The Brain (1969)
A classic French heist comedy where two small-time crooks collide with a criminal mastermind over the same audacious train robbery.
The Brain - Movie Information
- Original Title: Le Cerveau
- Release Year: 1969
- Directed by: Gérard Oury
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: German, English, French, Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 7, 1969 (Germany - 6), April 4, 1969 (United States - PG), March 7, 1969 (France - TP), September 3, 1969 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: The Brain (UK), Aju (EE), O Super Cérebro (BR), Unnskyld, vi robber samme tog! (NO), O eggefalos (GR), Den fantastiske Brain (SE), Veľký Šéf (SK), Pardon, ryöstämme samaa junaa (FI)
- Production Companies: DDL Cinematografica, S.N.E. Gaumont
- Production Countries: France, Italy
The Brain - Plot
Arthur and Anatole are two little robbers. They want to rob money, money that will travel in a special train from Paris to Bruxelles. They don't know that other people have planned to do the same thing.
The Brain - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the caper unfold:
The Brain has rocked the world with laughter!
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The Brain - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gérard Oury
Main Cast
- Jean-Paul Belmondo
- Bourvil
- David Niven
- Eli Wallach
- Silvia Monti
- Raymond Gérôme
- Fernand Guiot
- Jacques Balutin
- Jacques Ciron
- Patrick Préjean
Writers
- Danièle Thompson
- Marcel Jullian
- Gérard Oury
Producers
- Alain Poiré
The Brain - FAQs
What is The Brain (1969) about?
The Brain follows two hapless French crooks, Arthur and Anatole, who scheme to rob a heavily guarded NATO train carrying a fortune from Paris to Brussels. The twist? A suave criminal mastermind known only as 'The Brain' has the exact same plan — and neither side knows about the other until chaos ensues.
Who plays 'The Brain' in the 1969 film?
David Niven plays Colonel Carol Matthews, the charming and sophisticated criminal mastermind nicknamed 'Le Cerveau' — or The Brain. It's one of his most delightfully comic performances, playing the suave schemer whose meticulous heist plan is constantly derailed by two blundering French thieves.
Where can you stream The Brain (1969)?
You can watch The Brain on the France Channel Amazon Channel, available as a flatrate subscription. Availability may vary by region, so it's worth checking JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming options in your area.
Is The Brain a French or international production?
It's a Franco-Italian co-production, shot primarily in French but featuring a genuinely international cast. David Niven and Eli Wallach bring Hollywood star power, while Jean-Paul Belmondo and Bourvil anchor the film with their beloved French comedy chemistry — making it a rare transatlantic blend of styles.
Who are the main actors in The Brain?
The cast is a real treat. Jean-Paul Belmondo and Bourvil lead as the bumbling duo Arthur and Anatole, with David Niven as the elegant criminal mastermind and Eli Wallach as a scheming Italian mob boss. It's a wonderfully eclectic ensemble that makes every scene crackle with energy.
Is The Brain (1969) worth watching today?
Absolutely. The Brain holds up beautifully as a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud heist comedy. The chemistry between Belmondo and Bourvil is irresistible, the physical comedy is brilliantly staged, and Gérard Oury's direction keeps the energy high throughout. It's a gem of 1960s European cinema that fans of classic comedies will love.
Did Gérard Oury direct other famous French comedies?
Gérard Oury is one of the giants of French comedy cinema. Before The Brain, he directed La Grande Vadrouille (1966) with Bourvil and Louis de Funès, which became one of the highest-grossing French films of all time. The Brain reunited him with Bourvil and continued his streak of brilliantly crafted crowd-pleasing comedies.
What are some movies similar to The Brain?
If you enjoyed The Brain, you'll likely love Now You See Me (2013), Ocean's Twelve (2004), Rififi (1955), and Le Cercle Rouge (1970). For more classic French comedy capers, Hold-up (1985) and Guardian Angels (1995) are also great picks with a similar playful, heist-driven spirit.
More About The Brain
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