The Italian Job (1969)

Just released from prison, a con man (Michael Caine) immediately plans a heist that will set him up forever..... if he doesn't get caught! His plan? Steal a heavily armed shipment of gold bullion. Directed by Peter Collinson (STRAIGHT ON TILL MORNING), I found THE ITALIAN JOB tedious as well as ludicrous. It's a minority opinion as the film was a big hit (though not in the U.S.), received good reviews and has its cult fans even today. Characterization is jettisoned out the window and not even the normally appealing Michael Caine can hold it together. While I liked the movie's literal cliffhanger ending, the famous car chase sequence (around 20 to 25 minutes in length) just gave me a headache. I don't get it, what am I missing? Remade in 2003 with Mark Wahlberg in Michael Caine's role. With Noel Coward (absurdly cast as a legendary master criminal), Rossano Brazzi, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone, Tony Beckley and Margaret Blye.