Le Voleur
1967 Crime / Comedy / Drama
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Credits
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Summary
Georges Randal, one of Paris’ most notorious thieves, looks back on his life as
he prepares to pillage another well-furnished domicile. Orphaned at an early age,
he was brought up by his uncle, who managed to squander his entire inheritance before
he could receive it. Georges’ hopes of marrying his beloved cousin Charlotte
were likewise thwarted when the same uncle contrived to have her marry a wealthy neighbour.
A desperate Georges claimed his revenge by breaking into the house of Charlotte’s
fiancé and stealing the engagement presents. Having acquired a taste for
burglary, Georges decided to make this his career...
Review
Sadly underrated, Le Voleur is one of Louis Malle’s
most attractive films, an entertaining and beautifully crafted comedy which gleefully
satirises the attitudes of the nouveaux riches. It affords Jean-Paul Belmondo one
of his most substantial roles, one which allows the actor to give one of his most credible
and likeable performances. The costumes and sets give the film the feel of an extravagant
production piece, which is matched by Malle’s skill as both a writer and director.
Few French comedies are as well made as this, and even fewer directors allowed Belmondo
to show his true worth as an actor. Whilst it may not have the artistic kudos
of some of Malle's other work, Le Voleur should
be rated as one of his accomplishments.
© James Travers 2004
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