The First Great Train Robbery (1978)

Directed by Michael Crichton
Starred Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland, Lesley-Anne Down, Alan Webb,  Malcolm Terris, Robert Lang, Michael Elphick, Wayne Sleep, Pamela Salem, Gabrielle Lloyd, George Drowning, ...
1978, United Kingdom, English, 110 minutes.

Originally titled as The First Great Train Robbery, but also known as The Great Train Robbery is a true heist movie classic. It wouldn't be possible to have a blog on heist movies without talking about this movie. 

The largest part of the movie is lengthy and entertaining preparations of a well-detailed robbery. You would find every element of a good robbery without disappointment.  The story of the movie is based on a Michael Crichton novel also based loosely on a real life train robbery took place in 1855. 

An interesting note on making of the film is Sean Connery does all his own stunts on the top of a moving train which travels over 80 km per hour. Also, the actor who played Clean Billy, who climb up the wall and who also does his own stunts was one of United Kingdom's premiere ballet dancers.

It is a robbery movie a true heist movie fan would enjoy very much. Anyway, if you are into the genre, you should know that this movie is often listed in many listings as one of the best robbery movies of all times.

To see the whole blog, click here. 

If you look for;

a heist based on a true story

a well-organized robbery movie

a team-work heist movie

a heist movie with great actors

a period-heist movie 

a heist classic

then this is your movie.

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If you liked this movie, I believe you might like also:

(available in the blog)

Entrapment (1999)

Ocean's Eleven (1960)

Rififi / Du Rififi Chez Des Hommes (1955)

***  

Degree: Pure Theft Movie

Sub-Category: Pickpocketing, Gold Robbery, Train Robbery

Excellence of Robbery Plan: 4/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 4/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 4/5

Actors' Performances: 4/5

Excitement Level: 3/5

Surprise Level: 2/5

Humor Level: 1/5

Originality of the Story in General: 4/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 4/5

Rating the Movie As A Whole: 3/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.