Michael Crichton writes and directs The Great Train Robbery and invites Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland and Lesley-Anne Down along for the ride.

Not quite a romp, the film is definitely an entertaining heist film, resting easily on Connery’s charm, and Sutherland turning in a wonderfully goofy performance.

It’s England, in the 1850s. Connery plays Pierce, a con man , who always seems to be one step ahead, and has a very keen eye. He also seems to love what he does. In his corner is the lovely Miriam (Down), who can be just as devious.

Pierce has a plan to execute something that has never been done: a train heist. On a regular schedule, a train carries a locked box full of gold in its cargo car. The box is kept sealed with four individual keys. So before Pierce can even think about getting the gold off the train, he needs to get his hands on the keys.

He recruits Agar (Sutherland), an exceptional pickpocket. The three of them browse around London’s high society to get the keys they need, copying them before anyone knows they are missing.

The closer they get to grabbing the keys, the more the stakes escalate, and it’s going to be a miracle if they can figure out a way to pull it off. And through it all Pierce never looks flustered. He’s cool, collected and charming.

Featuring a score by Jerry Goldsmith this one rockets along. Sure it’s not quite as busy and frenetic as it would be if it had been made today, but damn, it’s fun.

There are some great moments, and Connery atop the train is a fantastic sequence; well executed and shot. Not to mention that Connery did all of his own stunts on a train that was moving faster than he was told it would.

I really liked Connery in this one, and Sutherland seemed to be having a great time. Throw in a solid-looking production, lots of great costumes, and the ease of which the film’s leads can carry a film and you get a very enjoyable film.

As I said, it’s not quite a romp, it gets close, but it never quite fully embraces that idea. Instead, there’s a bit of English reserve there keeping it in check. But like I said, it’s a lot of fun. And man, I love a film that lets Connery exude cool.

And he certainly does in this one.

I like the sense of play Sutherland brings to his character, and Down is wonderful as she struggles with her role in the group and the things Pierce expects Miriam to do.

I remember watching this one a long time ago, and not quite enjoying it. This time through, I loved it. See, sometimes you just need a well-timed rewatch to see how good something is.