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 STREET LAW
(Blue
Underground) 1974. Crime Thriller. 103 Minutes. Not Rated. Violence
and some brief nudity. Carlo
Antonelli (Franco Nero) is an average citizen who gets caught up in the
crime wave running rampant throughout the city.
When he is taken hostage after a post office robbery, the three
criminals beat him and leave him behind. Carlo has had enough and decides
that it is time to take the law into his own hands. With the help of a two
bit thief, Tommy (Giancarlo Prete), he starts putting events into motion
that will result in a showdown of violent proportions.
Director Enzo G. Castellari and star Franco Nero have given us a
beautiful example of the vigilante genre. Franco has a crazed look
throughout the film when he comes to the realization that the authorities
are useless in the battle against crime. There are even allusions to the
fact that the police are involved at a higher level. Blue Underground
gives us a fabulous, letterboxed 1.85:1/16:9 print of the film. The extras
are a great 17 minute interview with Franco and Castellari that proves
what a madman Franco truly is. The audio commentary is moderated by
William Lustig and Castellari has remarkable recollection for a film made
back in 1974. The rapport between Franco’s character Carlo and Tommy
(Giancarlo Prete), the two bit thief, is incredible.
Tommy sees what a true passion Carlo has for true justice and
becomes wrapped up in Carlo’s ultimate plan for vengeance. And I can not
believe that I had completely forgotten about Barbara Bach! From The
Spy Who Loved Me to the abysmal Force
10 From Navarone, who’s only saving grace was this exquisite beauty
coming out of a bathtub in her birthday suit. Of course, there is a lot
less of her on display, but her minor role as Carlo’s lover still
showcases what a truly exotic beauty she was on film. It’s a shame that
she hasn’t made a film since 1986. Probably a direct inspiration for the
Charles Bronson film, Death Wish,
this is a film that could have a great sequel. Franco is still alive and
kicking as is Enzo so, why not? We need Street Law 2, so they can show how
a true action film is made. Once again Blue Underground gives us a
superior product and the opportunity to revisit a wonderful film. -Douglas
A. Waltz
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