Cartouche

In 18th century France, the charismatic pickpocket  Dominique (Jean-Paul Belmondo) takes over the leadership of the gang previously led by the toppled Malichot, calling himself Cartouche in the process. As Cartouche only steals from the rich and has part of his spoils distributed among the poor, the popular thief wins the sympathies of the population – as well as the love of Roma woman Vénus (Claudia Cardinale). Freely adapted from the historical story, Philippe de Broca depicts Cartouche as a sort of French Robin Hood in a powerful, comic-like adventure film in magnificent Cinemascope colors. Georges Delerue composed the congenial, hymnic film music, creating one of his most compelling soundtracks in the process. (hjf)