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Crime Cult Classic

Forgery, blackmail, and lost WWII art fuel this slick caper from Roger Vadim.

THE HOT TOUCH

1982 · 1h 33m · NR · Crime / Drama · IMDB TMDB

A master art forger and his partner in crime, an art expert who can vouch for the authenticity of the forgeries, are making a bundle. An art dealer figures out their scheme but agrees to keep quiet if they forge some art lost in WWII.

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Quick Answer

What is The Hot Touch about?

The Hot Touch is a 1982 crime drama film directed by Roger Vadim about a master art forger and his partner, an art expert, who are blackmailed into forging paintings lost during World War II.

Programmer's Pick

Roger Vadim swaps his usual French decadence for a North American caper where authenticity is always negotiable. If you like your crimes slick and your art even slicker, this one's got plenty of forgeries to go around.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

A master art forger teams up with an art expert who can certify the authenticity of their fakes, enabling them to profit handsomely off their elaborate schemes. Their lucrative operation is threatened when an art dealer uncovers the truth but, instead of turning them in, proposes a new job: forge a set of paintings lost in the chaos of World War II. This arrangement pushes the duo into deeper waters, navigating blackmail, shifting alliances, and the high-stakes world of art fraud. The Hot Touch blends the mechanics of a caper crime with the allure of the art world, promising clever maneuvering and tension without ever straying into outright violence or action heroics.

Details & Specs

Director
Roger Vadim
Writers
Jean-Yves Pitoun, Lionel Chetwynd
Release
1982
Runtime
1h 33m
Country
United States of America, Canada
Language
English
Genres
Crime, Drama
Also Known As
Manhattan Gang, Manhattan Gang - Die Superfälscher

Why This Matters

This film marks the final screen appearance of veteran Academy Award-winning actor Melvyn Douglas, and offers a caper set in the art forgery world with a focus on procedural detail and high-rolling glamour.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Roger Vadim Writers: Jean-Yves Pitoun +1 more
Wayne Rogers Wayne Rogers Danny Fairchild Marie-France Pisier Marie-France Pisier Dra. Simpson Lloyd Bochner Lloyd Bochner Severo Samantha Eggar Samantha Eggar Samantha O'Brien AS Andrew Semple Young Artist (uncredited) Patrick Macnee Patrick Macnee Vincent Reyblack Gloria Carlin Gloria Carlin Kelly Allan Kolman Allan Kolman Lincoln Simpson Melvyn Douglas Melvyn Douglas Max Reich Norwich Duff Norwich Duff Ivan Strauss James B. Douglas James B. Douglas Judge Jackson PS Philip Spensley Gino FS Franklin Silverstone Auctioneer No. 1

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Why Cult

Art Forgery Scheme

A master forger and an expert authenticator run an audacious scam, turning high art into high stakes.

WWII Lost Paintings

The plot hinges on recreating art that vanished during World War II, adding a historical twist to the crime.

Dealer Blackmail

The criminals' racket is upended when an art dealer catches on and uses blackmail to steer their next move.

Vadim's Caper Drama

Roger Vadim directs, bringing a continental flair to this North American tale of deception and desire.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Art dealer discovers forgery scheme

Threat

Blackmail by art dealer

Effect

Forcers must forge WWII-lost paintings

Setting

Art world underworld

Questions from the Vault

Who directed The Hot Touch? +

Roger Vadim directed The Hot Touch.

How long is The Hot Touch? +

The Hot Touch has a runtime of 93 minutes.

What genre is The Hot Touch? +

The Hot Touch is a crime drama.

When was The Hot Touch released? +

The Hot Touch was released in 1982.

Trailers & Clips

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