The Salamander (1981) User Reviews

A great cast and beautiful scenery

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 7 December 2016]

THE SALAMANDER is one of those films with a gob-smacking cast and wealth of talent both in front of and behind the scenes. It's based on a classic thriller novel by Morris West and adapted by TWILIGHT ZONE creator Rod Serling; it's directed by an experienced film editor, Peter Zinner, who ensures that his editing here is crisp and perfect, and it has both British and American backing, although it's an Italian film, shot in Italy with an Italian supporting cast. But what of the main cast! Remember those glory days of disaster films in the '70s, where an all-star cast was a guarantee of big audiences? Where the film poster could hardly manage to fit all those Hollywood names in? Well, that's what we have here, although THE SALAMANDER eventually succumbs to the same fate as those other movies: there are so many players and familiar faces that only a few of them get a substantial role and the rest are just window dressing.

Heading the cast is Franco Nero, playing a crusading investigator. His appearance immediately puts this film in line with the popular '70s polizia, or crime, flicks that packed out Italian cinemas in that decade. There's a requisite number of decently-done car chases and short action sequences, but this isn't really an action film, it's more of a mystery. It's the static nature of the plot that works against it and stops it from being fully entertaining. Essentially, the film has Nero questioning one character after another in a series of long-winded interviews, only to bring everyone together at the climax to reveal the villain(s). It's like something out of an Agatha Christie novel, and despite efforts from the film-makers to throw in MARATHON MAN-style torture scenes and assassins bumping off key players, it's a completely linear movie. Saying that I still enjoyed it, thanks to the great camera-work and performances.

Supporting the ever-great Nero is Martin Balsam, here teaming up with the star again after CONFESSIONS OF A POLICE CAPTAIN. These two actors make for a great double act and they shine whenever they're on screen together – it just seems so natural. Glamour is brought to the proceedings by Claudia Cardinale and Anita Strindberg, although these two accomplished actresses barely get a look in – the main glamour girl is Sybil Danning, playing Nero's love interest. For once Danning doesn't go nude for the role, which ends up being one of her best in terms of acting. The main cast heavyweight is Anthony Quinn, and he acts everyone off the screen in a great role. Elsewhere we get villains essayed by Christopher Lee – who can do this kind of thing in his sleep – and Eli Wallach, who still seems too likable to be believable in his role. There are cameos for Paul Smith, typecast as a torturer, and Cleavon Little, who shows up to fire off a machine gun and then goes again! Italian regulars like John Steiner and Renzo Palmer help flesh out minor parts. THE SALAMANDER is far from great, but if you like the look of the cast and you enjoy beautiful scenery, you'll have a ball like I did.

Great cast, dull movie

[Strider-100 · 5/10 · 22 August 2019]

THE SALAMANDER had so much potential, especially with an all star cast of supporting actors like Anthony Quinn, Martin Balsam, Eli Wallach, Christopher Lee, Cleavon Little, Paul Smith, and Claudia Cardinale. The leads were Franco Nero, who had such a strong Italian accent that his English was hard to understand and Sybil Danning, who played her character with the personality of a roof shingle who was always dressed like a nun or the wife of the Quaker Oats guy so she was playing against type and her persona. She was suppose to be a spy and the mistress of the assassinated General but the conservative and bland way she was dressed indicated to me that he might just have committed suicide.......On the DVD extra's one of the men associated with the film referred to Sybil with this disrespectful comment, " " which I found shocking because there was no cleavage displayed at all with that Puritan wardrobe in the movie. There is very little action in the film, basically one car chase and then the torture scene which turned out more like comedy then anything else where Paul Smith was to torture Franco Nero to get information and what made it funny is it turned out to look like Franco Nero was torturing Paul Smith by sexually assaulting him hanging on his back with Paul Smith screaming and Nero with his bare arse hanging out of his jock strap. The scene was so absurd and ludicrous that it came off as comical rather then scary. The best acting was done by Martin Balsam who played Nero's father figure like partner, who gets killed midway so you lose the most interesting character in the film. Anthony Quinn was 2nd to Balsam in performance and he made the most of the material he worked with. Cleavon Little has a small part and did a great job but you wonder why he was not given more and the most disappointing part of the film were the two villains, Eli Wallach and Christopher Lee who barely had any screen time and just a few lines. They just weren't utilized and neither was Claudia Cardinale who was so stunning in ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST but had the same wardrobe designer as Sybil so she looked like an Amish farmer or Quaker Oats girl with maybe two lines of dialog. It was not the worst film, it just did not live up to its potential

