BLOG ENTRY #18 ----- Two great car chase films here at SUPERNATURAL THEATER!
THE ITALIAN JOB (1969), and THE BURGLARS (1971)
The robbery was just the set up for the action & awesome car stunts!!!
In these, you root for the crooks to win! Classics all the way!
Up first ---- Four million dollars through a traffic jam. Simple, right?
THE ITALIAN JOB (1969), and THE BURGLARS (1971)
The robbery was just the set up for the action & awesome car stunts!!!
In these, you root for the crooks to win! Classics all the way!
Up first ---- Four million dollars through a traffic jam. Simple, right?
THE ITALIAN JOB
Starring MICHAEL CAINE, NOEL COWARD,
Raf Vallone, Rossano Brazzi, Maggie Blye, Tony Beckley, and Benny Hill
Directed by PETER COLLINSON
Produced by Michael Deeley
Screenplay by Troy Kennedy Martin
Music by Quincy Jones --- Lyrics by Don Black
Automobile Stunts-----L'Equip Julienne (Remy Julienne and crew)
England ---- 1969
Starring MICHAEL CAINE, NOEL COWARD,
Raf Vallone, Rossano Brazzi, Maggie Blye, Tony Beckley, and Benny Hill
Directed by PETER COLLINSON
Produced by Michael Deeley
Screenplay by Troy Kennedy Martin
Music by Quincy Jones --- Lyrics by Don Black
Automobile Stunts-----L'Equip Julienne (Remy Julienne and crew)
England ---- 1969
Beckerman, the original planner of the Italian Job (Rossano Brazzi), has a foolproof plan to
create a mega traffic jam, and steal four million in gold in Turin, Italy.
Beckerman drives through the curves of the Alps during the credit sequence with
Matt Monro singing the great Quincy Jones/Don Black song, On Days Like These.
By the end of the song, and the Directed by Peter Collinson credit, the Italian mafia puts a temporary stop to Beckerman's plan. They put a permanent stop to Beckerman.--- BAMMM!!!!
create a mega traffic jam, and steal four million in gold in Turin, Italy.
Beckerman drives through the curves of the Alps during the credit sequence with
Matt Monro singing the great Quincy Jones/Don Black song, On Days Like These.
By the end of the song, and the Directed by Peter Collinson credit, the Italian mafia puts a temporary stop to Beckerman's plan. They put a permanent stop to Beckerman.--- BAMMM!!!!
He wants to do the Italian Job. Charlie is still the cockney favorite. He portrays the everyman.
This is one of Caine's best roles! Who else could play the lovable Charlie???
Legendary Noel Coward is Mr. Bridger, who runs a crime empire from inside a British prison.
They say he has a job in Italy, Mr. Bridger.
I hope he likes spaghetti. They serve it four times a day in the Italian prisons.
Lovely Lorna, Charlie's girlfriend (sexy Maggie Blye) picks him up after he's released from prison in a newly acquired car. Charlie finds a flag, and a fez in the glove box.
This car belongs to the Pakistani ambassador..... I'm out 5 minutes and I'm already in a hot car.
Lorna smiles----- I just wanted you to come out in style, baby.
Lorna smiles----- I just wanted you to come out in style, baby.
Boy, does Lorna have an exciting surprise for Charlie at the Lancaster Hotel!
It's your coming out present.......now what would you like?
Everything!!! Lucky Charlie says with a devilish smile.
It's your coming out present.......now what would you like?
Everything!!! Lucky Charlie says with a devilish smile.
After his surprise with all the girls, a very exhausted Charlie goes to meet Beckerman
for the plans in another hotel room.
He meets Beckerman's wife at gunpoint. He's dead, she says, and gives him the plans for
the job. The Mrs. wants Charlie to help her kill 2 hours in her bed,
before she leaves for the airport.
Lucky Charlie's devilish smile again. ----- And you still in your widow's weeds!
Charlie Croker, I am dead ----says Beckerman to Charlie.
He says it in a Black & White 16mm film that Charlie watches.
He gots the complete plans on diagrams & film.
Charlie's Aston Martin convertible! ------- Sorry, but the garage bill sir......it's 200 pounds.
I was in India. There's a bounty for shooting tigers you know.
