shawhore Euro-Crime can be an acquired taste at the best of times - bad dubbing; senseless killings; one-dimensional plot lines, just some of the gripes levelled against this genre of film. However, if you are looking to watch a film that is rather sparing on subtlety, pathos and seriously lacks any kind of pacing(choppy editing issues), but excels with well-choreographed action sequences; ultra- violence; over-the- top silliness and an easy-to-follow storyline, then this is another Polizio film worth casting a keen eye over.Maurizio Merli plays a cop forced into retirement by his superiors due to a fondness in the past, of taking matters into his own hands and meting out his own brand of justice to any wrongdoers who have the temerity to commit a crime in his neck of the woods. This exile doesn't last too long however, as he suddenly finds himself recalled to duty by the very same superiors, who believe utilising his brutish methods is just about the only option they have of putting a stop to a gang of nefarious criminals who have just escaped from the clink, and mean BUSINESS! Cue exploding cars; a spectacular motorcycle chase; a one-sided dust-up where Merli teaches four(middle-aged)hooligans some manners on a public bus and plenty of gratuitous shoot- outs(endless bullets entering endless baddies chests).All in all, an enjoyable 89mins, that's not going to tax the mind and will entertain you from start to finish. Oh, and watch for an unusual turn out for James Mason, playing an Italian Police Commissioner with a clipped Yorkshire accent. Fascinating!

Bezenby Beatings, car chases, shoot-outs, tarts with hearts - yep, it's another Italian crime movie.This one stars Maurizio Merli, a kind of brawnier Franco Nero, who, like most guys in these films, plays a cop with a brutal approach to criminals. After our usual ultra violent beginning Merli is recalled back into duty to track down a gang of criminals who have escaped from jail, taking with them an old convict who only had 40 days of his sentence to serve - but why? Merli and his two companions hone in on the gang through the old man's niece (who also provides the love interest). On the way, they foil bank robberies, waste criminals, and do a little investigation around high class brothels (dig that prozzy catalogue!).On the other hand - the gang get fed up with Merli's interference and try to have him killed. This leads to a particularly good shoot out in a graveyard, and eventually on to a showdown in a roma railyard.There's not much of a story here but things are pretty streamlined and it's great to watch this guy in action. Check out the scene where a girl strips for him as he sits non-chalantly smoking a fag and drinking whisky, fully clothed.Fear in the City, as usual for these movies, is a good yarn. Plenty of action, nudity, daftness (Nick Alexander's dubbing is almost nonsensical), plus the most blatant product placement ever in a movie. If you can't figure out that Fernet Branca sponsor this film from all the posters, bottles, ashtrays and stickers, then you're crazy or maybe even don't really care about such things.23rd Century's DVD is pretty clean for a change, although it is not widescreen. Love those liner notes where they repeat the same sentence twice. Get it for a pound.

gareth633 If you are a fan of the Euro-crime type films then this a typical violent outing that delivers a lot in 90ish minutes running time. Merli plays the usual tough cop Dirty Harry type role, and gets a decent motorbike chase that is a highlight. I certainly disagree with comments that the film is dull as there's plenty of great action sequences. There is less plot than say 'The Marseille Connection' (High Crimes) or other similar films though. Merli is good in this film, though naturally dubbed. He's great in the action scenes especially the fights! It's more than can be said for an clearly ill at ease James Mason, who acts like he'd rather be somewhere else.Its a shame this genre of films is difficult to come by (certainly in the UK) and the copy i've watched is the grainy '23rd Century' release which i gather is missing footage at the start. Even so it's definitely worth a watch if you can track it down.Recommended.

ckyjackson Maurizio Merli turns in his standard hard-nosed/violent cop routine in this one. The score is solid, story is easy to follow and there's a fantastic motorcycle chase toward the end. It's not quite as good as Convoy Busters or High Crimes but you're better off watching this than something like Cannibal Holocaust.Merli is no Franco Nero but his not-so-subtle acting is more than made up with his charm and delightful mustache. Not sure if this is part of the 'A Mano Armata' series but it certainly could be.If you're a fan of the Polizio genre this one should sate your appetite.