COLPO GROSSO... GROSSISSIMO... ANZI PROBABILE

Cinemavixion Review

Tonino Ricci's 1972 caper "Colpo grosso... grossissimo... anzi probabile" (which translates to "Big job... very big... actually probable") is a charmingly convoluted Italian comedy that leans heavily on its ensemble cast and a plot brimming with more twists than a corkscrew. The film follows three rather inept thieves who enlist the help of the supposedly skilled French burglar, Pierre Le Compte. However, the real spark ignites when Le Compte's lover, Jacqueline, meets Sandro Menegatti. Sandro, who possesses an almost uncanny knowledge of the "Grandi Magazzini Romani" (Roman Department Stores), becomes entangled in the heist, primarily driven by his infatuation with Jacqueline. The narrative cleverly subverts expectations when the meticulously planned robbery culminates not in a haul of riches, but in the revelation that Sandro has already absconded with the loot. Starring the ever-reliable Terry-Thomas as Le Compte, alongside Luciana Paluzzi and Nino Castelnuovo, the film offers a lighthearted, albeit predictable, exploration of greed and misdirection. While it may not be a landmark of Italian cinema, "Colpo grosso... grossissimo... anzi probabile" provides a diverting watch for fans of classic heist comedies, showcasing a playful dynamic between its leads and a plot that, despite its titular uncertainty, ultimately delivers a satisfyingly cheeky conclusion.