Mafia

1h 52m 1969

Brief Synopsis

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Based on the Leonardo Sciascia novel of the same title, this story deals with the difficulties facing a northern police officer investigating a Mafia murder in a small Sicilian town in 1961. Salvatore Colasbena, a construction supplier, was murdered # and buried under a blanket of tar # because he refused to join the Mafia-controlled roadbuilding group. His widow, Rosa, is investigated by the police, but honest Captain Bellodi comes to suspect Mafia boss Don Mariano Arena when he can find no witnesses, no evidence, only hostile obstruction by corrupt government influences. Captain Bellodi has no idea that his pursuit of the truth will stir up a hornet's nest. Powerful figures have a vested interest in ensuring that the very existence of the Mafia can be denied. The movie dramatizes the hold that the Mafia has on Sicilian life: the police, the judiciary, politics, and the Catholic Church. Everyone in the village is afraid to talk to Bellodi for fear they will be silenced forever.

Cast & Crew

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Damiano Damiani

Director

Claudia Cardinale

Rosa Nicolosi

Franco Nero

Captain Bellodi

Lee J. Cobb

Don Mariano Arena

Nehemiah Persoff

Pizzuco

Serge Reggiani

Parrinieddu

Film Details

Also Known As
Il giorno della civetta, La Maffia fait la loi
MPAA Rating
Genre
Crime
Release Date
Jan 1969
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Les Films Corona; Panda Film
Distribution Company
American International Pictures
Country
France
Screenplay Information
Based on the novel Il giorno della civetta by Leonardo Sciascia (Turin, 1961).

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 52m
Sound
Mono
Color
Color
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
2.35 : 1

Synopsis

While investigating the murder of a construction supplier in a Sicilian town, Captain Bellodi encounters a conspiracy of silence. Among those unwilling to testify are Rosa Nicolosi, whose husband has disappeared, and the taciturn Pizzuco, lieutenant of Don Mariano, Mafia kingpin. To discredit Rosa, the Mafia accuses her of adultery. Despite intimidation of witnesses and further murders, Bellodi learns that the crimes are related to a highway construction racket run by the Mafia. He also identifies the organization's hierarchy. Bellodi's success, however, disturbs his superiors and he is relieved of his duties. His place is taken by a less inquisitive family man.

Director

Damiano Damiani

Director

Cast

Claudia Cardinale

Rosa Nicolosi

Franco Nero

Captain Bellodi

Lee J. Cobb

Don Mariano Arena

Nehemiah Persoff

Pizzuco

Serge Reggiani

Parrinieddu

Rosanna Lopapero

Caterina

Gaetano Cimarosa

Zecchinetta

Crew

Nino Baragli

Film Editor

Sergio Canevari

Art Director

Luigi Carpentieri

Producer

Marilu Carteny

Costumes

Damiano Damiani

Screenwriter

Tonino Delli Colli

Director of Photography

Ermanno Donati

Producer

Piero Donati

Executive Producer

Giovanni Fusco

Music

Carlo Palmieri

Sound

Ugo Pirro

Screenwriter

Film Details

Also Known As
Il giorno della civetta, La Maffia fait la loi
MPAA Rating
Genre
Crime
Release Date
Jan 1969
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Les Films Corona; Panda Film
Distribution Company
American International Pictures
Country
France
Screenplay Information
Based on the novel Il giorno della civetta by Leonardo Sciascia (Turin, 1961).

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 52m
Sound
Mono
Color
Color
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
2.35 : 1

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

Opened in Paris in May 1969 as La Maffia fait la loi. Released in Italy in 1968 in Techniscope as Il giorno della civetta; running time: 113 min.

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