An enjoyable film. Low budget, however, the film does not suffer in the least. Typical of this era of British films, with a solid American actor (Aldo Ray), as the lead. Broody, but not really convincing. Good acting by Albert Sharpe played "Tosher". Cameos aplenty from stock actors. First time seeing Peter O'Toole in a supporting role, playing the guards officer in charge of security at the Bank. In my opinion he stole the show, if you will pardon the pun. I see that the film is based on a novel, so wishful thinking as far as the plot goes. I was born and now work in the City of London, so I know that there was obviously a lot of research concerning the sewers and the streets above them. This made the film even more enjoyable.
16 Reviews
Raidin' the Queen's cash box!
moonspinner5520 March 2005
Aldo Ray is sturdy and handsome as Irish-American recruited to help a group of disparate Irish characters rob the "impregnable" Bank of England in the early 1900s. Some suspense and neat ideas in this low-keyed, minimally-budgeted MGM production (one which rarely turns up on the Turner Classics channel). There's some confusion later on about the purpose of the bank robbery and why the wily coot who started the whole thing wants to pull out, but Peter O'Toole is wonderfully intense and suspicious (and incredibly young) as the chief soldier guarding the gold bullion, and Ray is always good to watch: he's not only the leader of this operation but the driving force behind the picture as well; his quick-thinking nature is mirrored in his eyes, and he never overdoes anything (he's all business). Straight-forward drama is given good direction and the supporting cast is colorful. As for the ending...do they get away with it? You may have to buy a bootleg copy to find out! **1/2 from ****
Ray versus O'Toole
blanche-230 August 2010
Aldo Ray and Peter O'Toole star in "The Day They Robbed the Bank of England," a 1960 film directed by John Guillerman. Ray plays Norgate, an American who sympathizes with the Irish republican movement. To this end, he and his cronies plan to rob the Bank of England. Befriending a guard, Captain Finch (O'Toole) while in a pub, over time Norgate manages to gather many details about the layout of the bank and the whereabouts of the vault with the gold bullion.
This is the type of "caper" film very popular in the 1960s. It's a small British film and a little slow in spots, but intriguing. The Captain is one of O'Toole's early roles, so it's definitely of interest to see him.
One of my problems with this movie is the weak script - it seemed odd to me that the Captain didn't realize pretty quickly what Norgate was up to. The acting, however, is very good, with some fine character actors offering great support: Kieron Moore, Albert Sharpe, and others. The lovely Elizabeth Sellars plays the liaison with Ireland -- she was widowed as a result of the cause.
Entertaining.
This is the type of "caper" film very popular in the 1960s. It's a small British film and a little slow in spots, but intriguing. The Captain is one of O'Toole's early roles, so it's definitely of interest to see him.
One of my problems with this movie is the weak script - it seemed odd to me that the Captain didn't realize pretty quickly what Norgate was up to. The acting, however, is very good, with some fine character actors offering great support: Kieron Moore, Albert Sharpe, and others. The lovely Elizabeth Sellars plays the liaison with Ireland -- she was widowed as a result of the cause.
Entertaining.
A Tunnel Job Requires A Miner
bkoganbing18 May 2011
For a chance to see Peter O'Toole before Lawrence Of Arabia, I would highly recommend The Day They Robbed The Bank Of England. It's a period caper film set at the turn of the last century about some Fenians attempting to rob the Bank Of England itself.
The Irish cause as personified by Hugh Griffith as acquired the services of an American Irish patriot in the person of Aldo Ray. Among his other qualifications is that of a miner if a tunnel job is needed and he surveys it and says it is.
He also cultivates Coldstream guardsman Peter O'Toole who is glad to have a new drinking companion and he furnishes all kinds of information about the bank and its security. He also begins to suspect something is terribly amiss at the bank though he can't put his finger on it.
Ray's crew consists of Albert Sharpe in his farewell performance who's more of a hindrance than a help, Elizabeth Sellars with whom he has a past and Kieron Moore who Sellars has a present. That does not make for a smooth running operation.
