The Burglars ( 1971 )

In 1970s Athens a group of professional burglars led by Azad plans a daring burglary. The victim is wealthy gem merchant Mister Tasco. The treasure to be plundered is Mister Tasco's sumptuous emerald collection. The break-in team neutralizes the villa's guard, enters the premises and locates the safe. Their sophisticated safe-cracking tools allow the burglars to break the safe open and steal the emeralds. During the caper, a lone Greek policeman notices the burglars' car parked outside the Tasco residence and becomes suspicious. When Azad pretends to tinker with the getaway car's engine the Greek cop pretends he believes him. In fact, the Greek Police inspector Abel Zacharia suspects a burglary is taking place but decides to play along to allow the burglars to complete their mission. However, the corrupt Greek cop intends to arrest the criminals later and steal the emeralds for himself. A cat-and-mouse chase ensues.—nufs68