The Italian Job
Movie, 1969, The Classics, Set in 1969
The Italian Job is #4 of 26 in release order and #5 of 26 in chronological order in the Heist Movies.
The story
Charlie's got a 'job' to do. Having just left prison he finds one of his friends has attempted a high-risk job in Torino, 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 a fortune in gold and escape in the chaos.
The Italian Job recap
Charlie Croker comes out of prison and inherits a plan from a friend killed by the Mafia: steal four million dollars in gold being delivered to Fiat in Turin by causing the city's biggest traffic jam. To fund it, he wins backing from Mr. Bridger, a patriotic crime boss who runs things from inside prison. Charlie's crew includes a computer professor, Simon Peach, who will swap the tape in the city's traffic control system. The Mafia warns Charlie off by crushing his car. On the day of an England football match against Italy, the traffic lights fail and Turin gridlocks. The crew hits the armoured van and escapes with the gold in three Mini Coopers, driving through arcades, sewers, rooftops and down steps while the police are stuck.
The Italian Job ending explained
The crew loads the Minis into a coach and drives into the Alps, celebrating. The driver takes a bend too fast and the coach ends up hanging over a cliff edge, balanced with the gold at the back and the crew at the front. Charlie edges toward the gold and says he has a great idea. The film ends there, unresolved.
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene.
Where to watch The Italian Job
The Italian Job is streaming on fuboTV, Philo, and MGM Plus in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 7.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes 72%
Where it fits
- Release order: after Topkapi, before The Sting.
- Chronological order: after Topkapi, before Dog Day Afternoon.
Cast
- Michael Caine as Charlie Croker
- Noël Coward as Mr. Bridger
- Benny Hill as Professor Simon Peach
- Margaret Blye as Lorna
- Raf Vallone as Altabani
- Tony Beckley as Camp Freddie
- Rossano Brazzi as Beckerman
- Irene Handl as Miss Peach
- John Le Mesurier as Governor
- Fred Emney as Birkinshaw
- John Clive as Garage Manager
- Graham Payn as Keats
Directed by Peter Collinson.