Watch The Big Caper

The Big Caper is a crime drama film that was released in 1957. It tells the story of a group of criminals who come together to pull off a big heist. The film stars Rory Calhoun, Mary Costa, and James Gregory and was directed by Robert Stevens. Calhoun plays the role of a con man named Julius "Doc" Steiner. He has just been released from prison and is looking for his next big score. He comes across a small town in Indiana where he meets a group of colleagues who share his interest in pulling off a heist. He convinces them to join him in a plan to rob a bank and a jewelry store in a neighboring town.

The group includes a mechanic named Omar (Vito Scotti), a former jockey named Little Joe (Corey Allen), and a nightclub singer named Bonnie (Mary Costa), whom Steiner convinces to join in the heist. They also enlist the help of a corrupt police captain named C.P. Connors (James Gregory) to be the lookout during the heist.

The movie shows the planning stages of the heist and how Steiner and his group manage to pull it off. They encounter some setbacks along the way, including an unexpected complication during the robbery itself. The tension and excitement of the heist are palpable, and the movie succeeds in creating a sense of urgency and danger throughout.

The characters are well-developed and engaging, with Calhoun's Steiner being particularly impressive. He exudes a cool confidence, a smooth talker with an air of mystery about him. His interactions with the other characters are intriguing, as he manipulates them into joining his plan, all the while keeping his true motives hidden.

Costa's Bonnie is also a standout character, with her sultry singing voice and her fiery personality. She adds some much-needed femininity to a movie that is otherwise heavily dominated by male characters.

James Gregory's portrayal of C.P. Connors is another highlight of the movie. He oozes sleaze and corruption, making it clear that he is not a man to be trusted. However, his performance is nuanced enough to show that there is more to his character than just villainy. He is more than just a two-dimensional bad guy, which adds depth and complexity to the story.

The film is beautifully shot, with some truly stunning cinematography throughout. The scenes inside the jewelry store are particularly impressive, with the camera capturing the jewels and the expensive trinkets in such a way that they seem to sparkle on the screen.

The score by Lyn Murray is also worth mentioning, as it perfectly complements the action on the screen. It ranges from tense and suspenseful to upbeat and jazzy, depending on the scene. It's a perfect time capsule of the era in which it was made.

Overall, The Big Caper is an enjoyable crime drama that is sure to entertain fans of the genre. It has enough twists and turns to keep viewers on the edge of their seat and enough character development to keep them invested in the outcome. It's a movie that will appeal to those who enjoy a good heist story and who appreciate the artistry of filmmaking.

The Big Caper is a 1957 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.