The Sewers of Paradise Poster

The Sewers of Paradise 1979

★ 6.215 votes115 min📅 1979-03-14

Directed by José Giovanni, *The Sewers of Paradise (1979)* plunges viewers into the audacious true story of the "Great Drain Robbery," a $10 million heist pulled off beneath the streets of Paris.

Director: José Giovanni

Cast

Francis Huster
Francis Huster
Albert Spaggiari
Jean-François Balmer
Jean-François Balmer
68
Lila Kedrova
Lila Kedrova
Charlotte
Bérangère Bonvoisin
Bérangère Bonvoisin
Mireille
Gabriel Briand
Gabriel Briand
Mike la Baraka
Clément Harari
Clément Harari
L'Égyptien
Michel Subor
Michel Subor
Biki le Targuy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Sewers of Paradise (1979) about?

This crime thriller dramatizes the 1976 Societé Générale heist in Paris, where a team tunneling through the sewers stole over $10 million. The film follows the mastermind's meticulous planning and execution, blending action with a rebellious underdog spirit.

Who directed The Sewers of Paradise?

José Giovanni directed this gripping retelling of the infamous "Great Drain Robbery."

Who stars in The Sewers of Paradise?

The film features Francis Huster as Albert Spaggiari, alongside Jean-François Balmer, Lila Kedrova, Bérangère Bonvoisin, and Gabriel Briand in key roles.

Is The Sewers of Paradise (1979) worth watching?

While unrated on IMDb, its crime-drama pedigree and focus on a real-life heist make it a solid pick for fans of 1970s European thrillers. The blend of suspense, historical intrigue, and stylish direction gives it lasting appeal.

How long is The Sewers of Paradise?

The film runs for 115 minutes.

About The Sewers of Paradise (1979) — The True Story of Paris's Underground Heist

Directed by José Giovanni, *The Sewers of Paradise (1979)* plunges viewers into the audacious true story of the "Great Drain Robbery," a $10 million heist pulled off beneath the streets of Paris. Francis Huster stars as Albert Spaggiari, the mastermind behind the crime, leading a crew through the city's labyrinthine sewers in a daring, meticulously planned operation. The film blends gritty crime drama with a dash of romanticism, capturing the thrill of rebellion against the financial elite while immersing audiences in the eerie, claustrophobic world of underground Paris. With sharp action sequences and a focus on the cunning psychology behind the theft, this French classic delivers suspense, strategy, and a touch of outlaw glamour.

The cast, including Jean-François Balmer and Lila Kedrova, elevates the story with performances that balance steely determination and human vulnerability. Giovanni's direction infuses the film with a documentary-like realism, grounding the larger-than-life heist in tangible stakes and moral ambiguity. Whether you're drawn to the technical ingenuity of the robbery or the charismatic antihero at its heart, *The Sewers of Paradise* remains a compelling exploration of ambition, justice, and the allure of living outside the law.