On a tip from a full page glossy ad in the otherwise pulp fanzine, "The Phantom of the Movies' Videoscope," (an excellent read to which I suggest the rest of the world should subscribe) I tossed a couple of films starring French legend Alain Delon on to my bloated Netflix queue. After catching "Le Cercle Rouge," I was hooked. This dude is cool. Even the goofy, fake looking moustache didn't deter from an onscreen presence that recalls Alan Ladd or even Bogart. The story seems fairly standard nowadays, but I have a feeling this might have been ground zero for the modern day heist film. A recently escaped convict (Gian Maria Volonte) hides out in recently paroled Delon's car trunk trying to escape the hounds, and a professional relationship is formed. The two men proceed to plan a jewelry heist with the help of an ex-cop marksman (Yves Montand) and the game is on. The sparse use of dialogue is striking. I didn't put a timer on it, but I would guess there are a couple of 10 to 15 minute gaps where director Jean-Pierre Melville lets the action do the talking. Melville also directed "Le Samourai," another Delon vehicle. Delon thankfully loses the 'stache but not the cool as a lone wolf hitman who gets pinched after he greases a night club owner in front of a number of witnesses, one of whom (a pianist at the club) comes face to face with him, but refuses to finger him in a line-up. An obsessed cop is determined to bring him down and the fun begins. If you're looking for something out of the Hollywood mainstream and aren't afraid to read subtitles, grab these movies and enjoy. I've got a couple more of Delon's movies up in the top ten on my Netflix list, and I'll give you the score after I've seen them.

Although I still haven't had a chance to watch that Danger Mouse DVD, "Bad Motor Scooter" by Montrose is cranking on the XM behind me, I've knocked back a six of Bud, and the day is winding down. That'll do. I'll check back in tomorrow.