Um Blefe de Mestre

High Rollers is in my opinion one of the greatest movies ever, probably the best comedy. It is absolutely fantastic.

I'll get the obvious out of the way: this is an Italian movie in which everyone but Anthony Quinn and Capucine are dubbed by really ridiculous English voices. If you don't like Spaghetti Westerns, you're not going to make it through this one.

The Con Artists, one of many release titles, is 1970s Italian slapstick, so again, if you're not in the mood for that, you'll probably turn it off. I only stuck with it for love of Anthony Quinn, who looked very handsome in his silver-haired splendor. Tony and Italian actor Adriano Celentano are jailbirds who escape due to a series of bizarre con jobs on the prison guards. They team up for the larger goal of getting revenge on Tony's ex-wife, Capucine, but for the vast majority of the movie, they're just pulling pranks and con jobs on random people. For example, Tony wants a new suit, so after he's tried one on, Adriano tells the shop owner that Tony has leprosy. The shop owner tells Tony to leave the story immediately, and he gets to keep the suit without paying for it.

This is a pretty silly movie, one that only kids might like, if it weren't for the terrible dubbing that would make them tune out. Unless you're in love with the cast, you can skip this one. Try The Secret of Santa Vittoria instead.

The film starts off well, and both Quinn and Celentano are likable, but the plot becomes rather silly without being genuinely funny. The tricks and cons are not the least bit believable, and all the other characters are poorly developed, as are their relationships with the main characters. The overall production quality is quite good, and the actors perform well - it's the plot that feels cheap. There are some charming moments, but nothing truly funny, and all the twists and turns are as implausible as possible.

I would recommend this film only for children - it should have been a cartoon anyway.

I first saw this movie in a different country and had not been able to find it in the U.S. until technology came to be what it is today. I had the great fortune to talk with Mr. Quinn regarding this movie and he spoke only of how wonderful it was working with his co-star. It is apparent when you watch how these two work with each other throughout the storyline. Playful, with impeccable timing their interactions show the quality of the full production value and is what makes this comedy timeless. Adventures, problems, humor, and conflicts created by their own silliness makes it a worthwhile film to watch. It's ending leaves one smiling and laughing.

The Con Artists is a light Italian comedy featuring Adriano Celentano. A well-transmitted era of the 30s to France. Easy comedy to watch for once. Unexpected to see Anthony Quinn in Italian cinema.