Review of The Italian Job

As I'm watching the film, I can't help wondering if Michael Caine was ever offered the role of James Bond. The film had that kind of vibe to it, especially with references to The Queen and it's evident nod to British patriotism. Reflecting over the past fifty years or so of caper flicks, this one seemed almost too easy by comparison with modern day films in which plots get twisted into a pretzel. This was pretty much a straight ahead affair, with the hijacking of a major gold shipment taking place virtually without a hitch, the Italian Mafia notwithstanding. I'll go out on a limb and say that this might be the youngest looking Michael Caine I've seen yet, as most of his prior work was done in uncredited movie parts or television series of the prior decade. He brought an element of fun to the role of master thief Charlie Croker, and if it weren't for the financial backing of the enigmatic Mr. Bridger (Noël Coward) in far off England, he might have been able to pull this caper off using just his own resources. The presence of Benny Hill was a treat for this viewer, one of the very few film appearances made by the talented comedian. Considering all that occurred to pull off the gold heist, it seemed more due to the ineptitude of Italian authorities and the befuddled Mafia led by the determined Altabani (Raf Vallone) than to the gang lined up by Croker, but they did have their moments. The film ends on what actually might be considered a cliffhanger, but the pull away shot reveals there was nothing to worry about. Adjusted for inflation, Charlie and his pals got away with quite a haul.