RIFIFI - Auguste LE BRETON (1913–1999, a prolific author of - Lot 47

Lot 47
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RIFIFI - Auguste LE BRETON (1913–1999, a prolific author of - Lot 47
RIFIFI - Auguste LE BRETON (1913–1999, a prolific author of detective novels; he coined the term “rififi”—many of his novels have been adapted for the screen) / Autograph manuscript (written in his own hand) on 4 in-4 sheets (21 x 27 cm), totaling 5 pages of handwritten text and sketches: Exceptional working notes for the preparation of a film about the “safe” heist, a legendary and coveted theme in the world of burglars and therefore one that has been particularly exploited and explored in crime novels - The notes are accompanied by technical sketches, demonstrating Le Breton’s meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and above all, his commitment to authenticity - On the first sheet, Le Breton explains the “bridge work,” illustrating the safe in a sketch: drilling a hole in the center and tapping the thread - He specifies: “The blowtorch won’t cut through a reinforced safe set in concrete” - On the second page, he concludes: “Safe (obsolete blowtorch method)—However excellent and effective the bridge work may be, it cannot be used for our film - Let me explain: the audience won’t find it believable and will be surprised that a reinforced safe door opens so easily - Furthermore, the process will be too quick and will prevent us from building suspense - Aside from drilling the hole and tapping the thread, the rest isn’t spectacular - On the contrary, the so-called “LOBSTER TONG” technique offers everything we want - The process is longer and more nerve-wracking: Phase 1: we have to pry the safe loose from the wall and tilt it forward slowly—very slowly—onto blankets and rugs, so that the safe’s most vulnerable part—that is, the side facing the wall on the underside—is exposed - We’ll work on the back panel - Drilling several holes - Hand-held saw blade - Replacement blades - We break one out of every two while working - And cutting open the safe as if with a can opener” - On the other two pages, Le Breton provides explanatory technical sketches [Source: Auguste Le Breton auction at Drouot in March 2015, held by Gros Delettrez, “Du Rififi à Drouot”]
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