Pencopet

Abdul Kadir Zailani, an expert thief, gets out of jail and starts stealing again. He steals Vera’s bag as she is returning from shopping. Zailani spends the money, and then, out of cheeky curiosity, returns the bag to Vera, who is a daughter of the famous lawyer, RM Kertodimejo. Hence, Zailani is offered a job as a driver. Soon love grows between Vera and Zailani. But Vera is already arranged to marry Hendro who is still studying in London and her respectable parents of course disapprove, so Zailani is fired. Vera becomes very ill as a result and Kertodimejo’s heart relents. Zailani, who has become a bus driver in Medan, is asked to return to Jakarta.

Directed by Matnoor Tindaon, Pencopet leans on a strong ensemble — Sophan Sophiaan, Bambang Irawan, Aedy Moward — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1973.