Stellar Cast

[shawnblackman · 6/10 · 24 September 2016]

A political thriller involving secret plans to re-create a fascist government in Italy. This film is chocked full of stars like Christopher Lee, Anthony Quinn, Eli Wallach and the whole parade is led by Franco Nero who does a top notch job as high ranking officer investigating the murders involved in trying to obtain these documents.

They had some cash to spend on this film as you can see how elaborately furnished the interior shots are and most everything else.

The film mostly has Nero obtaining facts from interview to interview and there is a few chase scenes but its not a tense thriller just really interesting. The actors were amazing. If you get a chance give it a watch.

An incisive view of Italian bureaucracy and social hierarchy

[Deusvolt · 6/10 · 19 November 2006]

A rightist plot to stage a coup d'etat against the Italian government is foiled by a Captain in the Carabinieri. Led by industrialists, high ranking government and military officials, some of whom hold noble titles, the plotters control vital sectors of the state that they seemed unstoppable but for the dogged determination of a middle ranking police officer (Franco Nero) and a detective (Martin Balsam).

The plot and the events surrounding it are too complicated to be condensed in an average length movie and so it was a bit confusing. Nevertheless, it manages to convey the plausibility of a right wing coup against the Italian government. After all, many communists and socialists were seated in parliament during this period and they controlled the countryside municipalities through their mayors. Of course, the captains of industries, the nobility, their allies in the military elite and government bureaucracy, did not like that. My appreciation of the movie heightened when serendipitously, I chanced upon a copy of the Morris L. West novel of the same title.

It is interesting to note that Italians still use noble titles like "principe" and "principessa." But these are not necessarily, the offspring of kings but may be compared to the English earls. Remember that for much of the medieval period, Italy was divided into city states some of which were nominally under the Holy Roman Emperor who did not brook the presence of kings except for his own relatives like the King of Sicily. There is also the unique Italian noble title of "Falconeri," who must have been the falconer of a Grand Duke. Perhaps we can compare him to a Hapsburg baron.

Italians are great designers of uniforms (among other things such as cars) and it shows in this movie. The Captain dons at least two different uniforms in various scenes and his formal or gala dress was interestingly cool. That golden flame insignia on his officer's cap caught my eye.

good intentions

[Vincentiu · 18 January 2013]

it was one of favorite films of my childhood. today, it is only a promise. large, noble, interesting but prisoner of good intentions. the impressive torture scene, Franco Nero as Prince Charming, presence of Claudia Cardinale are little sparkles of a work without axis. sure, a thriller not must be a masterpiece but in this case it is a lost seed of fantastic tree. because story is fragile and almost boring. because central impression is to be at a great lunch without forks and knifes. and the script may be only improvisation . sure, it may be a cruel verdict. but after years, only gloomy memories about a nice film saves this movie.is it enough ? may be. in a little measure.

All star cast

[dieseldemon85 · 7/10 · 30 January 2022]

This film felt more like a made for t.v movie. It does pace slow for about the first 30 min or so. You see the funeral of a general, intro to all the big players. Nero goes around interviewing them, some of it is too talky and drags out, a couple more deaths occur and he goes into hiding with the help of Anthony Quinn to continue his investigation, it leads up to a really good climax. One of the best bits of dialogue comes from Martin Balsam talking to Nero about a story of wanting cigars and what happened when he went home. Quinn character is great too as your never really sure who's side he's on. Great performances by Martin Balsam, Anthony Quinn, Eli Wallach, Christopher Lee,Franco Nero, Claudine Cardinale, and the sadistic "sergeon". John Steiner performance is not as top notch, and Sybil Danning I felt kinda phoned it in. Over all decent watch.

