High Crime (1973)

An Italian police inspector matches wits with a powerful European drug ring. As he comes closer to the top of the underworld organization, his odds of survival decrease.

Director:

Enzo G. Castellari

Writers:

Maurizio Amati (story), Tito Carpi (screenplay)

Stars:

Franco Nero, James Whitmore, Delia Boccardo

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Franco Nero	...	Vice-Commissioner Belli
James Whitmore	...	Commissioner Aldo Scavino
Delia Boccardo	...	Mirella
Fernando Rey	...	Cafiero
Duilio Del Prete	...	Umberto Griva
Silvano Tranquilli	...	Franco Griva
Ely Galleani	...	Chicca
Daniel Martín	...	Rico
Paul Costello	...	Cammarano
Luigi Diberti	...	Belli's Assistant
Mario Erpichini	...	Rivalta
Zoe Incrocci	...	Scavino's Wife
Bruno Corazzari	...	Scavino's Assassin
Massimo Vanni	...	Killer
Joaquín Solís	...	Tony, Cafiero's Servant

Storyline

An Italian police inspector matches wits with a powerful European drug ring. As he comes closer to the top of the underworld organization, his odds of survival decrease.

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Plot Keywords:

slow motion scene | car chase | sequel | second part | italy | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Italy Spain France

Language:

English French Italian

Release Date:

12 August 1973 (Italy)

Also Known As:

High Crime

Filming Locations:

Genoa, Liguria, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Capitolina Produzioni Cinematografiche, Star Films Country, Star Films S.A.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min (video)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Contains "End of Part One" and "Part Two" title cards.

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Quotes

Rico: [after the conversation between Belli and Cafiero] Got shit in my face, huh? You think you're being funny? Well, I don't!
Vice-Commissioner Belli: [slaps Rico in the face] Listen, you... I'll get you.
Rico: Boy, someday you guys are gonna squirm, like worms on a frying pan! We'll make you eat it!
Cafiero: [unseen] Kid! Rico!
Rico: Kids are right when they call you pigs!

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Alternate Versions

West German VHS version was cut by ca. 75 seconds (credits, murder of Rivalta/Rico).

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Connections

Referenced in The Big Sleaze (2010)

User Reviews

High Crime deserves its High Rating!

In case you're looking for action cinema without restraints, boundaries, fake sentiment or political correctness, you have to aim your senses towards the so-called Italian "Poliziottesco" movies. That is a commonly known fact, or at least I always assumed so, but still this is a vastly underrated sub genre even among cult cinema fanatics. The same great names of Italian cult cinema often return, like for example those of director Enzo G. Castellari and charismatic lead actor Franco Nero. These two prodigies often worked together, but this is arguably their finest piece of work (or at least on par with the terrific western "Keoma"). The words "awesome" and "brilliant" spring to mind when witnessing a movie that opens with artsy credits and promptly continues with an exhilarating and non-stop 10 minutes (!) lasting car chase sequence and then a virulent explosion. The intro immediately sets the pace for a masterfully adrenalin-rushing and hardcore-to-the-bone cop thriller, reminiscent to "The French Connection" and "Dirty Harry" only much more outrageous. Franco Nero depicts the devoted and unstoppable police commissioner Belli, who initiates a merciless crusade to cleanse his city entirely of Mafiosi, drug couriers and corruption. Belli receives voluntary cooperation from a former crime boss, but he's undoubtedly doing it for his own benefit. The support from his superiors is minimal since several prominent citizens may be involved in dirty business and, whenever Belli reaches a major breakthrough in his investigations, they try and strike back on a personal level. The overall plot, with particularly the double-crossings and betrayals between crime gang members mutually, is extremely convoluted and often very confusing but the extended and mega-violent shootout sequences don't require a lot of thinking. The villains are truly relentless and loathsome thugs without a conscience whatsoever, but Belli isn't a wussy himself, as his investigation methods qualify as quite unorthodox as well. Without wanting to ruin things, I can safely say there are a couple of very effective sentimental and dramatic moments near the end of the film – as well as some blatant shocks – and "High Crime" ends exactly like it begun: with a long and fascinating explosion of violence and excitement. The score is terrific and Castellari once again proves that he's a visually very gifted director, as the stylistic trademarks are often stunning to behold.