Out of the thirteen full-length films he completed before his premature death I have now seen ten which is a reasonable sampling to give him a rating. I tend to be more tolerant that French critics because as I've had occasion to note on previous occasions the cinema-goers are, in the main spoiled as they get to see as many French films as they have a mind to whilst we on this side of the Manche have very much to subsist on crumbs from the rich man's table. This is very much an episodic film or a series of vignettes in which the gentleman thief delights in pitting his wits against wealthy art and jewel owners and always coming away with the prize. Above all the film is both elegant and stylish so that even if you can't work up a sweat of the ploy you can bask in the sumptuous settings.
Review of The Adventures of Arsène Lupin
