Thieves and Robbers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A vacationing cop’s life is repeatedly ruined as he tries to arrest a charming gigolo who accidentally witnesses a Mafia hit, forcing them into an unlikely, punch-filled partnership where nobody ever gets to truly relax.

🍿 Thieves and Robbers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Unexpected Holiday Interruption

Lt. Alan Parker (Bud Spencer), a dedicated L.A.P.D. captain, is eagerly anticipating a well-deserved family vacation. However, his plans are abruptly put on hold when he receives a last-minute assignment. His new objective is to apprehend Tony Roma (Tomas Milian), a notorious pilferer who seduces wealthy older women and absconds with their valuable jewelry.

Witness to a Mafia Murder

As Parker closes in on Roma, their ongoing cat-and-mouse game takes a dangerous and unforeseen turn. Tony Roma inadvertently witnesses a brutal Mafia murder, orchestrated by the powerful and ruthless Don Salvatore Licuti. This puts Roma’s life in immediate jeopardy, making him a prime target for the mob.

A Forced and Hilarious Alliance

With Roma now a crucial witness and a hunted man, Parker’s vacation is completely canceled. The unlikely adversaries are forced to form a reluctant and often comedic alliance. They must work together to evade Don Salvatore’s relentless pursuit, gather evidence, and ultimately bring the dangerous Mafia boss to justice, navigating a series of humorous and action-packed encounters.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lt. Alan Parker (Bud Spencer): A seasoned L.A.P.D. Captain whose vacation plans are disrupted when he must pursue and later protect a charming pilferer who witnessed a Mafia murder.
• Tony Roma (Tomas Milian): A flamboyant playboy and jewel thief who becomes an accidental witness to a Mafia murder, forcing him to cooperate with the very police officer who was trying to arrest him.
• Don Salvatore Licuti (Marc Lawrence): The ruthless Mafia boss who orchestrates a murder and relentlessly pursues Tony Roma, the only witness, to prevent him from testifying.
• Senator Edward Anderson (Dan Fitzgerald): A prominent senator whose wife’s affair with Tony Roma initially brings Lt. Alan Parker into the case.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Don Salvatore Licuti: “Let me remind you! This organization is like a… like a house. I’m a brick, he’s a brick, and you’re a brick. Remove one brick, one brick!… the house falls down.” – Don Licuti uses this analogy to his henchmen to emphasize the importance and interconnectedness of every member within his Mafia organization.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Thieves and Robbers Reviews

Personal Review

Oh man, ‘Thieves and Robbers’ is such a hidden gem if you’re a fan of classic Bud Spencer movies! I went into this expecting some solid, no-nonsense fist-fights, and it totally delivered. What really got me hooked was the hilarious back-and-forth between Bud Spencer’s gruff cop and Tomas Milian’s ridiculously charming, yet inept, gigolo. Their chemistry was just gold. There’s this one scene where Spencer’s character is trying to sell washing machines as a cover, and it’s just pure comedic timing – you can almost feel the exasperation he has with the whole situation. And of course, the signature Bud Spencer punches never disappoint; they’re as satisfying as ever. It’s not a deep movie by any means, but it’s just pure, lighthearted fun that leaves you with a big smile on your face.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Bud Spencer’s signature blend of comedic action and physical humor”
  • “Viewers who enjoy 1980s buddy-cop comedies and lighthearted crime capers”
  • “Audiences interested in Italian action-comedies and international cult films”
  • “Those looking for a straightforward plot with plenty of laughs and feel-good moments”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild comedic violence and slapstick fight sequences (non-graphic)”
  • “Thematic elements involving crime and the Mafia, presented with a largely humorous tone”
  • “Some suggestive dialogue related to the gigolo character’s profession”
  • “Rated PG, indicating parental guidance is suggested for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb User Review: “While Bud Spencer undeniably brings his unique comic talent to ‘Thieves and Robbers,’ he often feels unsupported by the rest of the cast. Tomas Milian’s portrayal of the gigolo is an over-the-top caricature, and the filmmaking itself can be quite slapdash. It’s a simple-minded film that offers some laughs, but doesn’t quite live up to its potential, relying heavily on Spencer’s individual charm.
• IMDb User Review: “This film delivers solid entertainment for fans of lighthearted action. Bud Spencer shines as the tough cop, playing off Tomas Milian’s amusing pilferer who finds himself entangled with the Mafia. Expect plenty of chases, fist-fights, and Spencer’s signature comic touches. While perhaps not as iconic as Spencer’s collaborations with Terence Hill, it’s a fun and engaging watch for those seeking simple, amusing escapism.
• IMDb User Review: “‘Thieves and Robbers,’ or ‘Cat and Dog,’ truly captures the playful, antagonistic chemistry between its leads. Tomas Milian almost steals the show as the sneaky gigolo, constantly challenging Bud Spencer’s straight-laced cop. Their dynamic, a true cat-and-mouse game, provides consistent humor, even when the plot ventures into the ridiculous. It’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys Spencer’s unique brand of action-comedy.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the classic Bud Spencer humor and the unexpected buddy-cop dynamic with Tomas Milian.: Many praised the film’s consistent entertainment value, the satisfying action sequences, and the charmingly absurd plot, making it a feel-good watch for a casual evening.

