Even though it leans heavily on Topkapi for inspiration, this starring vehicle for Michael Caine is at times one of the tautest edge-of-seat thrillers the Sixties produced. The film starts with a robbery as it would be if the plan went off to perfection - so we know that it won't. Strangely, that doesn't take the edge away from the suspense. Ronald Neame's direction frays away the nerves, the cutting is commendable and the storyline keeps giving out with another twist to wind us back to fingernail level. Shirley MacLaine is delicious as the girl who slides between bars like a gymnastic eel.

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