Charlie hands him a wad of bills.
for the plans in another hotel room.
He meets Beckerman's wife at gunpoint. He's dead, she says, and gives him the plans for
the job. The Mrs. wants Charlie to help her kill 2 hours in her bed,
before she leaves for the airport.
Lucky Charlie's devilish smile again. ----- And you still in your widow's weeds!
Charlie Croker, I am dead ----says Beckerman to Charlie.
He says it in a Black & White 16mm film that Charlie watches.
He gots the complete plans on diagrams & film.
I was in India. There's a bounty for shooting tigers you know.
Charlie hands him a wad of bills.
You must have shot an awful lot of tigers.----- Yes, I used a machine gun.
The very memorable John Clive, proving there are no small acting roles.
Charlie visits his tailor.------- Shorten the sleeves love....I'm not a gorilla.
The very memorable John Clive, proving there are no small acting roles.
Charlie visits his tailor.------- Shorten the sleeves love....I'm not a gorilla.
Camp Freddie, I have a big job lined up.----- Charlie, you don't even know how to spell big.
(Played by Tony Beckley)
(Played by Tony Beckley)
Charlie breaks "into" prison to pitch his job directly to Mr. Bridger undisturbed.....in the loo!
You see Mr. Bridger, I have plans....diagrams.....
Bridger's upset ---- You've been bribed, to disturb my natural rhythm and ruin my health.
To get even, Bridger sends two toughs to rough up Charlie.
Now lads, you wouldn't hit a man without trousers on, would you?
Afterward, Bridger finally realizes he should back Charlie's plan. The job is now on!!!!
US one-sheet poster below.
Now the immortal line of this movie. Fans for 45 years remember Charlie's line lovingly.
You were only suppose to blow the bloody doors off !!!!
(Funnyman Arthur played by Michael Standing)
(Funnyman Arthur played by Michael Standing)
Getting the now famous red, white, and blue mini coopers ready for the job.
Charlie, the boss! ------Are those quartz iodine??? ----Tell them to Hurry Up------Hurry Up!
Charlie, the boss! ------Are those quartz iodine??? ----Tell them to Hurry Up------Hurry Up!
Was that the lot that smashed my cars? ----- Practice makes perfect Mr. Bridger.
Camp Freddie and Charlie attempt to find Professor Peach, a computer expert needed for the job.
His sister explains why he is now in a home (mental hospital).-----
He was discovered in the lounge....doing something obscene with a net.------A net??? Charlie says.
Yes, she was terrified of course. Annette, would you serve tea in the lounge, please.
His sister explains why he is now in a home (mental hospital).-----
He was discovered in the lounge....doing something obscene with a net.------A net??? Charlie says.
Yes, she was terrified of course. Annette, would you serve tea in the lounge, please.
Benny Hill was perfectly cast as the overheated Professor Peach, who has a thing for the ladies.
Large framed ladies.
She's a big woman, you know. I like 'em big..... Big!!!!
Peach gets arrested later in Italy. His flying hormones. He just cannot resist.
The mafia crashes the Aston Martin.
You just lost him his insurance bonus! snarls Charlie.
Does Bridger think he can rule Europe from a prison cell? counters Altabani,
head of the Italian Mafia (the cool Raf Vallone).
The complex, over sized computers of 1969. Computers impressed people back then.
Peach uses jammers to throw off the entire computerized traffic system in Turin.
The biggest traffic jam ensues. But Charlie and the lads have one way out of town.
Peach uses jammers to throw off the entire computerized traffic system in Turin.
The biggest traffic jam ensues. But Charlie and the lads have one way out of town.
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Four million dollars in a traffic jam!
Off they go!
Good luck, they shout as they fly by.
Through sewers, and through water. Nothing stops those Mini Coopers!
Each car stunt better than the last. -----The talent of Remy Julienne and his crew.
A fantastic long jump! Not 1, but 3 cars. --- Too bad they didn't shoot it from below looking up.
Rooftop driving. ------ Do not try this around your neighborhood.
The 3 Coopers practically jump into a large coach for the escape.
That is Peter Collinson, the director hanging off the back door.
C'mon Chris, use your brakes or we'll be in the cabin----orders Charlie.
