The Italian Job Bus Scene: De La Warr Pavilion

The Italian Job is a classic British heist movie from 1969, directed by Peter Collinson and starring Michael Caine, Noel Coward, and Benny Hill, among others. The film ends with a famous and memorable bus scene cliffhanger, leaving the fate of the main characters and the stolen gold bullion uncertain. In 2012, the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea showcased “The Italian Job” bus scene on the roof of the iconic modernist building in East Sussex. Check out some pictures of the installation that I took below!

About “The Italian Job” Bus Scene

In the movie’s final scene, Big William, played by Harry Baird, sends the coach into a skid while celebrating the crew’s escape from Turin in Mini Coopers. The back of the bus is left teetering over a cliff with the gold bullion they stole earlier in the movie near the rear end and the robbers at the front.

Charlie Croker, played by Michael Caine, then contemplates how to save the gold, which is sliding further away from them. After a while, he claims, “Hang on a minute lads, I’ve got a great idea.” Then the film ends.

This iconic final scene has been referenced and parodied in numerous other movies and TV shows. Moreover, film buffs widely recognise it as an iconic and memorable moment in film history.

The Italian Job Bus Scene: De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, East Sussex

The Iconic Italian Job Bus Scene Cliffhanger Tours Bexhill

In 2012, the artist Richard Wilson recreated the iconic final bus scene cliffhanger from the movie “The Italian Job” on top of the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. He calls the installation: “Hang on a minute lads, I’ve got a great idea,” after Michael Caine’s famous final line in the movie.

Pictures of “The Italian Job” Bus Scene Cliffhanger

Since 2012, the installation has been erected in various places globally. But you can check out the photos I took in Bexhill below using 35mm film. Why? For a nostalgic look!