This complicated and tortuous story of a big bank heist in Germany begins slowly. I think "slowly" is the right word,, although maybe "impenetrably" would be more apt. At any rate I couldn't figure out what the hell was going on. It's clear early on that extremely handsome Warren Beatty is a bank security specialist and Goldie Hawn with the enormous blue eyes of a child's doll are in cahoots to rob some illegal money. Maybe.
The lead may be deliberate but the pace picks up during the crime itself and practically goes apoplectic during the lengthy climax, which does not involve a shoot out, Gott sei dank, but only pursuits on foot, by car, and on trains. The running that Beatty alone does would give me a heart attack in a few minutes, and never mind the ancillary dangers. Speaking of heart attacks, Scott Brady looks seriously at risk. He has a raspy New York voice, a ruddy complexion, jerky motions, lanky hair, and he seems to sweat gallons.
It's a longie, but it's probably worth watching. The performances are all appropriate and up to professional standards except one (Robert Stiled as an unconvincing US Army major). Gert Fröbe is memorable and the lascivious bank manager.
Brooks has directed with style -- efficiently and without memorable touches.
The lead may be deliberate but the pace picks up during the crime itself and practically goes apoplectic during the lengthy climax, which does not involve a shoot out, Gott sei dank, but only pursuits on foot, by car, and on trains. The running that Beatty alone does would give me a heart attack in a few minutes, and never mind the ancillary dangers. Speaking of heart attacks, Scott Brady looks seriously at risk. He has a raspy New York voice, a ruddy complexion, jerky motions, lanky hair, and he seems to sweat gallons.
It's a longie, but it's probably worth watching. The performances are all appropriate and up to professional standards except one (Robert Stiled as an unconvincing US Army major). Gert Fröbe is memorable and the lascivious bank manager.
Brooks has directed with style -- efficiently and without memorable touches.