SNMR 5.17: "The Italian Job" (1969)

Tonight's SNMR feature is "The Italian Job" (1969, NR, 99 minutes), starring Michael Caine, Noel Coward, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone, Tony Beckley and Rossano Brazzi. The film was directed by Peter Collinson.

PLOT SUMMARY: Stealing gold is easy. Getting away is the hard part. Charlie Croker (Caine) has just gotten out of prison when he learns of a heist that he's just got to pull off. An armored shipment of gold bullion is going to be transported through the streets of Turin, Italy. Thanks to a large traffic jam and a wild car chase, can Croker and his crew make a successful getaway?

MY OPINION: I was interested in this film simply because I wanted to see the inspiration for the 2003 version which I've already reviewed in this column.

This film starts out with a bang and ends with a great car chase and the best cliffhanger in movie history. It's the 80 minutes or so in between that is the problem. That's where the movie drags to the point of boredom/frustration. I think that slow paced movies were the standard style in the 1960's, with few exceptions. Michael Caine does a decent job with his character but the rest of the cast is only average. The script is decent but won't wow you.

This film is good for novelty purposes, but in this case newer is better. The 2003 version is the superior film.

**½ out of *****