This marvelous comedy, which successfully spoofs complicated heist films, set the pace for
caper comedies to follow. According to the popular genre, brillant crimes are the result
of meticulous planning and split-second timing. The bumbling theives in Big Deal on
Madonna Street, however, are too distracted by everyday joys to execute this
"scientific" method. Between baby-sitting and chasing women, the crew suffer a series of
hilarious setbacks. The big "break-in" is a fiasco of breaking glass and gushing water.
Shot on location in Rome's slums, the film balances broad comedy with neorealism. These
touches combine with a terrific cast (including Toto and Marcello Mastroianni) and a jazzy
score for a perfect Italian comedy.
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Italy comedy
1960
bw 102 min.
