The Rogues

The Rogues (original Italian title I picari) is a 1987 Italian comedy film written and directed by Mario Monicelli. The story draws loose inspiration from two celebrated Spanish picaresque novels, Lazarillo de Tormes and Guzmán de Alfarache, following the fortunes of resourceful swindlers who survive through wit, trickery and sheer nerve. Monicelli shaped the screenplay together with Leonardo Benvenuti, Piero De Bernardi and Suso Cecchi d'Amico. The picture boasts a notable ensemble of Italian screen talent, including Giancarlo Giannini, Enrico Montesano, Vittorio Gassman, Nino Manfredi and Giuliana De Sio, alongside character actors such as Sal Borgese and Aldo Sambrell. Produced as an Italian-Spanish co-production, it was released in Spain under the title Los alegres pícaros. Running roughly two hours, the film blends comedy with adventure and drama, and appeared internationally under a variety of localized titles.