Main Cast: Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine, Herbert Lom, Roger C. Carmel, Arnold Moss
Release Year: 1966
Country: US
Run Time: 109 minutes
Plot
Ideal and reality clash in this humorous tale of the heist that could have been. As scheming career cat burglar Harry Dean (Michael Cane) prepares to steal a priceless statue from the world's richest man, he seeks out the assistance of Eurasian showgirl Suzy Chang Shirley Maclaine). Though the likeable rogue's plan seems foolproof as he conveys the details to his partner Ram (Robert C. Carmel), the execution proves a detailed study in Murphy's Law. Constantly reinventing the plan as his originally ideal spirals ever more out of control, it seems as if Harry's heist is destined to fail. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Review
Gambit is a delightful caper film, entertainingly styled by cinematographer-turned-director Ronald Neame. It features fine lead performances from Michael Caine and Shirley MacLaine, and a similarly strong supporting performance from Herbert Lom, the ostensible victim of their crime. The clever story mixes a fun, lightweight attitude with an intricate series of twists, helping it work as both a mystery and a comedy. The material owes a great debt to the Cary Grant-Audrey Hepburn 1963 comedy/thriller Charade, though both films imitate the 1954 Jules Dassin classic Rififi. Nonetheless, Gambit stands up well, with fine production design, gorgeous costumes, and handsome cinematography from the reliable Clifford Stine. ~ Richard Gilliam, All Movie Guide
John Abbott - Emile Fournier; Richard Angarola - Col. Salim; Maurice Marsac - Hotel Clerk; Paul Bradley - Man in Cafe
Credit
Alexander Golitzen - Art Director, George C. Webb - Art Director, Jean Louis - Costume Designer, Joseph E. Kenny - First Assistant Director, Ronald Neame - Director, Alma Macrorie - Editor, Maurice Jarre - Composer (Music Score), Bud Westmore - Makeup, Sydney Guilaroff - Makeup, Clifford Stine - Cinematographer, Leo Fuchs - Producer, John P. Austin - Set Designer, John McCarthy - Set Designer, Waldon O. Watson - Sound/Sound Designer, Sidney Carroll - Screen Story, Jack Davies - Screenwriter, Alvin Sargent - Screenwriter
A remake of Gambit has been mooted for several years. Joel and Ethan Coen completed a screenplay which was expected to be released in 2009. However Colin Firth, who was rumoured to star as Harry Dean, said in September 2008 "No! It’s a complete lie. It’s been on IMDB and just sitting there" and "The Coen brothers have written an absolutely brilliant script." Other personnel lined up for the remake included Hugh Grant, Ben Kingsley, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston.[2]
