The Brain

Two petty thieves named Arthur and Anatole hatch a plan to steal a fortune on a train that runs from Paris to Brussels. They assume the job will be straightforward, but they soon discover that several rival teams are after the same haul. What follows is a brisk, witty game of cat and mouse as misdirection, disguises, and reversals collide on the moving target. A colorful lineup of accomplices and a fearsome Italian godfather tangles the scheme, turning the caper into a lively battle of wits. Humor rests on timing and character interaction rather than violence. The result is a caper that glances at era's fashion and landscapes, letting humor emerge from character quirks as much as from plot twists.

Released in 1969, The Brain was directed by Gerard Oury with a screenplay by Danièle Thompson and Marcel Jullian. The film blends crime and comedy and stars Jean-Paul Belmondo and Bourvil in a clever ensemble caper built around a moving train heist.

Box office figures from that era are not consistently cited, but the movie stands out as a lively crowd pleaser and a notable example of European co production that kept audiences engaged.

The Brain remains memorable for its on screen rapport between Belmondo and Bourvil, and the sly humor of the planning sequences. The film serves up audacious bursts of action while letting character dynamics pace the humor, not just the chase. It helped define a festive brisk French caper vibe that many later entries in the genre would echo.

Critics welcomed its brisk pacing, witty exchanges, and the way the caper uses a complicated scheme to explore trust ambition and luck. The balance of danger and humor keeps the tone light without losing momentum. It also spotlights the era's French cinema style with sharp dialogue and stylish visuals, enhancing the sense of play.