CARTOUCHE (3+ outta 5 stars) Rousing comedy-action-drama about a rascally rogue in 18th Century France who is a sort of a cross between Zorro and Robin Hood... except that he's not necessarily helping the less fortunate so much as helping himself. No matter, as played by Jean-Paul Belmondo he is a charming hero... even when committing the unpardonable sin of wooing another woman while he has the steadfast love of the most beautiful woman in all of Europe (Claudia Cardinale). For those who love a good swashbuckler, this movie won't leave you disappointed. I found this movie tremendously entertaining, even in spite of the atrocious American dubbing. I will probably wind up giving this movie an even better rating when I finally get a chance to see it in its original language. Tired of his talent for thievery being exploited, Cartouche brazenly challenges the authority of the leader of the city's criminal population. Biting off a bit more than he can chew at the time, he takes a position in the French military. He and his new comrades not only manage to make off with a fortune in gold, but Cartouche wins over the ridiculously beautiful gypsy-thief Venus (Cardinale). Cartouche proves himself to not be without flaws... which gives the rousing finale an extra bit of resonance. Classic adventure movie-making... you don't see many movies like this anymore!
