BMW's Mini pays homage to classic film 'The Italian Job' at London 2012

London, June 13 (ANI): In an entertaining short film released to celebrate their partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB at the 2012 Games, Mini has dreamt up of a scenario where there is just over a month to go till the Olympics and all the gold medals have been stolen by a mysterious burglar, who has made their getaway through the capital on a motorbike.

Directed by Phil Churchward, the lead director on BBC's Top Gear, the action-packed film is a homage to the classic 1969 'Italian Job' and includes stunts at London locations performed in red, white and blue special edition Minis.

While the original film saw the cars dart through the streets of Turin, Italy, the tribute is set against the backdrop of some of London's most iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament and London Eye.

In several references to the original movie, the cars are seen negotiating tight tunnels, charging down a stairs and bursting through barriers.

The cars are even seen emerging from the same Park Lane basement used in the original film, and hurtling through Leadenhall Market.

The mini-film climaxes in a dramatic stunt in which the three Minis perform a ten metre jump in close formation in front of the London Olympic Athletics Stadium, as their pursuit of the biker reaches its peak.

The film stars sporting legend Daley Thompson as the mastermind behind the plot to foil the gold medal thief.

He repeats Michael Caine's famous line from the 1969 movie, "hang on a minute, I've got a great idea", as he sends champion rowers Matthew Pinsent and James Cracknell with triple jump world record holder turned broadcaster Jonathan Edwards off in pursuit of the burglar.

Javelin gold medallist Steve Backley also makes a cameo as his training session for Olympic hopefuls is interrupted by the car chase.

Adding some glamour to the proceedings, model Jodie Kidd is revealed to be the thief in the end as she states she couldn't resist the lure of the gold - just like the characters in the 'Italian Job'.

While Jodie is a keen racing driver, the motorbike stunts in the Mini film, including high speed wheelies and jumping over three cars, were carried out by motorcyclist Dougie Lampkin, an internationally renowned English motorcycle trials rider.

Meanwhile, the stunt driving was coordinated by Paul Swift, a multiple Guinness World Record holder and seven-time British Motorsport Champion.

Double Olympic gold medallist Daley Thompson said everyone involved had great fun filming their scenes.

"It's been a great experience being involved in The Britalian Job - everyone in the cast became completely immersed in their roles and with seven Olympic Gold medals between us, we were obviously the right team for the job!" the Daily Mail quoted him as saying.

James Cracknell also shared his experience while making the thriller.

"It was great fun making this film and London makes such a brilliant setting for an action sequence like this. Seeing London begin its transformation for the summer Games and feeling the excitement building is tremendous. Everybody involved with this film wishes Team GB and ParalympicsGB the best of luck as the Games approach," Cracknell said.

BMW, Mini's owner, is a sponsor of the London 2012 Games. Graham Biggs, from BMW Group UK said they hope people enjoy watching the film as much those involved enjoyed making it.

"The Italian Job is a classic and this was a great opportunity and the right time to have some fun with it in London. We wanted to make an exciting short film featuring British sporting heroes and three MINIs as the stars, in and around some of London's greatest landmarks, as the city prepares for The Games. We hope everybody enjoys it," he said. (ANI)