Peter Collinson's 1969 caper film made an immediate impact with audiences craving a faster paced and higher octane film. A box-office hit that held audiences breathless, THE ITALIAN JOB would influence action movies for years to come with its thrilling car chases, explosive pyrotechnics, and smash-em-up sensibility.
Before being murdered by the Mafia, criminal genius Robert Beckerman (Rossano Brazzi in a cameo role) masterminds a plan to steal $4 million worth of gold bullion from an armored car in Turin, Italy. The ambitious heist is taken over by Beckerman's friend and smalltime crook Charlie Croker (Michael Caine), who organizes a motley group of thieves bankrolled by jailed kingpin Mr. Bridger (Noel Coward). To pull off the plan, the gang must tie up traffic in the center of the city to divert attention from the robbery, block police pursuit, and ultimately make off with their booty undetected. The caper leads to one of the most exciting car chases ever filmed, featuring a bus, a couple of Jaguars, and a trio of brightly colored Mini Coopers careening through the streets, buildings, and highways of northern Italy and winding up in a breathtaking final cliffhanger that is simply unforgettable.
Theatrical release: September 3, 1969.
Shot in Italy, Ireland, England and Isleworth Studios in London.
Director Peter Collinson originally met Noel Coward when the actor/writer visited the orphanage where Collinson grew up. Coward would eventually give Collinson his first break in the film industry.
The eccentricity of having the character of Professor Peach obsess over obese women was added during filming, in part due to the casting of British comedian Benny Hill in the role. Screenwriter Troy Kennedy Martin was greatly disappointed with the change.
The film was remade in 2003, starring Mark Wahlberg and Edward Norton.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Dolby Surround - English
Dolby Digital Mono - English
Additional Release Material:
Deleted Scenes with Commentary
Audio Commentary - 1. Michael Deeley - Producer, Matthew Field - Author
Original Theatrical Trailer
Re-Release Trailer
Featurettes - 1. THE GREAT IDEA: ORIGINS OF THE ITALIAN JOB
2. THE SELF-PRESERVATION SOCIETY
3. GETTA BLOOMIN' MOVE ON
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
Director of Photography
Douglas Slocombe: British Cinematographer/ 1940s-1980s, INDIANA JONES movies
Review 1:
"...A cheering, thoroughly likable movie....This is the flick that shows Caine at his finest..." -- 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Total Film
p.91 10/01/1999
Review 2:
"...A droll, cheeky, capricious little caper that makes the remake look like just another heist movie..."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.107 10/10/2003
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