Overall Consensus: A fun, lighthearted action-comedy that capitalizes on Bud Spencer’s charm and delivers enjoyable slapstick humor, making it a solid choice for fans of the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bud Spencer’s real-life son, Giuseppe Pedersoli, makes a cameo appearance in the film as a motel employee.”
• “The film’s original Italian title, ‘Cane e gatto,’ translates to ‘Cat and Dog,’ which many viewers found to be a more fitting description of the antagonistic yet co-dependent relationship between the two main characters than the international title ‘Thieves and Robbers.'”
• “Director Bruno Corbucci frequently collaborated with Bud Spencer, having helmed several of his other popular action-comedies, including ‘Banana Joe’ and ‘Miami Supercops.'”
• “Bud Spencer, whose real name was Carlo Pedersoli, was a successful Olympic swimmer before becoming an actor, adopting his screen name in 1967 as a tribute to actor Spencer Tracy and his favorite beer, Budweiser.”

🖥️ How to Watch Thieves and Robbers?

Discover ‘Thieves and Robbers’ (also known by its original Italian title, ‘Cane e gatto’) on digital platforms. You can typically find this classic crime comedy available for rent or purchase through services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. For a convenient and instant viewing experience, check these platforms for current availability. Physical media options like DVD or Blu-ray may also be available from various retailers, offering a tangible addition for collectors.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Thieves and Robbers, you might like these similar films:

• Miami Supercops (1985): Directed by Bruno Corbucci and starring Bud Spencer, this film shares a similar buddy-cop dynamic and a lighthearted, action-comedy tone, also set in Miami.
• 48 Hrs. (1982): A classic 80s action-comedy featuring a mismatched cop and criminal forced to work together, mirroring the central dynamic of ‘Thieves and Robbers’ with its blend of humor and crime.
• Beverly Hills Cop (1984): A hugely popular 80s action-comedy that blends humor, police work, and fish-out-of-water elements, appealing to fans of lighthearted crime narratives from the era.
• The Nice Guys (2016): This modern action-comedy features an unlikely and comedic duo solving a crime, capturing the spirit of mismatched partners found in ‘Thieves and Robbers’ with a similar blend of humor and mystery.
• They Call Me Trinity (1970): One of the most famous films starring Bud Spencer alongside Terence Hill, it perfectly showcases Spencer’s signature physical comedy and the buddy dynamic that fans of ‘Thieves and Robbers’ would appreciate.

🛒 Thieves and Robbers Related Products

• Thieves and Robbers Special Edition Blu-ray: Relive the classic buddy-cop comedy with this remastered Blu-ray featuring enhanced picture and sound. Includes bonus features like ‘The Making of a Punch’ and an exclusive interview with director Bruno Corbucci.
• Bud Spencer & Terence Hill: The Ultimate Collection (DVD Box Set): A comprehensive box set featuring many of the beloved films starring the iconic duo, Bud Spencer and Terence Hill. While ‘Thieves and Robbers’ features Milian, this set captures the essence of Spencer’s enduring comedic legacy.
• Thieves and Robbers ‘Cat and Dog’ Retro Movie Poster: A high-quality, vintage-style poster capturing the essence of the original Italian ‘Cane e gatto’ artwork. Printed on premium matte paper, perfect for framing.
• Bud Spencer ‘Fist of Fury’ T-Shirt: A comfortable, soft cotton t-shirt featuring a stylized graphic of Bud Spencer’s iconic fist, a subtle nod to his legendary on-screen prowess.

🎧 Soundtrack

Thieves and Robbers features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Original Score” – performed by La Bionda

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Thief sets up mannequin to escape from the police man #shorts

Ever wonder how far a thief would go to outsmart the law? This clip shows a truly creative, almost unbelievable, escape plan that just might make you chuckle at its sheer ingenuity.

Robber Saved The Middle Child

What happens when a robber faces an unexpected twist that brings out a surprising side? This short takes a sudden turn, reminding us that even in the world of crime, humanity can sometimes shine through.

This Girl Outsmarts Armed Thieves with a Brilliant Plan! 😲🕵️‍♀️

Think you know how a home invasion plays out? This clever girl completely flips the script on armed thieves with a plan so brilliant, you won’t believe it! It’s a fun watch that proves quick thinking can beat brute force.

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