The Upper Hand

The Upper Hand (original French title: Du rififi à Paname) is a 1966 French-Italian crime thriller directed by Denys de La Patellière, who co-wrote the screenplay with Alphonse Boudard. It is adapted from the novel of the same name by Auguste Le Breton, published in 1964. The cast is led by Jean Gabin, George Raft, Gert Fröbe, Nadja Tiller and Mireille Darc. The story revolves around gold smuggling, unfolding in the Parisian underworld where organized criminal networks and their international dealings drive the suspense. The film was released in West Germany under the title Rififi in Paris and runs about 96 minutes. It stands as a characteristic example of the European co-production thrillers of the mid-1960s.