First, But Not Best

I'm a pretty big fan of the 2001 remake of Ocean's Eleven. But I knew very little about the original, aside from the fact that the plot bore only passing resemblance to the updated version, and that it famously boasted the Rat Pack in its cast. I must say honestly that I wasn't expecting too much, but my curiosity got the better of me.

I've watched a fair number of older movies, but I'm hard pressed to think of one that shows its age more than this one. First, there are all the characteristics that usually mark older films -- overly forced acting, cardboard phony sets, languid pacing. Then you add in the shots of the mostly desert wasteland that was Las Vegas at the time. Toss in dated dialogue, such as an explanation for why no one has yet pulled off this perfect heist: "Same reason nobody's gone to the moon yet -- no equipment." Sprinkle throughout with what amount to advertisements for five casinos, most of which were torn down years ago.

Then move pass the superficial and look at the way the plot itself is dated. Pulling off a heist on a casino (multiple casinos) sounds exciting and all, but when you consider the level of security and technology of 1960, and combine it with the way a movie of the time is going to dumb things down to make it easier on the heroes, this "elaborate heist" comes off like nothing at all. A bomb to knock down a power transformer, a luminol-type paint, and that's it -- just walk in and walk out with your money.

It's almost as though they knew at the time that the heist itself wasn't really very exciting, as the film devotes surprisingly little time to it. Half the movie is rounding up the team. You'd think this similar to the remake, except that here, most of them seem reluctant and doubtful. The lack of eager enthusiasm spreads to the audience. Then, after the heist, the last half hour of the movie deals with trying to sneak the money out of town. (The remake more smartly understood that once the dramatic high point has been reached, you'd best make it to the credits in 10 minutes or less.)

I suppose that ultimately, this movie was really the perfect candidate for a remake. Whether it was good in its time or not (and I have a hard time seeing how it was), time had left it behind. Actually, it makes me think that in another 30 years or so, perhaps someone will remake Ocean's Eleven again. After all, by then, technology will have advanced far enough to make the heist of the 2001 version seem ludicrous, and there will be a whole new crop of A-list stars we don't yet know today that will line up for a "star-studded" caper film.

But as for this original... I can say nothing positive other than it did inspire the remake. I almost couldn't get through it, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I rate it an F.