Be careful! Camp Freddie's a bit nervous.
Cheers for ------ Bridger!!!! Bridger!!!!
Having a large coach speeding around curves in the Alps is not recommended.
This film is not a comedy or robbery flick----No, it could be considered as a real cliffhanger!
Charlie still has a plan. ----- No one going for the door neither.
Hang on lads, I have an idea...............Umm, umm...........
The odd twist non-ending helped make this film immortal.
***
My Rating ----- A Plus (Classic status!)
Hey, what's not to love about this great sixties film?
Michael Caine and cast are fantastic. Lots of one liners and funny dialogue.
Fabulous car stunts by Remy Julienne and crew that have become iconic.
This ever-popular film even had a successful theatrical re-release after 30 years in 1999.
Get the DVD and throw an Italian Job party! Invite all your friends!
Rare production shots with Caine and director Peter Collinson.
Collinson's talented directing career had 26 titles. In 1980, way too young at 44,
he died of cancer.
I had a previous blog entry on his film, Ten Little Indians from 1974.
Collinson's talented directing career had 26 titles. In 1980, way too young at 44,
he died of cancer.
I had a previous blog entry on his film, Ten Little Indians from 1974.
German and Italian posters above.
Another fabulous music soundtrack by famous composer, and later producer Quincy Jones.
Two songs helped the film tremendously. Both with lyrics by Don Black.
The title track On Days Like These, sung by Matt Monro.
And Get a Bloomin Move On, used during the final escape by motor coach in the Alps.
Spanish poster, publicity button, and the 30 year anniversary release poster from 1999.
People still love Charlie Croker !!!!
Up next at Supernatural Theater ------- THE BURGLARS!
Emerald robbing in picturesque Athens, Greece.
Forget the robbery------ You'll love the car chase, Belmondo's stunts, and the three lead actors!
A Henri Verneuil Production
THE BURGLARS
CATCH...THE BURGLARS
LE CASSE
Starring JEAN PAUL BELMONDO, OMAR SHARIF,
and DYAN CANNON.
With Robert Hossein, Nicole Calfan, and Renato Salvatori
Produced and Directed by Henri Verneuil
Screenplay by Vahe Katcha, and Henri Verneuil
Music by Ennio Morricone
Photography by Claude Renoir
Car Stunts by Remy Julienne
France, Italy----- 1971
After the stylish titles, with Ennio Morricone's fabulous title theme, the simple plot of The Burglars gets underway. One evening, four thieves steal a large collection of emeralds from the rich Tasco estate in picturesque Athens, Greece. Their escape car is parked down the lonely street, and police inspector Abel Zacharia (Omar Sharif) gets suspicious and pulls over to check out the car. Thief boss, Azad (Jean Paul Belmondo) stops in mid thieving, and gets out to the car to meet Zacharia. He tells him that the car broke down. Zacharia takes the key and opens the trunk. All full of toy dolls. Then he goes to start the car and Azad asks are there any garages nearby.
Not at this time of night. Zacharia stops and gives him the keys back.
He leaves him to sleep in the car till daylight.
Still suspicious Zacharia?
Needless to say---Azad, young pretty Helene (Nicole Calfan), Ralph (Robert Hossein), and Renzi (Renato Salvatori) get the millions of emeralds. They drive around the Athens ship port in the morning, and Azad notices they are being followed by a black car. Their planned escape route on a departing cargo ship is delayed five days while repairs on the hull are being made.
Azad hides the loot up inside a grain mill, and he drops off the men at a toy factory hideout.
He takes Helene to the ferry port to send her off to vacation spot Corfu for the five day wait.
She is very attracted to Azad, but he scoffs it off to her youth. Apparently he has taken care of her since she was little, as a dept of honor. Now at coming of age, she cares for him.
No kiss goodbye for Helene.
As he is leaving, he spots the black car again. Azad leaps in the car and whoosh.
The big car chase begins!!!!! Wow and double Wow!!!!!
The Burglars has numerous great action scenes.
The highlight of the film is the car chase through Athens. Performed by Remy Julienne and his crew. He is the European King of the Car Chase by far!!!! Many films including The Italian Job, and some James Bond films too.
The cars are almost down for the count. Belmondo stops, and we realize it was Zacharia after him in the black car.