Far below what you'd expect from this cast

[gridoon · 4/10 · 2 May 2007]

How did it go so wrong? How can a film with such an impressive cast (Franco Nero, Christopher Lee, Eli Wallach, Sybil Danning, Claudia Cardinale, Martin Balsam, Paul Smith - the torturer in "Midnight Express" - as, you guessed it, a torturer, etc.) and such colorful location filming around Italy (Rome, Milan, Venice, etc.) be such a bore? Probably because the story is slow-moving and unengaging, and has no real climax. Another obstacle for the viewer is the difficulty to buy people like Lee and Balsam as Italians. Nero is always likable, and Danning is stunning (even if she's in completely "unrevealing" mode here), but these two are barely enough to keep you focused on what was excellently described by another reviewer as "a political thriller without thrills". (*1/2)

The Salamander

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 7 June 2023]

When the Chief of the Italian Defence Staff is found dead, it is put down to an heart attack and the nation mourns. Colonel "Dante Mattuci" (Franco Nero) is drafted in to handle what ought to have been a peremptory investigation, but it is soon clear to him that there is much more going on here than meets the eye. Pretty quickly, he is enveloped in a conspiracy to take over the state - but who might be behind it? His boss "Prince Baldasar" (Christoher Lee); the General who succeeded him "Leporello" (Eli Wallach) or perhaps the wealthy kingmaker "Manzini" (Anthony Quinn). The production is a bit all over the place, here, but the cast work well on this quite well paced story of internecine politics. Nero is efficient, as are Wallach and Quinn, and the story moves along quickly amongst some beautiful surroundings. The ending lets it down a bit - it is just too implausible given what has gone on before, but though flawed it is still a decent thriller that pulls together some good supporting stars - Claudia Cardinale and Anita Strindberg provide the glamour, if not a great deal else - and is still worth watching on the telly on a wet Tuesday afternoon.

A political thriller without the thrills

[dinky-4 · 3/10 · 3 June 2001]

The ingredients are here for a passable political-thriller but the approach used to tell the story is numbingly routine. Investigator Franco Nero pursues his case simply through a series of interviews, thus allowing the movie to present its roster of marquee-names -- Christopher Lee, Eli Wallach, Claudia Cardinale, etc. -- in a succession of talky, static scenes that lack interest and vitality. (Though these interviews provide an opportunity to show off a series of impressively furnished and decorated rooms.) And then, when it comes time for Nero to present his solution to the case, he does so by showing to a group of people a movie which simply re-caps information gleaned from his interviews!

Attempts to liven up the proceedings with spurts of action merely serve to emphasize the overall dullness of the movie. For example, when Nero falls into the clutches of a villain known as "the Surgeon" who is determined to torture information from him, we only see Nero -- stripped to a jockstrap and strapped to a chair -- being given an injection with a hypodermic needle. Surely this is one of the most boring forms of torture ever shown on the screen.

THE SALAMANDER (Peter Zinner, 1981) **1/2

[Bunuel1976 · 5/10 · 25 March 2009]

Peter Zinner won an Oscar for editing THE DEER HUNTER (1978); for his only directorial effort, he chose this adaptation of the Morris West best-seller which was shown on local TV back in the day (actually, that is how I first heard of it). He did manage to assemble an impressive all-star cast: Franco Nero plays the hero carabiniere in a throwback to some of the political thrillers he had made in his native country – such as DAY OF THE OWL (1968), in which he co-starred with Claudia Cardinale, and CONFESSIONS OF A POLICE CAPTAIN (1971), also featuring Martin Balsam; both actors also appear here, the latter as Nero's closest collaborator who eventually falls in the line of duty. Anthony Quinn is the titular figure (a wealthy industrialist and ex-legendary WWII partisan), Sybil Danning the mistress of a dead army officer (whose apparent suicide sets events in motion) but also serving as Nero's unconvincing love interest, Eli Wallach the General leading a proposed coup d'etat, Christopher Lee as Nero's superior (actually a prince[!] who is unsurprisingly inextricably related with the Government takeover plot – interestingly, his on-screen wife was played by Lee's own real-life spouse in an infrequent appearance), Cleavon Little as a Black American ex-colleague of Nero's (whom the latter calls upon when he is in a fix) and Paul Smith (as a sadistic "surgeon"). There are, however, also a number of Euro-Cult regulars: John Steiner in the role of Wallach's aide as well as lover of his neglected wife Cardinale, Renzo Palmer, Marino Mase' – unenviably playing a corpse! – and Nello Pazzafini. While tolerable as entertainment (though there is less action than I had anticipated) and featuring a decent score by the great Ennio Morricone, the film is ultimately too superficial and uneven to make a ripple in the circles it professes to denounce; nevertheless, the clever climax is surprisingly (but effectively) handled in the style of the "Thin Man" movies! Besides, one particular scene nearly turns this into a camp classic i.e. when the hero, caught and about to be tortured by Smith, attacks the latter clad only in a harness along his waist (which gives unwarranted prominence to Nero's groin while leaving his buttocks completely exposed!) but ends up slammed against the wall hanging upside-down instead!!

