. The break-in team neutralize the villa's guard, enter the premises and locate the safe. Their sophisticated safe-cracking tools allow the burglars to break the safe open and steal the emeralds. During the caper a lone Greek policeman notices the burglars' car parked outside the Tasco residence and becomes suspicious. When Azad pretends to tinker with the getaway car's engine the Greek cop pretends he believes him. In fact, the Greek Police inspector Abel Zacharia suspects a burglary is taking place but decides to play along in order to allow the burglars to complete their mission. However, the corrupt Greek cop intends to arrest the criminals later and to steal the emeralds for himself. A cat and mouse chase ensues.

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Plot Keywords:

buried alive | poliziottesco | 1970s | burglar | emerald | 

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Taglines:

Catch the burglars !

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Genres:

Crime | Thriller | Action

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

The crew stayed at the Hilton Hotel in Athens during the shooting from February 1971 to April 1971.

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Goofs

Just before the car chase begins, Abel Zacharia is following the burglars around the docks. They act like they don't see him until they find their ship dry-docked, but in every scene he is the only car around besides them, is clearly very close to them watching them, and follows them closely. It would take a blind person to not notice they were being followed.

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Quotes

Azad: We've each got a job to do, but you want to do both, and that leads to complications.
Abel Zacharia: Not at all, it's very simple. I play both sides. If things go wrong, I start acting like a policeman again.

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Connections

Referenced in Lovelace (2013)

User Reviews

First rate car chase and a nice plot

There are few reasons to watch this well made action, thriller, heist, fun flick: 1) Awesome car chase in the streets of Prauge (Another reason to watch)that makes all those CGI look alike cry. 2) The restaurant scene which will make you want to eat those tasty looking dishes, while Omar Sheriff and Belmondo are having a witty dialog. 3) Belmondo over the top stunts, you have to see to believe. This guy was nuts alright. 4) Excellent as always, Ennio Morricone soundtrack. 5) The funny Ending.

If you are looking for a good 70's action fun, with some nice exotic places, with great car chase and good cast, go a head try it!

Details

Country:

France Italy

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 June 1972 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Burglars

Filming Locations:

Corfu Island, Greece

Box Office

Budget:

FRF15,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Films, Vides Cinematografica

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min 113 min (TCM print)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1