When a crime boss is murdered while in hospital, a young woman sees the killers, but her room mate convinces her not to tell the police, fearing the consequences. Unfortunately the murderers realize that they have been seen, and kill both women. Catching the killers proves difficult as anyone who knows anything dies in unexplained circumstances. It becomes evident that a large and powerful criminal organization is behind the murders, and that they have links within the police force. It is up to Lt. Carmine to see that justice prevails, using any means necessary.
Acting
Kinski's twitchy, unpredictable menace—he's barely in it but owns every frame.
Direction
Gariazzo keeps it lean and mean; 88 minutes of escalating paranoia.
Practical Effects
Grubby Roman locations that reek of authentic 1970s desperation.
Director
Mario Gariazzo
Klaus Kinski
Vito Quattroni
Philippe Leroy
Commissario Gianni De Carmine
Silvia Monti
Linda De Carmine
Sergio Fantoni
Musante
Antonio Monselesan
D'Amico
Fausto Tozzi
Nicolò Patrovita
Pia Giancaro
Lilly Antonelli
Cyril Cusack
The Judge
Guido Alberti
Prof. Palmieri
Lincoln Tate
Joe Gambino
Marino Masé
Giuseppe di Leo
Rosario Borelli
Salvatore Perrone
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Poliziottesco exploded in 1970s Italy as a response to real Red Brigade terrorism and public distrust of institutions—this film's body count reflects genuine anxieties about state failure.
Gariazzo allegedly shot this in three weeks to capitalize on Kinski's availability between Werner Herzog collaborations; Kinski reportedly terrorized the crew between takes.
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