Such a frustrating disappointment

Best movie ever!

Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Master Touch (aka) Un Uomo Da Rispettare is what can be genuinely described as an unsung classic of poliziotto. Outside of 'Escape From Death Row' (1973) this appears to be, Michele Lupo's only foray into the grimy idiom of Italian crime cinema, and by Jove what a dashed shame, as this brisk, stylish actioner is up there with the very best. Premise is simple and stylishly handled: Steve Wallace (Kirk Douglas) is a seasoned heist expert who is encouraged to attempt a seemingly impossible blag of removing $1.000.000 from what initially appears to be an impenetrable fortress masquerading as a bank. What separates this from many other similar titles is the weathered, enigmatic presence of veteran actor, Kirk Douglas, whose roguish, insouciant exterior belies the heart of a truly exemplary, meticulous thief. As Kirk's better half the delightful, Florinda Balkan has little to do outside of sporadic brooding followed by a soupcon of crotch-expanding smolder, but her preternaturally sultry visage has improved many a euro cult offering, and 'Master Touch' benefits exponentially by her ravishing physiognomy; and the woefully underrated, Giulino Gemma excels as the nimble trapeze artist who is recruited to construct what appears to be a vacuum-tight alibi. The film's manifold delights include a destructive, hair raising, cacophonous car chase through the dank streets of Hamburg and the beautifully handled heist is a veritable Boy's own dream. It would be remiss not to mention the low key, atmospheric score by Ennio Morricone which adds a terse piquancy to all the sweaty-browed, Alpha Male theatrics.

In its 92-minutes DVD version, this expensive and expansively produced Italian movie filmed on location in Hamburg, packs in plenty of fast-paced action. Kirk Douglas makes the best of a meaty role and he is well supported by Florinda Bolkan as the girl friend who has had enough excitement and Guiliano Gemma (sic on the Alpha DVD) who is about to experience his baptism of fire on the wrong side of the law. The music score by Ennio Morricone is effective while watching the movie but gives you nothing to hum about when you leave the theatre, but I guess you can't have everything. The bargain-priced Alpha DVD is reasonably well-framed even though it is presented in a halfway fashion midway between full screen and scope. Well, as I've already said, I guess you can't have everything, and this movie is a most definite MUST for all Kirk Douglas fans.

A not bad but also not so great heist film. Kirk Douglas is a recently released from prison safe-cracker who, after turning down an offer from the Mob, decides to pull the job himself. He recruits circus gymnast Giuliano Gemma. Mayhem ensues. Douglas and Gemma soon find themselves pursued by mafia goon Romano Puppo as well as entangled in a really goofy love triangle with Douglas's infinitely patient girlfriend (Florinda Bolkan). Director Michele Lupo keeps the pace moving quickly and there's at least one excellent and creative car chase sequence involving Puppo & Gemma. Though an Italian production, most of the filming appears to have been done in Germany. Douglas is fine, not just slumming it in an Giallo quickie. The striking Bolkan gives a terrific performance. The music is by Ennio Morricone and the cinematography is by the great Tonino Delli Colli, who managed to work with everyone in Italy (from Wertmuller and Fellini to Pasolini and Leone).

Michele Lupo directed this Morricone—scored Eurothriller made after all the precepts of the art; the cast is _prima—Douglas, Gemma and Mrs. Bolkan (a '70s lean supple _cutie _hottie, in case anyone is rude enough to inquire …).Genre—wise, THE MASTER TOUCH is a very straightforward gritty caper. The regular elements of a Eurothriller are on display—streetwise characters, car—chases, fistfights (between Gemma, here a circus acrobat, and his nemesis). A good caper functions on the diversity of the crooks involved—e.g., Gabin and Delon; or, Pitt, Clooney, etc.; or, here, Douglas and Gemma.The score is scarce but very atmospheric—dramatic and creepy, enhancing the suspense. This chilling music is, as mentioned previously, Morricone's.The denouement scene on the waterfront is both exciting, awesome, and iconic, coining some iconic frames for all three protagonists—Douglas, deceived; Gemma, scared; and Mrs. Bolkan, so cool, a genuine noir woman. The names allude to Douglas playing an American, and Mrs. Bolkan, a Hispanic babe, though the action is set in Germany.Gemma was, of course, a '70s Italian (anachronistic) cross between a Pitt and a Willis—anyway, smoother than Willis and less talented than Pitt ….Pals, if you are as addicted to Eurothrillers as I believe you are, then there's no further need to add that these flicks are distinguished by a singular gritty sharpness, their melodrama is sharp and singularly appealing. I have done a few entries here on this genre—movies with Nero, Delon ….