The Cynic, The Rat And The Fist
– This is probably the best example of a 70's Italian crime movie, though not the "best" movie of the ..
This is probably the best example of a 70's Italian crime movie, though not the "best" movie of the genre (does that make sense?). It has, besides Saxon, an entirely Italian cast but most of them are pretty recognizable regulars in very amusing roles. Maurizio Merli is best as the role he was born to play, that of yet another ticked off Police commissioner. His very charismatic, yet level-headed performance is the one thing that keeps this movie moving along so well, and it is notable that of Lenzi's crime movies, this is probably the one that entrusts Merli with the most screentime.
03 Feb 1977
Italian
Umberto Lenzi
Sauro Scavolini (story), Ernesto Gastaldi (screenplay), Dardano Sacchetti (screenplay), Umberto Lenzi (screenplay)
Maurizio Merli, John Saxon, Tomas Milian, Renzo Palmer
Luigi Maietto (Chinaman) escapes from prison he then orders two henchman to murder the inspector whose testimonal led to his being jailed. Inspector Tanzi is left for dead but lives. The local newspapers cover up for him and pretend the assassination had worked. When Tanzi's able to his superior wants him to hide in Switzerland. But Tanzi defies him and intends to make sure that Maietto is put back in prison.