Caine discusses 'Italian Job' cliffhanger

LONDON, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- British actor Michael Caine revealed the unfilmed ending of his classic heist flick "The Italian Job" to a crowd at the 2008 Visit London Awards Thursday.

The conclusion of the story told in the 1969 movie has been debated for years.

The film ends with the gang of thieves left hanging -- literally -- as their bus filled with gold dangles over a precipice and Caine's character Charlie Croker is heard saying: "Hang on a minute, lads. I've got a great idea."

The Daily Mail said the 75-year-old actor disclosed at the awards show how the filmmakers came up with what should happen next, but decided not to shoot it.

"In the coach I crawl up, switch on the engine, stay there for four hours until all the petrol runs out," Caine said of the unused plot twist. "The van bounces back up so we can all get out, but then the gold goes over. There are a load of Corsican Mafia at the bottom watching the whole thing with binoculars. They grab the gold, and then the sequel is us chasing it."

Caine picked up the prize for favorite Londoner at the event held at the Royal Albert Hall, the Mail said.

"It is extraordinary, and completely unique as I did not have to do anything to get it," the actor quipped about his award.