Some Trivia on the 1970 version.

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Jean-Pierre Melville said he originally wrote a version of the jewel heist scene in 1950, but after The Asphalt Jungle (1950) (and, later, _Rififi (1955)_ ) came out, he shelved the idea until 1970.

Captain Mattei, the role played by André Bourvil, was originally offered to Lino Ventura; the role of Jansen, played by Yves Montand, was originally offered to Paul Meurisse; and Jean-Paul Belmondo was originally planned to play the role of Vogel ultimately played by Gian Maria Volonté.

Director Jean-Pierre Melville's green Ford Mustang can be seen in the line of cars at the Corey's (Alain Delon) first border crossing.