Charlie has just left prison, and now wants to do a 'big job'. The job is to steal $4m of gold arriving in Italy from China. Charlie's job needs financing, so he goes to Mr Bridger (a Mafia-type boss) who is in prison (Charlie has to break in !). In Italy, a clever plan is used to distract the authorities, while the raiders make their get-away in three Minis. This leads to an excellent car chase sequence through Italian streets, buildings, rivers, sewers, highways and rooftops which lasts for several minutes.

Paramount Pictures originally wanted Robert Redford to play the part of Charlie.

Charlie Croker:
It's a very difficult job and the only way to get through it is we all work together as a team. And that means you do everything I say.

Continuity: Color of the Mini Cooper as it falls down the mountain side changed from blue to red then back to blue

Written by Quincy Jones & Don Black
Performed by Matt Monro