Topkapi

Topkapi (1964) starring Melina Mercouri, Maximilian Schell, Peter Ustinov. A ragtag band of would-be thieves plot to steal the Topkapi emerald, which is set in a dagger in a museum in Turkey. Their criminal plan is meticulously planned and executed, but of course there is a catch. Ustinov won a Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Arthur Simpson, a "schmo" who is recruited into the plan at the last minute. The whole movie is kept light and funny, and the actual caper is very entertaining. (No subtitles, but closed captions are available.) Grade: B+