POLIZIOTTO SENZA PAURA - MAGNUM COP (aka FEARLESS) (1978)

 

Directed By: Stelvio Massi Story By: Fulvio Gicca-Palli  Written By: Stelvio Massi, Franz Antel & Gino Capone  Cinematography: Riccardo Pallottini  Editor: Mauro Bonanni 

Cast: Joan Collins, Maurizio Merli, Franco Ressel, Werner Pochath, Massimo Vanni, Annarita Grapputo, Alexander Trojan, Gastone Moschin

An Italian private investigator tries to get to the bottom of a suspicious kidnapping case with the help of an exotic dancer.

This is a movie that leaves one with mixed emotions. As at first it feels like pure 1980’s European sleaze and stupidity dialed up. To make what seems like a movie the filmmakers believe Americans will love. Though eventually the film actually becomes somewhat engaging.

Can’t really tell if it is natural or because the audience gets into the films nature and anything subdued is welcome and if it isn’t outrageous seems more possible than what we have seen before.

The beginning credits show us what to expect throughout, but feel more like credits for a television show of what to expect in future episodes. After a silly violent opening, it ends up being an early highlight reel to try and convince you to stay.  

This is truly a film that has to be seen to be believed. One of the aspects of the film that helped sell the film is that Joan Collins is in it and gets star billing. Even though she doesn’t appear until halfway into the film with a grand entrance and showing plenty of skin throughout. Even though she is a supporting character of importance she comes across as a special guest star who is eye candy and the femme fatale. She is the most recognizable cast ever to an English language speaking audience. 

The film is definitely of it’s Time when it comes to Material and culture. It has a protagonists who always seems to have a one liner or comeback ready for every occasion. Who in one scene after getting beat up seems to look around for direction as to whether to at least lose consciousness in the scene. 

So that at first it feels more comedic than a thriller or action film. Even with an opening scene of pure action. The film also is filled with nudity and comes across at times as sex-obsessed. Not sure if it was intentional or not. Even though it is a detective mystery at heart.

The film eventually develops into competence as it goes along and we analyze the story. When it decides to calm down from its More outrageous factors. That ends up saving the movie. As it becomes engaging and less over the top.  

It seems that most of the female characters can’t resist the lead who comes across with a perineal that Bruce Willis would perfect in the 1980s 

Though it gets tawdry, especially in the conclusion that involves underage girls leaves this and the audience with a bad taste in your mouth and wondering why this was needed. As it makes the film obscene. Which might be why this film isn’t as known or famous. As it is quite distasteful

Can definitely see this as a cult or midnight movie and gaining an audience. By the end it feels like the first in a series of movies or franchises that are never to be.

Grade: B-