A bit like an Italian version of "Seven Days in May".

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 29 April 2024]

"The Salamander" is a movie set in Italy with an international cast and a script by Rod Serling. Although it currently has a score of 5.5 on IMDB, I think it's a good bit better than that.

The story reminded me in many way of the great American film, "Seven Days in May"...about a General who is planning a coup in the States. In this case, following the murder of a general, the investigator, the Colonel (Franco Nero), follows clues which lead him to believe someone is planning a coup in Italy. And, the leader of the coup is not above arranging for a few murders...and the Colonel is probably next.

The film has a pretty amazing international cast. The only major role played by an Italian is Nero...the rest are Americans and Brits...Martin Balsam, Christopher Lee, Anthony Quinn and Eli Wallach. They are fine, though a few of them forgot their Italian accents from time to time.

As the the plot it is excellent BUT confusing. My advice is sit with a laptop or cell phone with the IMDB page so when you hear various names, you know exactly it is they are discussing. Well worth seeing.

Average rendition based on a bestseller starred by all-star-cast , though really wasted

[ma-cortes · 5/10 · 5 July 2021]

A Police Inspector : Franco Nero tries to find the assassination of antifascist leaders and follows clues that lead back to WWII , a partisan organization called The Salamander .You Are Cordially Invited to Rome, Milan and Venice...To Join in the Successful Investigation of a Most Bizarre Murder. With Every Clue the Conspiracy Deepens...The Danger Grows...The Suspense Mounts...

Thrilling and twisted movie about a detective attempts to uncover a strange underground movement linked to a plot to seize control of the Italian government . A disappointing and overwrought adapation based on Morris West novel depicting a neo-fascist conspiracy to carry out a coup de'etat in Italy and lead the country on the right track . So the main issue is the investigation of surprising killings , being carried out by a police colonel , as at each murder scene is left behind a drawing of a salamander and throughout the tumultuous procedure he is involved in conspiracy , persecution and also in a love story between Franco Nero and Sybil Danning . The intrigue is devilishly labyrinthine, and there are times when you no longer know who is who , or what new event to happen . It is a complex and twisted movie that complicates more and more until the surprising final outcome . Of course, we travel a lot and we wander through some gorgeous cities : Rome , Milan , Venice ...between murder and murder , while the great composer American Jerry Goldsmith struggles to put out a beautiful score that deserved a better picture. The cast is frankly impressive , starring Franco Nero giving an acceptable acting in his usual style as an Italian policeman investigates a series of murders involving people in prominent positions, Martin Balsam , Eli Wallach , extremely wasted Claudia Cardinale , Sybil Danning , Cleavon Little , Christopher Lee as an Italian Prince and Paul Smith repeating a similar role to Midnight Express . Along with brief interpretations from B-European actors ordinary in co-productions, such as : John Steiner , Renzo Palmer , Anita Strindberg , Nello Pazzafini , Attilio Dottesio , Tom Felleghy, Marino Masé , Fortunato Arena , Jacques Herlin.

