Marcello Mastroianni and his son. Marcello Mastroianni and his wife. Marcello Mastroianni and his beret. Marcello Mastroianni.
Directed by Mario Monicelli
Big Deal on Madonna Street
I soliti ignoti
An acclaimed, rewatchable comedy.
Comedy
Crime
1958
1h 46m
Best friends Peppe and Mario are thieves, but they're not very good at it. Still, Peppe thinks that he's finally devised a master heist that will make them rich. With the help of some fellow criminals, he plans to dig a tunnel from a rented apartment to the pawnshop next door, where they can rob the safe. But his plan is far from foolproof, and the fact that no one in the group has any experience digging tunnels proves to be the least of their problems.
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Cast & crew
6What people say
RESEÑA EN ESPAÑOLON THE ROAD - LE STRADE ITALIANE: PASTA, GRANDE IMPERO E LA TERRA DEI MIEI ANTENATIMario Monicelli first impressed me with The Great War, but in this film, he truly won me over with a cleverly executed heist comedy. The film feels like a precursor to genre classics such as Ocean’s Eleven and The Italian Job, though the central caper initially seems less complex. As the plan unfolds, it reveals increasing intricacy—both through its meticulous detail and the extraordinary lengths the characters go to ensure success—painstakingly guarding against any misstep. Interwoven with the plotting are personal subplots, including a romantic thread and everyday concerns that breathe life into the participants. The screenplay is sharp, and the humor is subtle rather than overt. Much of the film’s charm stems from the chemistry among the thieves: each character boasts distinct traits and flaws that fuel tension and occasionally threaten the scheme. The ensemble delivers compelling performances, with the film ensuring each actor has moments to shine. The camerawork is surprisingly dynamic for its era—especially during a rooftop sequence where zooms and pans vividly illustrate the mechanics of the robbery. Piero Umiliani’s jazz score stands out as a defining element. Beyond setting mood and period flavor, the soundtrack acts almost like a narrative voice, amplifying the film’s playful energy and heightening moments of suspense. It has been credited with helping shape a jazz-inflected soundscape that grew prominent in European cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, making the music integral to the film’s identity. All in all, this film is essential viewing for aficionados of heist comedies and European genre cinema alike. Its well-crafted script, strong ensemble performances, inventive technical work, and memorable score combine to create a film that is both entertaining and thoughtfully crafted. For viewers interested in the evolution of caper films or character-driven comedies that blend wit with craftsmanship, this is an absolute must-watch. Also check out my ranking of the Best Italian movies from the 2000sON THE ROAD - LE STRADE ITALIANE: PASTA, GRANDE IMPERO E LA TERRA DEI MIEI ANTENATITODAY SCHEDULELa StradaNostalgiaBig Deal on Madonna Street
marcello mastroianni is just a frazzled little papa with his hat and his broken arm and his tiny screaming baby. i love him so much.
Common questions
What is Big Deal on Madonna Street about?+
A group of inept petty criminals in Rome attempts a elaborate safe-cracking heist that results in comical failure.
Who directed Big Deal on Madonna Street?+
The film was directed by Mario Monicelli, a central figure in the Italian comedy genre, in 1958.
Has Big Deal on Madonna Street won any awards?+
It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film in 1959.
