Bob the Gambler

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Bob the Gambler

PG,

1955,

1h 43m,

Crime/

Drama

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Watchlist

97%

34 Reviews

Tomatometer

90%

5,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

34 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

In Paris, Bob Montagne (Roger Duchesne) is practically synonymous with gambling -- and winning. He is kind, classy and well-liked by virtually everyone in town, including police inspector Ledru (Guy Decomble). However, when Bob's luck turns sour, he begins to lose friends and makes the most desperate gamble of his life: to rob the Deauville casino during Grand Prix weekend, when the vaults are full. Unfortunately, Bob soon learns that the game is rigged and the cops are on to him.

Critics Consensus

Majorly stylish, Bob le Flambeur is a cool homage to American gangster films and the presage to French New Wave mode of seeing.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Aug 1, 2007

This light, breezy 1955 heist film is probably the least characteristic movie Jean-Pierre Melville ever made.

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Variety Staff

Variety

Aug 1, 2007

Lagging direction, so-so thesping and usual femme and lowdown aspects of this type production make this an ordinary entry.

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Alan Morrison

Empire Magazine

Apr 23, 2005

A must for those who like their crime capers cool and elegant.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Nov 18, 2023

This is French Noir mellowed by gentle humor, delightful characters, and a world of trenchcoat-clad wiseguys and streetside bars and gentlemanly manners that exists only in the romance of the movies.

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Fedor Tot

Vague Visages

Jun 13, 2023

In the end, though, the execution of the heist is not shown, but rather entirely withheld because it does not matter. The process has been perfected.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Mar 2, 2022

4/4

Bob is the singular example of Melville's style, both a product of American iconography, yet rooted in a certain French mysticism and poetry.

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George R

Feb 3, 2018

A french film inspired by American noir, said to be known as Jarmuch's favorite film and one of Tarentino's too. It's about a gambler and retired crook is a known man in his area. Everyone nows Bob. He's got lots of friends and a few enemies. He treats most people nicely and knows what's up in his surroundings. This true G is starting to get short on money, so he's planning a robbery at a casino. It's planning takes time and effort, but we he get around in stylich ways. The film looks really good. It got some tension and is filled with cliches but they are not badly played at all - it gives a classic vibe. It even got that pretty girl music when the young bi-role enter her scenes. A smart piece of work with especially a great last part. Brilliant stuff, actually! My second film in ten days from Melville and I'm planning to see more the next couple of weeks. 8.5 out of 10 casino chips.

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Theodore W

May 19, 2017

It's a crime to give this movie a bad review, but in my opinion, it is a fallacy to give this movie a great one. Its plot is flimsy, the script is out of wack, the editing is all wrong, and most of the acting is decidedly below expectations. Yet, in all its undeniable flaws, this is a competently directed, atmospheric noir.

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Luke G

Jan 12, 2017

An aging former gangster who earns his living by gambling plans one last job ... robbing a casino on the most profitable day of the year. Melville solidifies his style with this film. Ultra cool characters in a crime drama where the characters drive the plot. It's a very low budget film, so Melville works with what he can afford. Roger Duchesne, who stars as Bob, was a veteran actor, but apparently had alcohol issues. Daniel Cauchy and the truly stunning Isabelle Corey were amateurs. Although the acting is not incredible, Melville gets good performances from this cast. In a way, it reminds me of a more laid back version of "The Asphalt Jungle" with an even stronger existentialist/fatalist streak.

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Abraham M

Jan 10, 2017

A great Noir film that has great pacing from comedy, to suspense. The writing, acting, and cinematography are absolutely wonderful.

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Jean-Pierre Melville

Director

Roger Duchesne

Bob Montagné

Isabelle Corey

Anne

Daniel Cauchy

Paolo

Howard Vernon

McKimmie, le commanditaire

Guy Decomble

Insp. Ledru

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Synopsis

In Paris, Bob Montagne (Roger Duchesne) is practically synonymous with gambling -- and winning. He is kind, classy and well-liked by virtually everyone in town, including police inspector Ledru (Guy Decomble). However, when Bob's luck turns sour, he begins to lose friends and makes the most desperate gamble of his life: to rob the Deauville casino during Grand Prix weekend, when the vaults are full. Unfortunately, Bob soon learns that the game is rigged and the cops are on to him.

Director: Jean-Pierre Melville
Producer: Jean-Pierre Melville, Serge Silberman
Production Co: Organisation Générale Cinématographique
Rating: PG
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: French (France)
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Jan 5, 2018
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA): $41.0K
Runtime: 1h 43m

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