🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Duccio Tessari
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Action, Thriller
- Release year: 1973
- Runtime (length): 1h 35min
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10 (2.8K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Man wants to retire, but his bosses decide to send him off with a bang… literally… resulting in a brutal farewell tour of Europe.
🍿 Tony Arzenta: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Hitman Seeks Retirement
Tony Arzenta is a highly effective and respected hitman within the Italian mob. He has built a life for himself and his family, including a young son. Despite his success in the criminal underworld, Tony grows weary of the violence and constant danger. He decides he wants to leave the mob life behind him to live peacefully with his wife and child.

The Mob’s Harsh Response
However, leaving the mob is not a simple matter, as his bosses see it as a betrayal and a potential risk. They refuse his request to retire. Instead of allowing him to walk away, the mob decides to eliminate Tony to tie up loose ends. This decision sets in motion a series of events with devastating consequences.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Tony Arzenta (Alain Delon): The skilled mob hitman who seeks retirement but is forced into a brutal revenge quest after his family is killed.
- Nick Gusto (Richard Conte): A powerful Mafia boss who is one of the figures Tony Arzenta seeks revenge against.
- Sandra (Carla Gravina): Tony Arzenta’s supportive girlfriend who becomes an ally after the tragedy.
- Domenico Maggio (Marc Porel): Tony Arzenta’s loyal friend and associate who helps him in his quest for vengeance.
- Anna Arzenta (Nicoletta Machiavelli): Tony Arzenta’s wife, whose accidental death in a car bombing triggers his violent revenge.
- Rocco Cutitta (Lino Troisi): A venomous gangster and antagonist targeted by Tony Arzenta during his revenge.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Tony Arzenta: “I want out.” – Stated calmly to his bosses, initiating the central conflict of the film.
- Nick Gusto: “This kind of life… you don’t retire.” – A senior mob figure warning Tony that leaving the criminal world is not an option.
- Tony Arzenta: “They made a mistake. A terrible mistake.” – A chilling realization upon discovering the bombing that killed his wife and child was meant for him.
- Tony Arzenta: “Now, they will all pay.” – A declaration of vengeance after his family’s murder, setting him on a brutal path.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Tony Arzenta Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I finally watched ‘Tony Arzenta’ (or ‘Big Guns’ as some call it!), and wow. I’m a huge fan of Alain Delon, and he is just peak cool here. That cashmere sweater and trenchcoat look? Iconic. The story is simple – hitman wants out, mob says no, bad things happen, revenge ensues. But man, is it done with style! I loved the atmosphere, the gritty 70s vibe, and the fact that it doesn’t pull any punches. Some of the action scenes, especially the car chases, were seriously impressive for the time. And that junkyard scene? Brutal and memorable. Yeah, the dubbing is a bit rough sometimes, but that’s part of the charm for me with these Euro-crime flicks. The ending is definitely… not what you’d expect from Hollywood, and I appreciated that. It’s definitely a must-see if you’re into these kinds of films. It felt fresh despite the familiar premise, largely thanks to Delon and the distinct direction.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Alain Delon”
- “Enthusiasts of 1970s Italian crime films (Poliziottesco)”
- “Viewers who enjoy revenge thrillers”
- “Fans of stylish European action cinema”
- “Those interested in mob dramas with a gritty edge”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong Violence and Gore”
- “Gun Violence”
- “Car Crashes”
- “Mature Themes (Organized Crime, Revenge, Loss)”
- “Brief Nudity”
- “Depiction of harm to women”
Professional Reviews
- Adapted from User Review: “Alain Delon is effortlessly cool as Tony Arzenta, the hitman who just wants out. Director Duccio Tessari crafts a superior Euro-crime thriller with serious style. The plot might be familiar, but the execution is top-notch, filled with exciting chases and sharp, sudden violence. It’s a masterclass in atmosphere and Delon’s magnetic presence ties it all together. A must-watch for fans of the genre.
- Adapted from User Review: “This film defines ‘stylish Euro-crime.’ Every frame pops with intentional color palettes and detailed cinematography. While the story of a hitman trying to leave the mob is a well-worn path, Richard Conte adds a surprisingly nuanced performance as the weary don. The action is sparse but impactful, especially the car chases. A stylish gem that deserves more recognition.
- Adapted from User Review: “Duccio Tessari delivers a fast-paced and often brutal thriller. Alain Delon fits the role perfectly, embodying the icy professional with simmering intensity. The revenge plot is straightforward, but the film benefits from strong supporting performances and a great score. While some might find the dubbing jarring or the plot predictable, the sheer energy and unforgiving finale make it a worthwhile entry in the poliziottesco canon.
Audience Reactions
Alain Delon’s effortlessly cool and lethal performance stole the show for many viewers.: Audiences consistently praise the film’s undeniable style, memorable car chases, and brutal, unforgiving tone, especially the non-Hollywood ending.
