An end-of-Bond-era vehicle for Sean Connery, this early '70s heist movie carries the unfortunate burden of echoing other, better films. The paranoid tone evokes but doesn't equal Coppola's The Conversation, while Connery is no match for Point Blank's Lee Marvin in the tough guy ex-con stakes.
Director Sidney Lumet, usually such a reliable navigator in thriller territory, here goes for modish flamboyance, typified by Quincy Jones' dated score. Result: irritating sound design and a bizarre performance from gritty character-type Martin Balsam as a gay thief with excellent taste in antiques. On the plus side, Christopher Walken displays considerable star quality and cool hair in his first major role.