Property Is No Longer a Theft (1973)

In the grey, dismal monotony of his existence, Total, an unremarkable young bank cashier, grapples with the existential question of life's worth. Trapped in a tedious cycle of handling banknotes to which he harbors a peculiar allergy, Total is intimately aware of the illicit pathways his clients have taken to amass their wealth. His world is jolted off its axis following a dramatic armed robbery, a catalyst that sparks his own desire for change. Total abandons his mundane job and embarks on an audacious journey to reinvent himself, swapping his drab uniform for stylish clothes, fast cars, and captivating women. His transformation begins subtly, initiating his new career with minor pilferages in local supermarkets. However, as his confidence grows, so does the magnitude of his crimes, escalating to significant frauds that prove his newfound audacity. At the centre of his crosshairs is a popular ex-client, a prosperous butcher who has become the embodiment of Total's aspirations. But this new life is not without its challenges. Total's neurotic Marxism, an ideology that ironically conflicts with his criminal pursuits, throws unexpected roadblocks in his path. "Property is No Longer a Theft" is a compelling exploration of a man's struggle against his seemingly predestined life, a gritty journey through the underbelly of society as Total dares to defy the norm, grappling with his morality even as he descends further into his life of crime.

Property Is No Longer a Theft is a comedy movie featuring Ugo Tognazzi.

Property Is No Longer a Theft is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.