More London’s free outdoor movies kicked off last night with a screening of The Italian Job and great fun was had by all, despite the wind chill factor. Regular Scoopers knew to bring along cushions (and in many cases, blankets). One fully prepared Michael Caine fan even had a flask of coffee - that’s forward thinking. Even on the mildest June evenings the temperature can drop quite a bit once the sun disappears and sitting on cold stone near the river can suddenly seem like a mad idea.

That’s why the atmosphere for this kind of event is all important and I’m glad to say that last night everyone was in good spirits. The crowd seemed to be a nice mix of Londoners and tourists, those without cushions and comforters used backpacks for seats and headrests, while wine (and each other) were cuddled for warmth. The film was a little late to start, but by the time Michael Caine was on screen everyone forgot about the weather and concentrated on the ‘Job’.

For many it’s a very familiar movie - a British classic and television favourite, but there were a few there who had never seen it before and certainly not many who were old enough to have seen it on a big screen before. The Scoop’s circular amphitheatre has great acoustics - perhaps too good for the noisy traffic jam sequence - and as the sky darkened the steps made for a cosy litte camp, huddled under the slightly waving screen.

I must have seen The Italian Job at least fifty times, but never get bored with it. For all the laughter over classic lines such as “You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!” my favourite is still this exchange:

You must have shot an awful lot of tigers, sir.
Yes, I use a machine gun.

I’m still baffled why anyone would try and remake such a perfect little movie.

Needless to say the final scene and credits were drowned out with laughter and applause:

Special thanks to the Scoop team for organising it all and doing it again this evening for Thelma & Louise. If you’re going to any of the screenings please remember to wrap up! And we’ll see you there at the end of the month for Breakfast at Tiffany’s!