Heist movies are part of Hollywood's staple diet these days, but it's interesting to see 'Armoured Car Robbery', a take on the theme dating back to 1950. The film has some plusses: interesting cinematography of industrial L.A., William Tallman's performance as the intelligent, edgy villain, and a low-key mood of realism that prevails throughout. But the limitations of acting and cinematic technique of the period can never be completely forgotten while viewing, and the final scene is bizarrely weak. Ultimately, it doesn't stand comparison with the best of today's movies; but there are plenty of modern heist films that have borrowed the concept, and which may be slick, but which also seem empty and trite in comparison.
Review of Armored Car Robbery
