Vabank (1982)

Vabank (1981) is a Polish comedy heist film written and directed by Juliusz Machulski. It follows the story of Henryk Kwinto, a renowned safe cracker and jazz trumpeter, who is released from prison in October 1934 after serving six years. Upon returning home, Kwinto discovers that his wife has moved on to a new relationship with Karelicki, a police commissioner. He takes out a hidden roll of banknotes from under his chair’s leg, leaves his key on the table, and departs. As he nears the city gates, he is approached by two young criminals, Moks and Nuta, who have recently pulled off a successful jewel store robbery and are now seeking to team up with the legendary safe-cracker.

Kwinto presents a trumpet mouthpiece from his pocket, clarifying that he is, in fact, a musician and not the person they mistook him for. Despite their initial confusion, the brothers provide him with the address of their auto shop in case ‘Mr. Musician’ would like to jam with them. Kwinto secures a hotel room for himself. Soon after, Gustaw Kramer, former partner-in-crime turned successful banker, pays him a visit. He reveals that six years ago, Kwinto’s arrest was not a coincidence. Kramer was caught in the act and agreed to lure the elusive safe-cracker into a police trap. Kwinto received 45,000 złoty as compensation for moral damages resulting from Kramer’s betrayal.