The Brain (1969 film)

The Brain () is a 1969 French comedic film helmed by Gérard Oury, revolving around a follow-up train heist orchestrated by the same criminal responsible for the 1963 Great Train Robbery. Featuring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Bourvil as small-time French thieves, David Niven as Colonel Matthews—a British Army officer and the criminal genius behind the plot—and Eli Wallach portraying a Sicilian mafia figure.

Plot

Arthur, about to be released from incarceration, escapes to team up with Anatole in executing a nighttime robbery of a train carrying millions in NATO funds from Paris to Brussels. Colonel Matthews, known as 'The Brain' and the architect of the earlier heist, coordinates the plan and recruits mafioso Scannapieco to handle money laundering in exchange for a share. Complications arise when Sofia, Scannapieco’s sister, becomes interested in Matthews, leading her brother to insist on claiming the entire loot.

Posing as railway employees, Arthur and Anatole infiltrate the secure carriage by deploying stink bombs that force the guards to open it. Once inside, Matthews’ use of gas and explosives incapacitates the guards and detaches the carriage. Arthur and Anatole then drop bags filled with cash at a predetermined location where Matthews’ crew—disguised as firefighters—collects them and speeds away with sirens blaring. At a checkpoint, mafiosi led by Scannapieco intercept the disguised firemen to smuggle the money concealed within a replica of the Statue of Liberty.

A thrilling pursuit follows involving Arthur and Anatole driving a commandeered DS19, Sofia behind the wheel of a BMW 2000 coupé, while police give chase. The sequence concludes at the docks of Le Havre where the Statue of Liberty replica is loaded onto the vessel SS France. Arthur recovers the hidden cash inside, scattering banknotes among onlookers. The movie ends aboard the ship entering New York Harbor, as Matthews reveals his next scheme: a bullion theft targeting Fort Knox.

Music

The film's score was composed by Georges Delerue, with its main theme performed by The American Breed. Additionally, the soundtrack includes Cento giorni, sung by Caterina Caselli.

Reception

This film ranked as the top-grossing French production at France’s box office in 1969.

External links

• The Brain at le Film Guide