The Passionate Thief
The Passionate Thief
NR | 11 September 1963 (USA)
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On New Year's Eve, a young woman and an out-of-work actor complicate a pickpocket's plans to ply his trade.

Reviews
Holstra Boring, long, and too preachy.
Peereddi I was totally surprised at how great this film.You could feel your paranoia rise as the film went on and as you gradually learned the details of the real situation.
Hayleigh Joseph This is ultimately a movie about the very bad things that can happen when we don't address our unease, when we just try to brush it off, whether that's to fit in or to preserve our self-image.
Edwin The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.
Production Division I saw this film 40 years ago as "The Passionate Thief" and it still makes me laugh when I think about it, which is often. Anna Magnani's appallingly delusional "blonde" actress is unforgettable as she, with her old standby Toto, blunder their way through this pathetic misadventure worthy of a New Year's Eve. Ben Gazzara's con man/thief is juicy and sexy enough to make any woman his accomplice, willing or accidental, and the tragic-comic tension between Ms. Magnani and the thief is pure comedy. This film really belongs in the category of Billy Wilder films and why it is not better known is beyond me. Given a choice, I would be hard pressed to decide whether The Passionate Thief or Die Fledermaus is my favorite New Year's party. I cannot recommend this film enough, especially to fans of Bunuel and Wilder.
francescocura This film is probably the best showcase of the comedic capacities of acting genius Anna Magnani. Here she's paired up with Italian actor Toto', who's considered the most representative Italian comedian of all times. The chemistry between the two is the source of a splendid chain of events that allow the two actors to explore a multitude of highs and lows...almost like in a carnival. Monicelli's intricate story line is a rarity in the world of comedies. Intelligent, entertaining and hilarious, the film contains the only example (on camera) of what Anna Magnani and Toto' would do in Rome during the 1930's: "Avanspettacolo". The two sing on a small stage at one of Rome's fashionable parties: all done with immense presence and class; the result is a magnificent theatrical moment between improvisation and highly refined performing skills. Definitely a must for those who love quality comedies.
marcosaguado The pleasures of this tragicomedy are constant and long lasting. Anna Magnani, after her Oscar, back at home with her old pal Toto. They even do a bit of one of their old music-hall routines. Mario Monicelli's sensational style makes the film as funny, sad today as it was then. Remember, Monicelli is the man behind that other Italian gem "Big Deal At Madonna Street" There is mix of Billy Wilder and Martin Scorsese and if you saw the film you know what I mean. Funny, bitter, funny. Anna Magnani plays a movie extra, with delusions of Kim Novak. Not to be missed!
nbott I just had the extreme pleasure of seeing this classic comedy at a special retrospective at the National Gallery of Art. Anna Magnani almost steals the movie from our man Toto. Ben Gazzara is wonderful as a small-time crook who is stuck with Toto as his accomplice as they plan to steal small items during the New Year's festivities in town. However, our heroine constantly seems to be messing up the best laid plans of our two criminal friends.This film uses the time-honored technique of having the audience identify with some real sympathy with our characters but we must laugh as everything goes wrong with everyone's plans for both the New Year's eve celebration, the robbery plans and life in general.I do not know if this film is on video or if any of the classic films with Toto are on video. However, anyone who values great comedic filmmaking should make the effort to see this film. It simply does not get better than this.
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