Lautlos wie die Nacht

It is true that Any Number Can Win oozes dulcet tones of its genre, but what else would you expect with such masters in the shape of Gabin and Delon under the control of a director of Verneuille’s capacity. But instead of a first class symphony we get rather a plodding, unremarkable movie where no amount of numbers make any difference. (18.05.2008)

Excellent, already a classic crime film, one of the treasures of its genre. All the ingredients are carefully balanced, elaborate script, clever direction, stellar cast with excellent performances, with the charismatic and reliable Gabin shining alongside the young Alain Delon, who later fell into mediocrity and lived off his fame. Constant tension, sophistication, sometimes humorous exaggeration, which leads to the tragicomic punchline of a failed robbery. Polished dialogues and characters that do not rustle on paper and can be believed. High-quality music. When I count all the positive adjectives I have used, it is not possible to give less than 90% and 5 stars. It is simply a film from a time when audience-pleasing filmmaking did not rely on digital effects. (18.05.2008)