You mean I was going 40, 50 right through town.-----You were doing 90.-----My foot
You mean I was going 40, 50 right through town.-----You were doing 90.-----My foot
must have gotten wedged on the accelerator.
Azad arranges to call Helene every day from the Hilton Hotel bar. At lunch he meets Lena, a beautiful seductive model (Dyan Cannon in her most beautiful role--- Wow!). Azad discovers her centerfold poses. He jokes that after looking at her in print , he's getting all warmed up. Lena remarks that she is only for sale, at the newsstand. Lena stays close to Azad for a couple of reasons.
Zacharia is a greedy cop, always on the take, even in a local restaurant. He never pays.
He treats Azad to a luscious Greek meal. You get hungry just watching.
He wants to make a hard deal with Azad to get the emeralds for himself.
The millionaire Tasco is offering a reward, but Zacharia wants it all.
Zacharia turns violent under pressure, and threatens Azad's partners in crime.
Played by Euro film veterans Robert Hossein, and Renato Salvatori.
Does Zacharia commit murder to get the emeralds????
He proves he is one bad cop.
Lena lures Azad into a trap at the Hilton Hotel, but Azad escapes, and the stunts start again.
Three magnificent Belmondo stunts. The escape from Zacharia on the top of a bus, and then getting dumped down a rocky mountainside from a dump truck. Wow. Impressive!
Azad goes to Lena's apartment to figure out what's going on.
Azad goes to Lena's apartment to figure out what's going on.
But Lena has a new game to play. A sexy game. She wants Azad to pick any position he wants.
Wow. Impressive! Then he finds out about her involvement with Zacharia.
Wow. Impressive! Then he finds out about her involvement with Zacharia.
Which do you prefer, the cop or the robber?
You haven't given me a chance to compare them yet, she replies.
While waiting on the lam on the island of Corfu, Helene wants to date. She does some growing up. Girl, forget the pretty guy.
You haven't given me a chance to compare them yet, she replies.
While waiting on the lam on the island of Corfu, Helene wants to date. She does some growing up. Girl, forget the pretty guy.
Azad finally realizes Helene is now a pretty woman. Must have had temporary blindness.
Helene finally realizes she had the right rugged guy right in front of her. Sparks fly. Big kiss.
The crooks are reading to board the cargo ship to escape.
Through the expected and unexpected plot twisting, the bad cop had the crooks just where he wants them. Or so it seems.
Will Azad and crew make it out of Athens alive???
With the emeralds????
Azad and Ralph go back to the dockside grain silos to get the loot.
Zacharia has one more trick up his sleeve.
You root for the crooks in this flick!!!!!
Through the expected and unexpected plot twisting, the bad cop had the crooks just where he wants them. Or so it seems.
Will Azad and crew make it out of Athens alive???
With the emeralds????
Azad and Ralph go back to the dockside grain silos to get the loot.
Zacharia has one more trick up his sleeve.
You root for the crooks in this flick!!!!!
Zacharia just had to try to get those emeralds. Bye, Bye!
The final Belmondo stunt at the finale. ---- Azad, Ralph, and Helene escape.
I think Azad has a pocketful of emeralds left.
I think Azad has a pocketful of emeralds left.
My Rating------ B Plus!
The plot could be tauter, but the acting, stunts, and music make it a good show.
Even 42 years after it's release!
It's especially interesting seeing Belmondo performing his own action stunts.
It's especially interesting seeing Belmondo performing his own action stunts.
I got a 16mm film print of this, just 2 years after being in theaters, and I still have it as part of my desert island or till my death collection. It's been a keeper. Love this film!
It did ok around the world in theaters in 1971 and 1972.
Sadly, it never got a good video or TV release in America. Europe has good DVD's now.
Hope it comes back to cable or US DVD soon. Columbia Pictures has released more of it's releases from the 60's and 70's. Lets hope.
If you can find it---- Grab it.
If you can find it---- Grab it.
Four rare productions shot with director, Henri Verneuil.
One of the best music soundtracks by maestro Ennio Morricone. Still in release today.
Bewlow :The ladies----Dyan Cannon, and Nicole Calfan.
Plus poster art from various countries.
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