Seven Men and One Brain


Seven Men and One Brain, also known as Criminal Affair and Criminal Symphony, is a 1968 Italian-Argentinian crime comedy heist film co-written, produced, directed by and starring Rossano Brazzi, in one of his few non-singing roles. It also stars Ann-Margret, Barbara Nichols, Hélène Chanel, Gina Maria Hidalgo, Lando Buzzanca, Juan Carlos Lamas, Javier Portales and Nathán Pinzón.

Synopsis

Ross Simpson seems to have everything that a man could seemingly desire: the respect of his university peers and students, a successful career as an author, and a secret identity and romance with his young student Leticia. The only thing Simpson doesn't have is a large amount of money, which he wants to get by using his secret identity and planning what he regards as "perfect crimes". Nevertheless, all of them fail due to the stupidity and bumbling actions of the criminals he recruits to carry out his secret schemes. One day Simpson's publishers send him on an all-expenses-paid trip to Buenos Aires, which includes accommodation and an attractive secretary. Putting his writing on hold, Simpson schemes to rob the patrons of the famous Teatro Colón during the opening performance of the classic opera La traviata, all the while using a gang of Argentinian criminals who are trained to sing. Things begin to go awry when Simpson is simultaneously pursued by the angry Italian criminals who failed one of his Italian jobs and a variety of attractive women who seem to get in his way.

Cast

It was one of several films Ann-Margret made in Europe around this time.

Release

The film was a box office bomb. It was released in the United States as Criminal Affair, in a version re-dubbed, re-edited and re-scored by the distributor.

Reception

The film was generally badly received by critics. A contemporary review of La Prensa described the film as a ripoff of Big Deal on Madonna Street, "but Brazzi is no Monicelli or Gassman. The result is unbearable... the performers... are far below what they can give". Another contemporary review from L'Unità outlined the film as an annoying film and a poor imitation of Seven Golden Men, with a bleak story and a badly mistcast Brazzi.