I don't like keeping actors confined to one type of role, but it doesn't always work when they try something different (see Eastwood in The Beguiled,for example.) Likewise, here in this movie Broderick Crawford is required to play a lovable rogue with a certain degree of pathos.
This is a case where the casting is wrong. It's too difficult for Crawford to play lovable and he is not the type to encourage an emotional response.
He is the consummate tough guy, a literal 'heavy' - without the obvious qualities to portray a con-man. (I concede that he could play a man of the church).
Despite the casting reservation, Fellini is masterful as usual. The party scene seems to predate the recent Italian prime minister's 'bunga-bunga' parties.
SPOILER coming up: how did the team 'plant' the treasure and bones without being spotted? One location even had two savage dogs roaming around.
Excepting that and Mr. Crawford, everyone else - and the situations - seems real. See it.
This is a case where the casting is wrong. It's too difficult for Crawford to play lovable and he is not the type to encourage an emotional response.
He is the consummate tough guy, a literal 'heavy' - without the obvious qualities to portray a con-man. (I concede that he could play a man of the church).
Despite the casting reservation, Fellini is masterful as usual. The party scene seems to predate the recent Italian prime minister's 'bunga-bunga' parties.
SPOILER coming up: how did the team 'plant' the treasure and bones without being spotted? One location even had two savage dogs roaming around.
Excepting that and Mr. Crawford, everyone else - and the situations - seems real. See it.