"The Italian Job" Solution

[hobby]

What an excellent idea from the Royal Society of Chemists to run a competition to solve the cliff hanger at the end of the above film which starred Michael Cane!Benny Hill was there too.

An ingenious solution has won with a trip to Turin as the prize - now that was witty of this learned society to give such a prize.

One only has to say to someone of almost every age group "You're only meant to blow the b****y doors off!!" or in another context "Fork Handles" to raise a smile.

[Kevin Farnell]

What an excellent idea from the Royal Society of Chemists.

A wonderful bunch of people. Infact, I'm a member myself (MRSC, CChem).

I thought that I had read recently, that Micheal Caine had given the answer to the 'cliff hanger'.

Regards

Kevin

[hobby]

I believe that there was an ending filmed but not included in the version released to the public which involved the gold sliding out of the rear of the coach and falling into the hands of the Corsicans who were waiting on the road at the bottom of the valley.

I believe that the film director made the right decision leaving all the audiences for forty plus years wondering what Croker's idea was and what Mr Bridger (Noel Coward) might have done if: a) the gold had been brought home or b) Lost to the Corsicans!

[Kevin Farnell]

I believe that the film director made the right decision leaving all the audiences for forty plus years wondering what Croker's idea was

I agree. That was the best way to end the film.

Kevin

[TobyV]

I had earlier read they infact filmed two ending - or at least had plots/scripts for two - one where the gold was lost to the mafia and one where they made it to Switzerland, but much better that it ends the way it does.

One thing I'd like to do at some point in my life is drive an old sports car (given my budget more likely to be a Triumph Spitfire than a Lamborghini Miura) along some roads similar to those in the opening scene - especially some of the breathtaking bridges between the mountains. Just need to keep a sharp look out for anyone who's parked a bulldozer in a tunnel!

[Nigel H-J]

Certainly agree, that was the best way to end the film leaving it to the audiences imagination. Even then, I personally thought that there would be a sequel made within a few years to carry on from where it had left off.

Nigel.

[TobyV]

I think I might have read that was originally intended although the film wasnt as successful as hoped at the time and became a classic later. Not sure if thats the case, someone who was around at the time (I wasnt born when it was made in 1969!) might recall if thats true or not

[JimCooper]

I think I might have read that was originally intended although the film wasnt as successful as hoped at the time and became a classic later. Not sure if thats the case, someone who was around at the time (I wasnt born when it was made in 1969!) might recall if thats true or not

My recollection was that it was the lack of success in the USA that put a damper on the sequel

I also think I bought 3 airfix Mini kits so that I could make one in each colour!

Jim

[hobby]

A fanciful thought:

Perhaps the UK now needs a modern up to date successful operation to re-capitalise the £GB!

Queen Elizabeth of 1588 Armada fame helped keep England financially afloat by issuing 'Lettres of Marque' to Raleigh and Co. allowing licensed redirection of funds via the Caribbean! This practice was repeated on several occasions and by several government bodies in later years.

[steelsporran]

...Queen Elizabeth of 1588 Armada fame helped keep England financially afloat by issuing 'Lettres of Marque' to Raleigh and Co. allowing licensed redirection of funds via the Caribbean! This practice was repeated on several occasions and by several government bodies in later years.

That's a euphemism for piracy innit?