Excellent Italian crime from director Stelvio Massi featuring an opening introduction that can help remind you why you fell in love with these things in the first place! Merli is ‘The Fox’, a down and out private detective (and ex-cop) who seems to always live with just a little more trouble than he can handle. While in Vienna, ‘The Fox’ is moved by the pleas of a distraught Italian woman claiming her daughter’s death was not the accident public authorities would like everyone to believe it is. As you might suspect, Merli’s character finds much more than he bargained for but meets the challenges the way only he can! With tightened fist and loaded gun! This is a wild and unpredictable hybrid of a movie that encompasses two very different moods. At first, beyond the stylish and violent slow-motion opening, the tone is light and there are several comedic situations, all of which are very amusing. After the mystery begins to unfold, though, things take a much more serious turn. The subject matter becomes darker as the movie plays on… kidnapping, blackmail/extortion, under aged schoolgirl prostitution (forced), and before long these events lead to violent murder. Stelvio Cipriani comes through in his ever-impressive musical way with yet another outstanding and atmospheric soundtrack. Massi’s direction comes across as very assured and clear of purpose throughout. Nice cinematography courtesy of Riccardo Pallottini ties everything together in just the right way. Neglected for reasons we can’t begin to fathom around here! Make sure and see it uncut and widescreen!