noodles-13

To all script writers, directors planning to set up a project of a legal court-hearing thriller, stop wasting time: "the" legal court-hearing thriller has already been shot by a genius known as Billy Wilder. I don't know if such a category exists or is recognized, however I would consider a court-hearing thriller a movie whose main scenes and events take place in hearings before a criminal court. In this meaning, I would not consider "The verdict" but probably would consider "12 angry men". But, as usual with Billy Wilder, this movie is a lot more. A monumental (in any sense of the word) Charles Laughton. A surprising Marlene Dietrich, who also plays a sort of ironic parody of her past in Germany and her past role as the Blue Angel. A convincing Tyrone Power, whose role will leave you with big surprises. Super-witty dialogs and tons of bitter irony over the rituals of justice, that cannot do much to help the truth come to surface. Another big hit to the bull's eye for one of the best directors of all times. 9/10 just because I never rate 10 a movie I have only seen once. Can't wait to see it again to give it the ten it deserves.

A classic parody of gangster movies played by the most famous and beloved Italian musician and entertainer of his days, Fred Buscaglione, who brought easy listening jazz to Italian audience since the 50es, embodying in his songs (and his way of life too) the "tough guy" made famous by the hard boiled flicks of the 40es, that were so popular in Italy after World War II. The plot is rather simple. An FBI agent (Fred Buscaglione) infiltrates the gang of the drug-dealer Algerino (played by Totò, always a delight to see), who runs his criminal business in a night club. The G-man cover identity is Fred Bombardone, the leader of a jazz band made of police cops (all played by Fred's band "Asternovas" except the guitarist, the famous Italian comedian Paolo Panelli). The rest is typical of Fred's songs, night clubs full of smoke, gorgeous girls and good music. A must see for all Fred Buscaglione fans. Rated 7/10.