The Smiling Maniacs (1975) On DVD

Corrupt Italian politician Carlo Goja has friends in very high places - specifically in the Palace of Justice. Dozens of investigations into judicial corruption have led nowhere, because a damning dossier that could topple the entire nefarious edifice has been hidden. Goja's mistress is raped after she vows to testify against him. Suspicion and violence pit everyone against each other, and paranoia reigns in the hallowed halls of the courts. As all eyes franticly search for the missing dossier, the threat of murder, assault, accusation and arrest makes every judge fear for his future.

Acclaimed veteran character actor Martin Balsam stars in this atmospheric Italian production, originally titled Corruzione al Palazzo di Giustizia (Corruption in the Palace of Justice). For more than forty years, Balsam was a well-known face in both film and television, with stellar supporting roles in such excellent fare as On The Waterfront (1954), 12 Angry Men (1957), Psycho (1960), Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961), Cape Fear (1962), Seven Days In May (1964), A Thousand Clowns (1965), Catch 22 (1970), and All The President's Men (1976). Co-stars Fernando Rey (The French Connection (1971), The Discrete Charm Of The Bourgeoisie (1972)) and Franco Nero (The Bible (1966), Camelot (1967), Die Hard 2 (1990)) round out this dark study of intrigue within Italy's highest political offices.

The premise of this film -- that many magistrates in the Italian system of justice are on the take from corporations, politician, and gangsters -- was soon overshadowed by real-life revelations of corruption in high places. One high point in this political melodrama is the humanity with which actor Fernando Rey endows the Chief Justice.