The Con Artists (1976)

The Con Artists Poster
Original Title: Bluff - Storia di truffe e di imbroglioni

Belle Duke, in order to get revenge on her former lover Philip Bang, organize his jail break. But instead of Philip is the Italian Felice Brianza, AKAS Felix, to escape. Now Felix is obliged to help Philip to escape. He will succeeded and from that moment on the two will join to defraud Belle. The swindle plot become more complicate when Felix falls in love for Philip's daughter.

Film Overview
"The Con Artists" is a 1976 movie that blends funny and action genres. Directed by Marco Vicario, the movie includes a fascinating plot focusing on the life of two expert con artists trying to defraud a fortune from an unsuspecting victim. The film is likewise known by its alternative title, "Bluff: Historia de un Tramposo". The movie stars two popular actors of the period, Anthony Quinn and Adriano Celentano, both of whom magnificently depict their conniving yet humorous characters.

Plot Summary
The film is centered on the creative schemes of Philip Bang, played by Anthony Quinn, a scam artist serving a long-lasting prison sentence. Bang, who is in belongings of a secret strategy for crafting counterfeit cash, aims to trick his way out of jail utilizing this strategy. Bang handles to persuade fellow prisoner, the unlucky but dexterous Felice Brianza, wonderfully played by Adriano Celentano, to assist him forge the money.

Brianza, also known as "The Genius" thanks to his creative ability, deals with the fake cash diligently, which later on ends up being an exceptional art piece. Nevertheless, Bang's plan goes awry when Brianza decides to surreptitiously replace Bang's strategy with his creative production.

Unfolding Drama and Comedy
The movie thereafter looks into an amusing mix of funny and drama as Bang pursues Brianza upon his release from prison. It exposes Bang's desperate efforts to retrieve his initial plan and his synchronised efforts to keep millionaire Donovan, played by Capucine, in the dark about the mix-up. The film succesfully predicts Bang's adjustment and Brianza's wit as they outsmart each other, producing a comical undertone.

Unanticipated Twist and Conclusion
At the end of the film, Bang eventually discovers himself captured in his own web of lies. In an unexpected twist, he finds out that he has been conned by Brianza and Donovan, who both had know his strategy from the very start.

"The Con Artists" concludes on a funny note, with Bang being left with Brianza's piece of art instead of his forgery plan, while Brianza and Donovan take pleasure in the spoils together. The climax remarkably depicts the irony of Bang's situation, solidifying the excellence of the comedic elements in a con and break-in story.

Critical Reception
"The Con Artists" was commonly praised for its distinct mix of humor and adventure. Wheareas some critics lauded the ingenious plot and praised the efficiencies of both Quinn and Celentano, others appreciated the movie's exhilarating chase series, comic timing, and the unexpected plot twist at the end.

Conclusion
"The Con Artists" hooks audiences with its mix of funny and thriller, served with elements of a traditional break-in story. The movie stands as an embodiment of classic Italian movie theater and is still remembered for its dazzling story and good efficiencies. It's a fascinating portrayal of wit and deceptiveness, making it a must-watch for fans of action-comedy category.

Top Cast

  • Adriano Celentano (small)
    Adriano Celentano
    Félix
  • Anthony Quinn (small)
    Anthony Quinn
    Philip Bang
  • Capucine (small)
    Capucine
    Belle Duke
  • Corinne Cléry (small)
    Corinne Cléry
    Charlotte
  • Renzo Marignano (small)
    Renzo Marignano
    Sarto
  • Ugo Bologna (small)
    Ugo Bologna
    Guardiano della prigione
  • Salvatore Borgese (small)
    Salvatore Borgese
    capo degli scagnozzi di Belle Duke
  • Attilio Dottesio (small)
    Attilio Dottesio
    Professore
  • Rocco Lerro (small)
    Rocco Lerro
    Autista Belle Duke
  • Renzo Ozzano (small)
    Renzo Ozzano
    Uomo truffato al casinò
  • Raffaele di Sipio (small)
    Raffaele di Sipio
    prete derubato