Eights year before this TV film was made, Paramount made "The Italian Job," a comedy caper picture that takes place in England and Italy. It had a superb cast that included several prominent entertainers of the day - Michael Caine, Noel Coward, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone, Rossano Brazzi, John Le Mesurier and others.
Anyone who saw that film and then watched this one on TV, or on video tape or DVD later, would know that "The Alpha Caper" was inspired by the 1969 movie. But this is more of a crime drama than a comedy caper. All I can say is it's too bad that Universal and ABC didn't stay with it as a comedy caper. The cast is spot on for comedy, and my guess is that the writer for this TV film struggled to keep from writing it as part comedy. Just look at the cast. Besides Henry Fonda in the lead, Leonard Nimoy Larry Hagman and James McEachin are the guys who pull the job. In several instances in the film, the dialog and antics of these guys is right on the edge of humor. So, it doesn't seem like it would have taken much to adjust the plot with dialog to make it an outright comedy caper.
And, although Fonda turns from a law-abiding parole officer, to a crook to get even with his boss who wouldn't support an extension of a few years in his job, he never seems too upset. Rather, he seems to be enjoying the planning for a big heist.
This is an enjoyable film that still has the feel of a caper comedy, even if they tried so hard not to make it so. And, those who have seen "The Italian Job" of 2003 are aware that it combines the 1969 and 1973 films for the heist and action in it. It's clearly not a comedy caper but more of a crime and revenge caper film. Here are some favorite lines from this film.
Mitch, "That's a lie. Whatever he said, we are clean." Mark Forbes, "I could put you away just for being together - you're consorting with known criminals." Scat, "C'mon." Mark Forbes, "In a place that serves alcoholic beverages. Cheers!"
Tudor, "There's no law against thinking, is there?" Mark Forbes, "I'm your parole officer. If I don't like your attitude, I can send you back."
Scat, "I don't believe this conversation. You're our parole officer. You're supposed to keep us straight." Mark Forbes, "Well, I haven't done a very good job of that, have I? This time I think I just made you better crooks."
Mitch, "I don't get it, Mark - what's the game?" Mark Forbes, "No game. Are you interested?" Tudor, "Aw, come off of it. You never stole nothin' in your life. You wouldn't even know how to." Mark Forbes, "I sat on the other side of the law for 40 years. At least I know what not to do, which is more than I can say for you three."
Anyone who saw that film and then watched this one on TV, or on video tape or DVD later, would know that "The Alpha Caper" was inspired by the 1969 movie. But this is more of a crime drama than a comedy caper. All I can say is it's too bad that Universal and ABC didn't stay with it as a comedy caper. The cast is spot on for comedy, and my guess is that the writer for this TV film struggled to keep from writing it as part comedy. Just look at the cast. Besides Henry Fonda in the lead, Leonard Nimoy Larry Hagman and James McEachin are the guys who pull the job. In several instances in the film, the dialog and antics of these guys is right on the edge of humor. So, it doesn't seem like it would have taken much to adjust the plot with dialog to make it an outright comedy caper.
And, although Fonda turns from a law-abiding parole officer, to a crook to get even with his boss who wouldn't support an extension of a few years in his job, he never seems too upset. Rather, he seems to be enjoying the planning for a big heist.
This is an enjoyable film that still has the feel of a caper comedy, even if they tried so hard not to make it so. And, those who have seen "The Italian Job" of 2003 are aware that it combines the 1969 and 1973 films for the heist and action in it. It's clearly not a comedy caper but more of a crime and revenge caper film. Here are some favorite lines from this film.
Mitch, "That's a lie. Whatever he said, we are clean." Mark Forbes, "I could put you away just for being together - you're consorting with known criminals." Scat, "C'mon." Mark Forbes, "In a place that serves alcoholic beverages. Cheers!"
Tudor, "There's no law against thinking, is there?" Mark Forbes, "I'm your parole officer. If I don't like your attitude, I can send you back."
Scat, "I don't believe this conversation. You're our parole officer. You're supposed to keep us straight." Mark Forbes, "Well, I haven't done a very good job of that, have I? This time I think I just made you better crooks."
Mitch, "I don't get it, Mark - what's the game?" Mark Forbes, "No game. Are you interested?" Tudor, "Aw, come off of it. You never stole nothin' in your life. You wouldn't even know how to." Mark Forbes, "I sat on the other side of the law for 40 years. At least I know what not to do, which is more than I can say for you three."