In many respects, this film is like any number of British caper films from around the same era in that it's clever, aridly serious and a bit dull. What makes it distinctive is the writing credit earned by star Charles Grodin. His voice is unmistakable, especially in the narration, which comments on the action with Grodin's trademark deadpan hostility. Grodin's perpetual state of unease gives the film a flinty tension it would otherwise lack.

Severely flawed amalgamation of tired heist cliches, awkward voice-overs (used almost exclusively for bad jokes), and a lame finish. Somehow the talents of John Gielgud, James Mason, & Trevor Howard get roped in.