The Italian Job (1969)

Comic caper movie about a plan to steal a gold shipment from the streets of Turin by creating a traffic jam.

Director:

Peter Collinson

Writer:

Troy Kennedy-Martin (as Troy Kennedy Martin)

Stars:

Michael Caine, Noël Coward, Benny Hill

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Caine	...	Charlie Croker
Noël Coward	...	Mr. Bridger
Benny Hill	...	Professor Simon Peach
Raf Vallone	...	Altabani
Tony Beckley	...	Freddie
Rossano Brazzi	...	Beckerman
Margaret Blye	...	Lorna (as Maggie Blye)
Irene Handl	...	Miss Peach
John Le Mesurier	...	Governor
Fred Emney	...	Birkinshaw
John Clive	...	Garage Manager
Graham Payn	...	Keats
Michael Standing	...	Arthur
Stanley Caine	...	Coco
Barry Cox	...	Chris

Storyline

Charlie has a "job" to do. Having just left prison, he finds one of his friends has attempted a high risk job in Italy right under the nose of the Mafia. Charlie's friend doesn't get very far, so Charlie takes over the "job". Using three Mini Coopers, a couple of Jaguars, and a bus, he hopes to bring Torino to a standstill, steal the gold, and escape.

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Plot Keywords:

car chase | cliffhanger | caper | mafia | 1960s | 

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Taglines:

Introducing the plans for a new business venture: "The Italian Job."

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Thriller

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

3 September 1969 (USA)

Also Known As:

Faena a la italiana

Filming Locations:

Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio, Piazza Gran Madre di Dio 4, Turin, Piedmont, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Oakhurst Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Noël Coward was so sick that his triumphant walk through the prison had to be filmed in stages, as he could not walk more than few feet at a time.

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Goofs

Color of the Mini Cooper as it falls down the mountain side changed from blue to red then back to blue

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Quotes

Charlie Croker: You wouldn't hit a man with no trousers on, would you?

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Alternate Versions

When the first E-Type is crushed on the mountain road, Charlie says, "You just cost him his no claims bonus." For the American release this was dubbed to, "...his insurance bonus."

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Connections

Referenced in Jay Leno's Garage: Getting Away (2018)

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Soundtracks

On Days Like These
Music by Quincy Jones
Lyrics by Don Black
Performed by Matt Monro

User Reviews

A rollicking heist flick with the best car chase ever put on film

"The Italian Job" is a comedic heist film that is mostly renowned for the extended car chase getaway. In it, a thief recently released from prison (Michael Caine) organizes a scheme to steal a shipment of gold bars by creating a massive traffic jam and using a trio of Mini Coopers to escape with the loot.

The cast is pretty decent with the always dependable Caine perfectly cast as charismatic thief Charlie Croker, Noel Coward as the incarcerated backer of the titular job and Benny Hill in a small role as a computer expert obsessed with plump women. Besides that there's no-one worth remarking on and not much acting that isn't up to snuff.

The script is bold and inventive with much of the humour being understated and unpredictable. The heist itself is clever but the staging of the getaway is a real work of art. Again, there is an inventiveness that is quite refreshing. Nevertheless, I was starting to get a little tired of waiting for the heist to be set in motion. Finally, the ending caps the proceedings in memorable fashion.

The direction by Peter Collinson is solid and above average for an action-comedy. The music, handled by Quincy Jones, is memorable but also characteristic of the era, meaning that it is unlikely to appeal to all tastes.

If you're looking for a lighthearted crime caper this is just the ticket. I particularly recommend the film since it includes what is, in my opinion, the best car chase ever filmed.