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The Italian Job: Every so often it’s worth taking a dip back in time and remembering some of the legendary cinema that defined what was to follow. Released back in 1969 and directed by the late Peter Collinson, this film starred Hollywood legend Michael Caine as Cockney criminal Charlie Croker. Although only voted the 14th most popular film back in 1969 in the UK (and not well received in America upon release), over time it has built up a real cult status.
The British crime caper focuses on Croker, who is just out of prison, and his plan to steal a load of gold bullion from the Fiat factory in Turin. The scheme is eventually bankrolled by Mr. Bridger (played by Noël Coward), a crime boss who runs his empire from prison and is fiercely patriotic. With Bridger’s backing, Croker assembles his crew to pull off the Italian job with computer expert Professor Peach (played by comedian and actor Benny Hill) enlisted to infect Turin’s computerized traffic system and create a massive traffic jam, the means by which they can escape.
It’s the chase sequences with the three Mini Coopers, in red, white and blue, as they evade the police that serves up the film’s most memorable moments, although there are a number of other highlights. Many of the scenes are also filmed in London, including that famous one where Croker says: “You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!” Voted one of the most memorable lines in a 2003 UK movie survey and performed, for the record, in Crystal Palace. Croker’s home is in the Notting Hill neighborhood and the apartment where the Turin job is planned is located on the Albert Embankment. If you are ever in London you could try and find a few of these locations yourself, and perhaps take in some of the other sights and activities, such as The Shard and Carnaby Street, the latter deemed as much a symbol of 1960s British chic as The Italian Job itself.
Another great thing about the film is, of course, the ending. Having got away with the gold, we are left with Croker and crew on the escape bus perilously teetering over the edge after the driver has lost control. The gold is sliding towards the rear doors and the movie ends with Croker saying: “Hang on a minute, lads, I’ve got a great idea! Err… err…” Cue credits and that great theme tune “The Self-Preservation Society” or “Getta Bloomin’ Move On” to give it its proper name, as opposed to that taken from its chorus.
In recent years, Caine has revealed what would have happened after that cliff-hanger ending as well as the planned sequel that was subsequently shelved as a result of the film’s disappointing returns at the box office in the Unites States. Granted certain elements don’t really stand the test of time such as Professor Peach’s character, but it is far superior to the 2003 remake. That version really is best forgotten.