Directed by Giuliano Carnimeo, this Italian production is a stylish blend of poliziottesco (crime thriller) and melodrama. It captures the gritty, fashionable aesthetic of 1970s Milan, balancing a high-stakes underworld plot with a tragic romance.
The Synopsis
The film follows Anna, a beautiful woman living in Milan who is deeply entangled with a ruthless, high-ranking mobster named Guido. Their relationship is a volatile mix of luxury and fear; while Anna enjoys the status her partner provides, she is increasingly suffocated by the violence and corruption that define his lifestyle.
In an attempt to escape the criminal web, Anna falls for a handsome, soft-spoken surgeon, Lorenzo. Her search for a “normal” life and genuine affection puts her at the centre of a dangerous tug-of-war. As she tries to hide her past and her ongoing connection to the mob from Lorenzo, Guido’s possessiveness turns lethal. Anna is forced to navigate a treacherous path where her desire for redemption clashes with the brutal reality of the criminal code, leading to a confrontation where the stakes are life and death.
Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
| Director | Giuliano Carnimeo |
| Anna | Edwige Fenech |
| Guido | Richard Conte |
| Lorenzo | Corrado Pani |
| Loredana | Vanna Brosio |
| Riccardo | John Richardson |
Production Notes
-
Iconic Lead: The film stars Edwige Fenech, the reigning queen of Italian genre cinema in the 70s. This role allowed her to showcase more dramatic range compared to the “commedia sexy all’italiana” films she was frequently known for.
-
Hollywood Presence: The film features Richard Conte, a legendary American actor known for his roles in The Godfather and Ocean’s 11, bringing a seasoned, menacing gravity to the role of the antagonist.
-
The Score: Like many Italian thrillers of the era, the film is elevated by a distinctive and emotive soundtrack, composed in this case by Luciano Michelini, which highlights the shifting moods between romantic yearning and urban tension.
