Great film, great line - but what was it called?

[AreebaAreeba]

I saw a film a few years ago on TV which was pretty good. It was b/w and was about a heist on a delivery van going (I think) from 'up North' to London. The robbers got busted and when the head-honcho was being led away by the fuzz he uttered one of the greatest lines, which I have tried to live to ever since:
(something like) 'One's maxim for life is that when something is inevitable one should simply enjoy it', sparking up a fat cigar whilst being bundled into the back of a police van. Great stuff.

But what is the film called?

[ajmmac]

not sure about the quote but it could be "payroll"--check this
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055283/

[reinganum]

I don't think it's Payroll. (By the way, the book of that is better than the film.) The chief villan in Payroll is quite young and not at all laid back like the character you are suggesting.

I think I know the film you mean but can't remember the name (yet). Am I right in thinking the head honcho (as you put it) is a middle-aged chap in the Arthur Daley (George Cole) mould? The gang hide out in a derelict farm, which is where they are eventually cornered, and the head man gives himself up as he abhors violence and has no intention of fighting his way out of the situation. By the way the actor playing the villan is not George Cole.

Apologies if this is not the film you were thinking of and I have led you up the wrong track. If it is the film you mean, then what I have said might jog others' memories. Good luck!

[galltin]

I think you're thinking of The Hi-jackers starring Tony Booth. I can't remember who played the gang leader but he did make that remark at the end when the gang were cornered at the farmhouse. The gang hi-jacked delivery lorries for the goods in them.

[galltin]

After a little more research I've discovered the fat gang leader who said the line about enjoying the inevitable was played by Derek Francis.

[Mr Songman]

Well Derek Francis was indeed in The Hi Jackers. He played a character called Jack Carter!!

[AreebaAreeba]

Thanks guys; it is The Hi-Jackers. Good work.