The motion picture was middlingly directed by Peter Zinner in his only one , failing at the international boxoffice . He was an important editor who frequently edited Richard Brooks, Frank Pierson and Francis Ford Coppola movies. He contributed with the editing of three films that were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: The Godfather (1972), The Godfather : Part II (1974) and The Deer Hunter (1978). All three are winners in the category. Other notorious movies he edited were the following ones : An Officer and a Gentleman , Gladiator , Saving Grace , Omega Code, The Red Tent , a Star is Born and Darling Lili.

"You folks can save the world. I'm goin' fishing"

[hwg1957-102-265704 · 5/10 · 24 December 2021]

Another large budget film from ITC that although based on a best selling novel by Morris West and stuffed with stars it's rather too long and not that exciting, even though it is about a possible fascist coup in 1970's Italy. It had potential but is quite talky and the stars don't have much opportunity to shine. Standing out for me in the cast were Anthony Quinn as the Salamander, Sybil Danning as the fascinating love interest Lili Anders and Martin Balsam as stalwart Captain Steffanelli. They do get time to establish their characters, unlike other actors who are mainly wasted. Franco Nero as the leading man is OK. The location cinematography is pretty courtesy of Marcello Gatti. Best of all is the music score by Jerry Goldsmith, which by turns is romantic and thrilling, doing those two things far better than the film itself.

One of the Polish spies was called 'Woodpecker' which for some reason amused me greatly.

Peter Zinner's ranking 1st worldwide Poliziottesco

[Cristi_Ciopron · 13 August 2007]

This is the first movie I saw in a theater;I was 4 or 5.I liked it enormously,I found Franco Nero very cool and very handsome.The snatched nails shocked me;I was impressed with the tragic atmosphere and I found the movie extremely violent.Maybe,indeed,it was.The bearded fat man looked evil and was certainly scary.Years later,when I was now 11,I saw The Salamander on a B/W TV set.I liked it that time,too.

I guess it may be considered the first straightforward thriller I ever saw; later,I maintained this taste--for Italo-crime things,for thrillers with a twist,and,on a different artistic level,for action dramas (like the Mickey Rourke masterpiece A Prayer for the Dying ,like Walter Hill's Johnny Handsome,like Craig Lahiff's Heaven's Burning,like Hana-bi ,like J. Lee Thompson's The White Buffalo ...).

I see I am the only one to comment favorably on The Salamander;I also see that the director Peter Zinner did not make another film.Well,kudos for this one!

When I have seen The Salamander,I did not know about Eli Wallach,John Steiner,Christopher Lee and Sybil Danning,therefore I can not tell if they were good or not in this film.

Waste of talent

[gaill002 · 2/10 · 14 November 2017]

What a waste of superior acting talent! Anthony Quinn Claudia Cardinale Franco Nero Christopher Lee Martin Balsam Eli Wallach How could you go wrong? The story isn't even that bad, I blame the director. Remind me not to watch anything else directed by Peter Zinner. Oh wait, it seems this is the only film he ever directed. Thank G_d!

Christopher lee and Peter Cushing

[CHRISTOPHERLEEIDOL · 10/10 · 30 May 2013]

I enjoy all there horror films etc. in his early films like Sherlock Holmes and the deadly necklace and Dracula 1958 he was a good handsome man when he was younger. and his wife gave birth to a lovely daughter now he is grown up and married,I have bought several

books as well as from his actor friends, When actors done a Dracula documentary on Dracula the impaler i went to that castle in the summer of 1974, the castle was very large and had nice items inside being on top of the mountains it stood very proud, but i couldn't see any other building around there.It felt eerie when i was there my parents and my younger brother heard wolves i do not know where they were and how many live at the mountains, at night the air was cool but during the daytime it was too hot.by the tour operator we had camera's but allowed to use them inside.the salamander was film was good i saw his wife but she said no script in the film.

a film of childhood

[Kirpianuscus · 16 July 2017]

one of films of my childhood. maybe, the most fascinating, because all was new, strange, bizarre, cruel out of words and... confuse. after decades, the perspective was different. but not profound different. because , after its end, the questions are about a bizarre,silly ,full of clichés, superficial, confuse film, guided by good intentions, with an impressive cast, a not so bad story , excellent premises but who remains only one of commercial films from the many others , predictable, with few good scenes, but nothing more. and this seems be its only sin.