John Guillermin who later directed such films I liked as Death On The Nile and Guns At Batasi directed The Day They Robbed The Bank Of England at a really nice pace and brought out some good characterizations from his players. As for the job itself will it succeed is up to both the caprices of men and politics. Hugh Griffith who is one of my favorite actors and who has the wildest most expressive eyes ever in cinema represents the politics of the Irish cause and quite well.
A very nice film, The Day They Robbed The Bank Of England and for his fans a wonderful opportunity to see Peter O'Toole before he became a star.
The Irish cause as personified by Hugh Griffith as acquired the services of an American Irish patriot in the person of Aldo Ray. Among his other qualifications is that of a miner if a tunnel job is needed and he surveys it and says it is.
He also cultivates Coldstream guardsman Peter O'Toole who is glad to have a new drinking companion and he furnishes all kinds of information about the bank and its security. He also begins to suspect something is terribly amiss at the bank though he can't put his finger on it.
Ray's crew consists of Albert Sharpe in his farewell performance who's more of a hindrance than a help, Elizabeth Sellars with whom he has a past and Kieron Moore who Sellars has a present. That does not make for a smooth running operation.
John Guillermin who later directed such films I liked as Death On The Nile and Guns At Batasi directed The Day They Robbed The Bank Of England at a really nice pace and brought out some good characterizations from his players. As for the job itself will it succeed is up to both the caprices of men and politics. Hugh Griffith who is one of my favorite actors and who has the wildest most expressive eyes ever in cinema represents the politics of the Irish cause and quite well.
A very nice film, The Day They Robbed The Bank Of England and for his fans a wonderful opportunity to see Peter O'Toole before he became a star.
Period caper movie
lorenellroy30 July 2003
This modest but proficient thriller pretty much tells you its plot in the title.It deals with an attempt by the Irish republican movement at the turn of the twentieth century to break into the vaults of the Bank of England and extract the fortune in gold bullion stored there.They call in an American -woodenly played by Aldo Ray -to mastermind the venture and he extracts key information from a Britsh officer ,an early screen role for Peter O'Toole and from a Thames vagrant with knowledge of the sewer system. The climax sees the gang tunneling under the bank in a race against the military who have begun to suspect something is amiss. Cheaply made and slackly written this is still worth watching for the parade of British character actors who pop up and add substance to minor roles and for the touch of cynicism about politics -the Irish movement having plotted the heist find it politically expedient to try and stop it when the political scene changes in their favour
Also on the plus side is its brevity -the movie is under 90 minutes and never drags
Also on the plus side is its brevity -the movie is under 90 minutes and never drags
No getting out of this Irish Stew.
mark.waltz4 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I've never seen a film about the IRA presented so glamorously, with Aldo Ray playing an American of Irish descent who becomes involved in the cause of Irish freedom from Great Britain and decides the best way to aid them is to rob not only a bank, but the bank. This puts him in a tunnel below the bank, a set that has to be seen, and that puts him against his former girlfriend Elizabeth Sellars who knows what he is up to and is completely against it.
The big curiosity about this film will surround a young Peter O'Toole long before he made a name for himself, and he is unforgettable as a bank guard. There's also the lovable old Albert Sharpe, crotchety Hugh Griffith (looking like Fagin from "Oliver Twist") and Kieron Moore. The direction by John Guillermin is most memorable.
This is a film that is just good solid entertainment, suspenseful and ironic because the viewer will most likely want them to get away with it, but I don't think I'd put it down as one I'll watch again and again. Still, it has great production values, a mixture of humor, romance and suspense, and in spite of the image that I have of him in American films, Ray is actually really good in this.
The big curiosity about this film will surround a young Peter O'Toole long before he made a name for himself, and he is unforgettable as a bank guard. There's also the lovable old Albert Sharpe, crotchety Hugh Griffith (looking like Fagin from "Oliver Twist") and Kieron Moore. The direction by John Guillermin is most memorable.
