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

Did You Know?

Trivia

The rooftop race track was an actual working part of the Fiat factory that was completed in 1923. The track measures 1,680 feet by 260 feet (512 meters by 79 meters). The five-story building has 16 million square feet (4,878 square kilometers) of floor space, and was once home to 6,000 workers.

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Goofs

Dummies were clearly noticeable piloting the police car during and after it crashed through the gate at the end of the sewer.

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Quotes

[Lorna picks Charlie up from prison]
Charlie Croker: This car belongs to the Pakistani ambassador!
Lorna: It does?
Charlie Croker: Typical, isn't it? I've been out of jail five minutes, and already I'm in a hot car.
Lorna: Charlie, I just wanted you to come out in style, baby.

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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 Cinemassacre's Top 10 Car Chases (2008)

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Soundtracks

Rule Britannia
(uncredited)
Music by Thomas Augustine Arne
Lyrics by James Thomson

User Reviews

The Original - There is no comparison.

It is unfortunate that the 2003 film was released with the same name as the 1969 film because it clouds the (unsophisticated) mind with subjective judgment. For everyone who compares the two films - stop! The original was filmed in a different time period and the viewer must make a conscious effort to put him/herself in that state of mind to understand it. The film is pure entertainment, and it accomplishes that with humor and some clever stunts. As viewers, we need to be objective and aware of the differences that have arisen on so many levels as the years have passed.

For those who complain that the premise of the heist is not realistic, it was never supposed to be. Consider that if it had been intended as a realistic portrayal, the crooks would have killed those in their way and taken the loot without concern for collateral damage. The existing plot kept the mood decidedly "all in good fun."

Michael Caine made as good a performance as ever in this film. It is fun for fans of him to see the many different roles he has undertaken in his prolific career.

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

3 September 1969 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Italian Job

Filming Locations:

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

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$51,590

Company Credits

Production Co:

Oakhurst Productions, Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1