International thieves mastermind the intricate robbery of an emerald dagger from Istanbul's Topkapi Palace Museum, and hire a small-time conman to drive the getaway car. Unfortunately, when the police find firearms in his vehicle, they coerce the hapless driver into spying for them. Crime comedy, starring Peter Ustinov in an Oscar-winning performance, with Melina Mercouri, Maximilian Schell, Robert Morley and Akim Tamiroff.

Arthur Simon Simpson is a small-time crook biding his time in Greece. One of his potential victims turns out to be a gentleman thief planning to steal the emerald-encrusted dagger of the Mehmed II from Istanbul's Topkapi Museum.