Le Guignolo

In Le Guignolo, Alexandre Dupré is a veteran con artist who uses multiple identities, including the Vicomte de Valombreuse, to stay one step ahead of the game. He travels to Venice hoping to hoodwink a pair of Japanese businessmen with a counterfeit Caneletto. On a flight, a stranger asks him to guard his briefcase until after landing, and Dupré agrees. The man is shot soon after, and the briefcase becomes a magnet for rival agents and secret schemes. Suddenly Dupré finds himself dodging traps, double crosses, and furious pursuers while trying to keep his own cover intact. The chase moves from planes to glamorous streets as the tension escalates.

Directed by Georges Lautner and released in 1980, Le Guignolo draws its energy from a screenplay by Jean Herman and Michel Audiard. The film showcases Jean-Paul Belmondo as Alexandre Dupré with Mirella D'Angelo, Michel Galabru, Carla Romanelli, and Paolo Bonacelli in key roles.

Belmondo's rugged charm gives Le Guignolo a lively profile among late 70s and early 80s French capers. Venetian locations, witty banter, and a high energy chase create a confident tone that fans remember. The film helped reinforce his image as a resourceful rogue.

Critics have mixed views on Le Guignolo, praising its brisk pacing and witty dialogue while noting occasional unevenness. The movie explores deception, greed, and loyalty as a seasoned thief navigates shifting alliances and the constant threat of pursuit.