An underrated Euro-American hybrid heist movie starring Warren Beatty and Goldie Hawn
Outside security consultant Warren is the inside man who has a cunning plan, which involves cleaning out the safety deposit boxes of villains only, who he has identified via a network of female friends in low places. It's a pretty nifty plan and things go well, however, although the villains may not be able to go crying to the Police about the loss of their ill-gotten gains, it doesn't mean they have to take things lying down. Previously they have been given ample opportunity to demonstrate their nasty credentials during the first act, in true 1970s cinematic tradition, so when they come after Warren and Goldie, the audience can take the threat very seriously. Exciting chases ensue.
The heist sequence is nicely handled, with enough things not quite going to plan to keep the tension level up. The chases are also well filmed for the most part and the villains meet suitably nasty ends. There is also an interesting sub plot involving champagne.
The movie is spiced up with some "European" styling, unusual soundtrack noises and funky camera angles, which are needed, as Hamburg is a rather dull setting, seemingly always overcast and dank looking. Because its winter of course, but why? Perhaps it was just the only time Warren had free in his calendar that year? Actually, to be fair, the winter setting does come in very handy later, when it's comes time to off one of the main villains (fisty-cuffs and gunplay not being one of Warren's strengths), but most of the time it's just a bit of a downer. And why Hamburg? Maybe the City council chipped in some tax breaks or something? They do make some use of the Reeperbahn, but a similar location could have been found in any major city.
Warren's 1970s Hollywood playboy haircut looks jarringly out of place sitting on top of a security advisers suit in a conservative German bank. As if he and Goldie just walked in from the set of "Shampoo" to Hamburg, but in fact it they were filmed the other way around. Goldie is still in "Laugh In" mode, relying mainly on her cuteness factor, big eyes and giggly charm. Gert "Goldfinger" Frobe is perfect as the baffoonish bank manager, while Arthur Brauss and Scott Brady are both excellent in their different ways, as the main villains.
Little Richard contributes sporadic musical snippits, mainly in the night club scenes, which also feature sporadic nudity.
Outside security consultant Warren is the inside man who has a cunning plan, which involves cleaning out the safety deposit boxes of villains only, who he has identified via a network of female friends in low places. It's a pretty nifty plan and things go well, however, although the villains may not be able to go crying to the Police about the loss of their ill-gotten gains, it doesn't mean they have to take things lying down. Previously they have been given ample opportunity to demonstrate their nasty credentials during the first act, in true 1970s cinematic tradition, so when they come after Warren and Goldie, the audience can take the threat very seriously. Exciting chases ensue.
The heist sequence is nicely handled, with enough things not quite going to plan to keep the tension level up. The chases are also well filmed for the most part and the villains meet suitably nasty ends. There is also an interesting sub plot involving champagne.
The movie is spiced up with some "European" styling, unusual soundtrack noises and funky camera angles, which are needed, as Hamburg is a rather dull setting, seemingly always overcast and dank looking. Because its winter of course, but why? Perhaps it was just the only time Warren had free in his calendar that year? Actually, to be fair, the winter setting does come in very handy later, when it's comes time to off one of the main villains (fisty-cuffs and gunplay not being one of Warren's strengths), but most of the time it's just a bit of a downer. And why Hamburg? Maybe the City council chipped in some tax breaks or something? They do make some use of the Reeperbahn, but a similar location could have been found in any major city.
Warren's 1970s Hollywood playboy haircut looks jarringly out of place sitting on top of a security advisers suit in a conservative German bank. As if he and Goldie just walked in from the set of "Shampoo" to Hamburg, but in fact it they were filmed the other way around. Goldie is still in "Laugh In" mode, relying mainly on her cuteness factor, big eyes and giggly charm. Gert "Goldfinger" Frobe is perfect as the baffoonish bank manager, while Arthur Brauss and Scott Brady are both excellent in their different ways, as the main villains.
Little Richard contributes sporadic musical snippits, mainly in the night club scenes, which also feature sporadic nudity.