Overall Consensus: A stylish and intense Euro-crime thriller anchored by a charismatic Alain Delon, celebrated for its atmosphere, action sequences, and stark conclusion, despite a familiar plot.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Alain Delon dubbed his own voice in both the French and English language versions of the film.”
- “The original Italian title is ‘Tony Arzenta’, but it was released internationally under various titles, including ‘Big Guns’ and ‘No Way Out’.”
- “Filming took place in diverse locations including Sicily, Milan, Rome, Copenhagen, and possibly other parts of Denmark and Germany, contributing to the film’s European scope.”
- “The score by Gianni Ferrio, particularly the use of Ornella Vanoni’s song ‘L’Appuntamento’, is highlighted by critics as a memorable and stylish element.”
🖥️ How to Watch Tony Arzenta?
Finding ‘Tony Arzenta’ (also known as ‘No Way Out’ or ‘Big Guns’) can vary depending on your region and available platforms. As a classic Eurocrime film, it may not be readily available on major subscription services like Netflix, Hulu, or Max. It is often found on niche streaming platforms specializing in classic or international cinema. Look for digital purchase or rental options on platforms such as Apple TV, Prime Video, or Vudu. Physical media like Blu-ray or DVD releases are also common ways to acquire this film for viewing. Check platforms like Amazon or specialty film distributors for purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Tony Arzenta, you might like these similar films:
- Le Samouraï (1967): Stars Alain Delon as a cool, professional hitman, known for its minimalist style and focus on character isolation, a thematic precursor.
- The Violent Professionals (1973): Another stylish Italian Poliziotteschi film released the same year, also starring Richard Conte, focusing on gritty urban crime and action.
- Death Wish (1974): Features a protagonist who becomes a vigilante after his family is attacked, driven by revenge against the criminals responsible.
- John Wick (2014): A modern action film about a retired hitman drawn back into the violent underworld after suffering a personal loss, leading to a high-stakes revenge plot.
- High Crime (1973): An acclaimed Italian crime film from the same era and genre, praised for its action, style, and grim portrayal of organized crime and corrupt systems.
🛒 Tony Arzenta Related Products
- Eurocrime! The Italian Cop and Gangster Films That Ruled the 70s: Dive deep into the golden age of Italian crime cinema with this comprehensive guide. Features production details, cast and crew information, and critical analysis of classic Poliziottesco films like ‘Big Guns’.
- Alain Delon: The Collection (Box Set): A curated collection featuring some of Alain Delon’s most iconic performances in crime and noir films. Experience his range and intensity across different classic European productions.
- Poliziottesco Film Poster Collection (Print): High-quality art prints featuring original theatrical posters from classic 1970s Italian crime films, including designs reminiscent of ‘Tony Arzenta’.
- No Way Out (Tony Arzenta) Blu-ray: Experience the film in high definition with potential bonus features like interviews, commentary, or documentaries on the making of the film or the Euro-crime genre.
🎧 Soundtrack
Tony Arzenta features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The movie ‘Tony Arzenta’ is also widely known by the English titles ‘No Way Out’ and ‘Big Guns’. These alternate titles are frequently used, especially in international releases and discussions.
The film stars acclaimed French actor Alain Delon in the lead role of Tony Arzenta. The cast also features notable actors from Italian and European cinema, including Richard Conte, Carla Gravina, Marc Porel, and Roger Hanin.
‘Tony Arzenta’ is primarily a Crime and Drama film. It is also considered a classic example of the Italian ‘poliziottesco’ genre, a subgenre of crime films popular in Italy during the 1970s known for their gritty realism and action.
The movie follows Tony Arzenta, a mob hitman who wishes to retire. When his bosses refuse and attempt to kill him, leading to the death of his family, Tony embarks on a brutal revenge mission against the entire organization.
Availability varies, but ‘Tony Arzenta’ may be found on specialized streaming services for classic or international films. It can also often be rented or purchased digitally on platforms like Apple TV or Prime Video, or found on physical media (DVD/Blu-ray).
🔥 Bonus Content
Inseguimento N°1 car chase – Tony Arzenta (Big Guns) 1973
Ready for some classic Italian crime film action? Check out this thrilling car chase from Tony Arzenta – seriously, those old car chases are so intense!
ビッグ・ガン(映画) / アラン・ドロン Big Guns (Tony Arzenta) / Alain Delon
Want a different feel? This clip highlights the moody theme music ‘L’appuntamento’ used in the film and featuring Alain Delon – I find the song really sets the tone!
’72 Fiat 132 1800 GL chases ’66 Citroën ID 19
If you loved the car chase, dive deeper with this longer compilation of vehicle action from Tony Arzenta – gotta appreciate the practical stunts they pulled off back then!
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