CHARLESTON is one of many Italian comedies that larger-than-life actor Bud Spencer made during the 1970s, some of them with his long-term comic partner Terence Hill, and some of them without. This one's without, and sadly it's one of Spencer's lesser affairs, one which just doesn't have the same spark as one of his other movies.
The plot is about con men all of whom are busy trying to outwit each other. The reference point is definitely the delightful Robert Redford effort THE STING, but CHARLESTON simply isn't a great film, despite the best efforts of the cast. The plot is a little laborious in places and there's a noticeable lack of action, particularly the kind of frenzied and funny action sequences that Spencer is known for.
What interested me most about CHARLESTON was the supporting cast members. Herbert Lom headlines in a role very similar to his one in the PINK PANTHER series, while James Coco is a comic villain. British actors Geoffrey Bayldon and Ronald Lacey are a well-cast pair of henchmen working with Spencer. There are some good things in CHARLESTON, but overall the film is a disappointment when compared to the usual quality of a Spencer film.
The plot is about con men all of whom are busy trying to outwit each other. The reference point is definitely the delightful Robert Redford effort THE STING, but CHARLESTON simply isn't a great film, despite the best efforts of the cast. The plot is a little laborious in places and there's a noticeable lack of action, particularly the kind of frenzied and funny action sequences that Spencer is known for.
What interested me most about CHARLESTON was the supporting cast members. Herbert Lom headlines in a role very similar to his one in the PINK PANTHER series, while James Coco is a comic villain. British actors Geoffrey Bayldon and Ronald Lacey are a well-cast pair of henchmen working with Spencer. There are some good things in CHARLESTON, but overall the film is a disappointment when compared to the usual quality of a Spencer film.