Nick and Charlie, a couple of aging thieves looking for a last score before they retire, come to ritzy Palm Beach, Florida, where they have an elaborate scheme to rob a Harry Winston jewelry store.

During these visits to the store, Nick is casing the joint, making mental notes of the security system in place, with help from Charlie, who is pretending to be a chauffeur.

The curious thing about the American remake is that although it's no better, it's certainly not worse ... the new film has the advantage of good comic performances by Peter Falk, as the brains of the jewel heist, Charles Durning, as his partner, and Wendy Hughes ...

The new version also has the advantage of the comic presence of Tom Courtenay, who plays the fastidious manager of the jewelry store and shares the film's funniest moments with Mr. Falk.

[4]Gene Siskel, on the other hand, wrote in the Chicago Tribune on Aug. 22, 1987: "In 'Happy New Year' you will see one of Falk's finest comic performances, a clever caper, a pair of masterful masquerades and a sweet love story."