Le Voleur (1967) - film review

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...

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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