Big Deal on Madonna Street 1958
"The Story of a Perfect Crime ... Perfectly Hilarious!"
Directed by the legendary Mario Monicelli, *Big Deal on Madonna Street* (1958) is a classic Italian comedy-crime caper that follows a group of bumbling thieves who think they've devised the perfect plan to rob a pawnshop—by tunneling from an adjacent...
Director: Mario Monicelli
Cast
Vittorio Gassman
Peppe il pantera
Renato Salvatori
Mario Angeletti
Memmo Carotenuto
Cosimo
Rossana Rory
Norma
Carla Gravina
Nicoletta
Claudia Cardinale
Carmelina
Marcello Mastroianni
Tiberio
Totò
Dante Cruciani
Carlo Pisacane
Capannelle
Tiberio Murgia
Michele Ferribotte
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Big Deal on Madonna Street (1958) about?
The film follows a gang of inept thieves who hatch a plan to tunnel from a rented apartment into a pawnshop next door to steal a safe's contents. Their scheme, however, quickly spirals out of control due to their lack of experience and clashing personalities, turning a supposedly flawless crime into a farcical disaster.
Who directed Big Deal on Madonna Street?
The movie was directed by Mario Monicelli, a master of Italian comedy whose sharp wit and knack for blending humor with social commentary made him a legendary figure in cinema.
Who stars in Big Deal on Madonna Street?
The film features Vittorio Gassman, Renato Salvatori, Memmo Carotenuto, Rossana Rory, Carla Gravina, and Claudia Cardinale in key roles.
Is Big Deal on Madonna Street (1958) worth watching?
Absolutely—it's a hilarious and cleverly written comedy that stands the test of time. While it's unrated on IMDb, its reputation as a classic Italian gem speaks volumes. The film's blend of wit, chaos, and heart makes it a must-watch for fans of lighthearted yet intelligent cinema.
How long is Big Deal on Madonna Street?
The film runs for 106 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Big Deal on Madonna Street (1958) — Mario Monicelli's Hilarious Crime Comedy
Directed by the legendary Mario Monicelli, *Big Deal on Madonna Street* (1958) is a classic Italian comedy-crime caper that follows a group of bumbling thieves who think they've devised the perfect plan to rob a pawnshop—by tunneling from an adjacent apartment straight into the safe. What could go wrong? Well, everything, really. With Vittorio Gassman and Renato Salvatori leading the chaotic ensemble, the film blends sharp wit with slapstick antics as the gang's amateurish execution of their "foolproof" heist spirals into absurdity. Monicelli's sharp direction and the cast's magnetic chemistry turn the movie into a masterclass in comic timing, where the real thrill comes from watching the disaster unfold with escalating charm and wit.
The film thrives on its playful subversion of crime tropes, poking fun at the very idea of a "perfect crime" by exposing the incompetence and ego behind it. The lighthearted yet clever storytelling, paired with the vibrant 1950s Italian atmosphere, makes *Big Deal on Madonna Street* a timeless gem that's as much about the journey as it is about the destination—or lack thereof.