This is a film that is just good solid entertainment, suspenseful and ironic because the viewer will most likely want them to get away with it, but I don't think I'd put it down as one I'll watch again and again. Still, it has great production values, a mixture of humor, romance and suspense, and in spite of the image that I have of him in American films, Ray is actually really good in this.
The Day They Broke O'Toole's Heart
boblipton28 September 2023
At the start of the 20th Century, the Fenians have decided to rob the gold bullion stored in the Bank of England, not only for the cash, but as a political statement. To accomplish this they have imported Irish-American mining-engineer-turned-bankrobber Aldo Ray. He studies the plans of the Bank when he can get his hands on them, and makes a friend of Peter O'Toole, the officer often assigned to command the unit of Guards who make sure the Bank isn't robbed at night.
Although the there's no doubt that it's American Ray in the lead, and the wealth of British performers is a pleasure, with John Le Mesurier, Elizabeth Sellars, and the always entertaining Hugh Griffith on hand, it's most notable as O'Toole's first major role, and he owns the movie with his effete, bored Guardsman who'd like to try thinking just once; when he does, it breaks his heart.
Although the there's no doubt that it's American Ray in the lead, and the wealth of British performers is a pleasure, with John Le Mesurier, Elizabeth Sellars, and the always entertaining Hugh Griffith on hand, it's most notable as O'Toole's first major role, and he owns the movie with his effete, bored Guardsman who'd like to try thinking just once; when he does, it breaks his heart.
Just a so-so movie.
Boba_Fett113816 December 2008
This is actually quite an original heist movie, not because of its story or characters but more because of the fact that the movie is a period movie as well. The movie is set around 1900, thus making this not just your average normal bank robbers movie.
Yet the movie does not work out as good as it potentially could had. The movies takes too much time to build up to the actual heist. It makes the first halve of the movie mostly dragging and not interesting or exciting enough to watch. It even manages to throw in a love interest, which is completely redundant.
It's true that the movie only really gets off the ground once they start the break-in. From that point on the movie becomes actually quite good to watch. It only then becomes obvious that the movie its characters are actually quite interesting and its story can be actually quite clever and intriguing. A bit too late though, making this only a so-so movie, with one good second halve and one weaker first halve.
For 1960 standards its definitely a good and professional British looking movie, despite the fact that this obviously wasn't a movie with a very high budget. It knows to create a good, typical for its period, kind of atmosphere.
All of the actors in the movie are some big unknowns and none of them also really know to impress. At leas they don't leave a lasting impression. Except for the at the time still young Peter O'Toole. This actually was only O'Toole's second movie he ever appeared in but he already had his own trademark style of acting at the time. His character is also easily the best of the movie, which also makes you cheer more for him than his actual 'enemy' and main character of the bank, the professional thief and bank robber, played by Aldo Ray. Come to think of it, why should you even cheer in the first place for the movie its bank robbers? It's not like they are doing it for a good cause, which just doesn't make them the most sympathetic main characters for a movie.
Perhaps it would also had been a better movie if it was just a tad bit more entertaining. It should had paid some more attention to its 'fun', rather than its serious aspects.
A watchable movie, that however also leaves you with the feeling that it isn't as good as it truly could had been.
6/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
Yet the movie does not work out as good as it potentially could had. The movies takes too much time to build up to the actual heist. It makes the first halve of the movie mostly dragging and not interesting or exciting enough to watch. It even manages to throw in a love interest, which is completely redundant.
It's true that the movie only really gets off the ground once they start the break-in. From that point on the movie becomes actually quite good to watch. It only then becomes obvious that the movie its characters are actually quite interesting and its story can be actually quite clever and intriguing. A bit too late though, making this only a so-so movie, with one good second halve and one weaker first halve.
For 1960 standards its definitely a good and professional British looking movie, despite the fact that this obviously wasn't a movie with a very high budget. It knows to create a good, typical for its period, kind of atmosphere.
