Mafioso

‘Mafioso’ from country that knows topic

Bob Lebzelter Video Viper for Feb. 27, 2009

ALBERTO SORDI returns to his stomping grounds and brings his wife in "Mafioso."

“Mafioso” isn’t your typical mobster film.

First off, there’s no sign of Joe Pesci.

This film stars Alberto Sordi, a popular Italian actor when this film was made in 1962.

He plays Nino, an amiable, hard-working foreman at a Fiat factory in Milan. Nino rarely takes time off. He appears to be a good, diligent worker.

But he decided to cash in money he has coming and take wife Marta (Norma Bengell) and two daughters to visit his family in Sicily.

Nino’s family lives a comfortable, upscale life in northern Italy. But wife hits some real culture shock when she vists husband’s extended family.

They are not what you would call sophisticated. Their living room has a beautiful view of the town, but has no walls or ceiling.

Their cuisine is plentiful, but, shall we say crude?

Marta seems more taken back by the whole situation, but comes off to Nino’s family as snobbish.

Immediately, Nino, who is so good natured and wants everyone to get along, tells his wife if they can stick it out, they will take the last few days of his vacation and visit her relatives.

Nino’s boss at work, who happens to be from Trenton, N.J., asks him to give the local Mafia boss, Don Vincenzo (Ugo Attanasio), a gift.

Nino knows the Don well, having pledged his loyalty during World War II, in exchange for protection.

Much of the film is a comedy, as the two sides try to get used to each other. Wife isn’t used to chickens under the bed. Parents think she is a snob.

Then there’s the cousin who was a noticeable mustache. This is a woman, by the way.

Like many films about people returning to their old home towns, Nino runs into old friends who haven’t changed much since graduation.

They spend their time at the beach, debating women, creating their own images of the perfect woman in the sand.

Wife finds some solace and fun in the beach and sand, until Don Vincenzo summons them to his house.

Eventually, Nino is invited to a weekend hunting party. Except it isn’t really a hunting party. Well, maybe a little.

Even though Nino pledged his support years before, Don Vincenzo has a job for him and Nino can’t refuse.

He must go to America, find a man in barbershop and murder him.

The final half hour of the movie is drained of comedy. The bubbly, happy Nino is suddenly sullen and scared.

He must perform a horrible act and then return to his factory job and pretend all is well.

It is quit a twist. To be frank, Nino’s back slapping and smiling, jovial attitude was wearing thin.

Sordi is a solid actor, well demonstrated by the final frames of this film.

It is directed by Alberto Lattuada.

There’s an authenticity to it you don’t find in American gangster films. But you can tell American directors were influenced by “Mafioso.”

MAFIOSO

• Directed by Alberto Lattuada, written by Rafeael Azcona and Bruno Caruso

• Not rated but includes mild sexual situations, language and violence

Runtime: 105 minutes

• In Italian with subtitles

• 3 stars out of 5