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Rough Cut (1980)
    
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Directed
by:
Don Siegel |
COUNTRY
USA |
GENRE
Heist/Comedy |
NORWEGIAN TITLE
Kjeltringer, vi? |
RUNNING
TIME
101 minutes |
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Produced
by:
David Merrick |
Written by
(based on a novel by Derek Lambert):
Larry Gelbart |
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.
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