Rough Cut (1980)

	Directed by: Don Siegel	COUNTRY USA GENRE Heist/Comedy NORWEGIAN TITLE Kjeltringer, vi? RUNNING TIME 101 minutes
	Produced by: David Merrick
	Written by (based on a novel by Derek Lambert): Larry Gelbart

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Jack Rhodes	Burt Reynolds	½
Gillian Bromley	Lesley-Anne Down	½
Chief Inspector Cyril Willis	David Niven
Nigel Lawton	Timothy West	½-
Ernst Mueller	Patrick Magee	½
Ferguson	Al Matthews	-
Sheila	Susan Littler	-
Inspector Vanderveld	Joss Ackland	-
Mrs. Willis	Isabel Dean	-
De Gooyer	Wolf Kahler	-
Pilbrow	Andrew Ray	-

Review

A stylish and frisky caper comedy starring a dapper and irresistibly charismatic Burt Reynolds and a delicate and impish Lesley-Anne Down. The two strike up an exquisite chemistry between them which elevates a rather ordinary but well-written crime story, adapted by M*A*S*H penner Larry Gelbart from Derek Lambert's novel "Touch the Lion's Paw". In what would be his penultimate film, veteran director Don Siegel (Dirty Harry, The Shootist) guides his stars and the narrative skilfully, ensuring a rather effective balance between playful facetiousness and serious heist drama. The movie's real magnetism is all down to Reynolds, however. He is dashing and immaculately elegant, sporting his take on the Transatlantic accent. The combination of Down and the European setting makes him seem more sophisticated. And he delivers quip after quip with his usual brilliant comic timing. There's also a refined supporting performance by an in-form David Niven, one of his last screen appearances.