All of the actors in the movie are some big unknowns and none of them also really know to impress. At leas they don't leave a lasting impression. Except for the at the time still young Peter O'Toole. This actually was only O'Toole's second movie he ever appeared in but he already had his own trademark style of acting at the time. His character is also easily the best of the movie, which also makes you cheer more for him than his actual 'enemy' and main character of the bank, the professional thief and bank robber, played by Aldo Ray. Come to think of it, why should you even cheer in the first place for the movie its bank robbers? It's not like they are doing it for a good cause, which just doesn't make them the most sympathetic main characters for a movie.
Perhaps it would also had been a better movie if it was just a tad bit more entertaining. It should had paid some more attention to its 'fun', rather than its serious aspects.
A watchable movie, that however also leaves you with the feeling that it isn't as good as it truly could had been.
6/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
GOOD HEIST BAD PLAN...!
masonfisk27 December 2018
A tight heist film from the 60's. The IRA is in the early days of their conflict w/mother Britain so they concoct a scheme to rob the Bank of England of a million pounds. An Irish American, played by Aldo Ray, has prior experience w/this kind of theft so he's brought in to lead a group of Paddies to pull off the job. Shot very well in black & white & acted w/rigorous aplomb, the film is 90 minutes of taut action & suspense. The only drawback is a romance that feels superfluous to the action at hand & the typical squabbles within the team which really amount to nothing as the caper is difficult enough to carry the picture across the finish line. Look for an early role by Peter O'Toole who plays a British bank official who Ray sidles to for information.
A Hard Way to ROB at BANK!
whpratt115 October 2004
Enjoyed this B&W film from the 60's and the great acting of Aldo Ray,(Norgate),"Terror Night",'87, who planned a very interesting bank robbery which I thought could never be accomplished. Elizabeth Sellars,(Iris Muldoon),"Jet Storm",'59, gave a great supporting role trying to give aid and good judgment to a bunch of robbers in a back breaking bank robbery! Peter 0'Toole(Captain Fitch," Troy",'04, was an outstanding military officer who had a keen sense of alarm when the gaslights started to dim in the passageways. I never saw bank robbers who took on such a horrible way about robbing a bank, my back was giving me trouble after viewing this picture. If you want to see a very young Peter O'Toole at his best, catch this film on TV sometime!
Not seen enough
Maxence_G10 January 2020
This movie is enjoyable, even if the story is lacking of complexity, you will like it if you are looking for a short movie to watch in family, but not if you want a really mind-blowing or epic movie such as Lawrence of Arabia.
Oh my Gold !!!
searchanddestroy-122 May 2022
One excellent John Guillermin's feature, underrated one, like a diamond or gold nugget remained hidden in the mud. Not really a crime movie but a heist one for sure. And there is in this film some spirit, atmosphere very unique. Much suspense and thrill. Aldo Ray is really impressive, convincing in a very sympathetic and desperate role, ambivalent, poignant. Watch out for the last glance between him and the lady from IRA, when he probably thinks she denounced them to the authorities. But maybe not.... Excellent. I have confounded this film with LEAGUE OF THE GENTLEMEN, another heist UK film from this period, and I know why, because in both you have Kieron Moore.
solid caper
SnoopyStyle7 April 2019
It's 1901 London. A group of Irish revolutionaries at the behest of the IRA plan to rob the Bank of England in a strike against British rule. Charles Norgate (Aldo Ray) is an Irish-American who leads the effort. He was recruited by Iris Muldoon, a widow of the cause. The bank seems impenetrable and there are no easy way to strike a big enough blow. Norgate is able to befriend Lt. Monte Fitch (Peter O'Toole), one of the military soldiers guarding the bank.
The first half is trying to find the Bank's weakness. The second half is the caper. I like the second half much better. Capers are always better in the execution. There is an acting standoff with Aldo Ray going against Peter O'Toole. Ray has the makeup of a muscle head football player. The performance is limited especially compared to O'Toole. The romantic melodrama doesn't take off. I'm a sucker for good capers and the second half helps fulfil that need.
