Max and the Junkmen (1971)

In the heart of Paris, we find Max, a seasoned detective known for his wealth and aloof demeanor, vexed by elusive gangs of robbers who continually slip through his fingers. Determined to reclaim his reputation, he hatches a cunning scheme to lure a band of small-time thieves, helmed by a familiar face, into a high-stakes bank heist. A hesitant police captain provides Max with vital information, setting the stage for Max's clandestine exploits with Lilly, a courtesan entwined with the leader of the petty thieves. Max, under the guise of a wealthy banker with cash to spare, begins to weave a tantalizing future for Lilly, dropping hints about a lucrative payroll flowing through his bank. As the plot thickens, the unsuspecting thieves are led to believe they're prepared for their biggest job yet, with the law enforcement secretly prepared to pounce. Max's icy stratagem appears flawless, but in the world of crime and deceit, who is the real puppeteer and who are the marionettes? The intricate web of Max's plan leaves us questioning - can everything go according to his meticulous blueprint, or will unexpected twists turn the tables?

Max and the Junkmen is a crime movie featuring Michel Piccoli.

Max and the Junkmen is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Max and the Junkmen on Kino Now.