The first half is trying to find the Bank's weakness. The second half is the caper. I like the second half much better. Capers are always better in the execution. There is an acting standoff with Aldo Ray going against Peter O'Toole. Ray has the makeup of a muscle head football player. The performance is limited especially compared to O'Toole. The romantic melodrama doesn't take off. I'm a sucker for good capers and the second half helps fulfil that need.
Not a bad film
vahab15 June 2002
I just saw The day they robbed the Bank of England. It is not a bad film. I think it was very low budget. I have no idea whether the story is true, but at times it was very suspenseful. Peter O'Toole gives a splendid and convincing performance. He was more at ease in this film than any other film that I have seen him. Aldo Ray, who is the main character, at times looks wooden and does not look like someone who cares for Ireland or a woman or anything. I recommend it if it is on TV and for 1 1/2 of relaxation.
Lead actor Aldo Ray could have been seriously considered to play James Bond!
Ed-Shullivan30 October 2018
Based on Aldo Ray's fine performance in "The Day They Robbed the Bank of England" as both the brains and the muscles behind the Irish movements attempt at independence by literally breaking into the Queens bank and robbing her of their gold bullion, this black and white film could have been the impetus for the latter 1966 TV series Mission Impossible.
The film starts off a bit slow as we get to know the two main characters, the Irish American Charles Norgate (Aldo Ray) and Captain Monty Finch (Peter O'Toole) who is more than just a tad bit bored of being responsible for protecting the heavily secured vault of the Bank of England.
As the movie progresses Aldo Ray shines brighter and brighter in his lead role which in my personal opinion should have lead to his serious consideration for the lead role in the very first James Bond film, 1962's Dr. No. Aldo Ray would have been 36 years of age when Dr. No was realeased and his physical presence, burly build, steely caged eyes and sharp wit would have made him perefectly cast to play James Bond. Peter O'Toole could also have been considered to play James Bond advanced contraption expert sidekick "M".
But I digress, this 1960 black and white crime/action/suspense film may have been a low budget production but what it lacks in big budget releases such as Ben Hur, it more than makes up with fine acting, and a story line that begs that the underdog Charles Norgate (Aldo Ray) make good on his bank robbery.
I enjoyed the film immensely and I will be sure to add it as a "keeper" in my personal film library. I give this film an appreciative 8 out of 10 rating.
The film starts off a bit slow as we get to know the two main characters, the Irish American Charles Norgate (Aldo Ray) and Captain Monty Finch (Peter O'Toole) who is more than just a tad bit bored of being responsible for protecting the heavily secured vault of the Bank of England.
As the movie progresses Aldo Ray shines brighter and brighter in his lead role which in my personal opinion should have lead to his serious consideration for the lead role in the very first James Bond film, 1962's Dr. No. Aldo Ray would have been 36 years of age when Dr. No was realeased and his physical presence, burly build, steely caged eyes and sharp wit would have made him perefectly cast to play James Bond. Peter O'Toole could also have been considered to play James Bond advanced contraption expert sidekick "M".
But I digress, this 1960 black and white crime/action/suspense film may have been a low budget production but what it lacks in big budget releases such as Ben Hur, it more than makes up with fine acting, and a story line that begs that the underdog Charles Norgate (Aldo Ray) make good on his bank robbery.
I enjoyed the film immensely and I will be sure to add it as a "keeper" in my personal film library. I give this film an appreciative 8 out of 10 rating.
Meh
theognis-8082113 March 2024
Although only 85 minutes long, this is a rather dull, pedestrian bank robbery melodrama. Based on a novel by John Brophy, with which I am not familiar, it lacks the character development to make films of this type involving, as in, say, "The Asphalt Jungle (1950), "The Killing" (1956 or "Odds Against Tomorrow" (1959). The documentation of "the job" is not enough to give us much of a stake in the outcome. This low budget picture, with a mediocre script, is where talented director John Guillermin began his career, before earning the trust to make some good big budget shows in the '60s and '70s. For a better example of his early work, I recommend "Thunderstorm" (1956).
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