Review of La Commare Secca (1962) by Walter M — 14 Sep 2009

In "La Commare Secca," a prostitute(Wanda Rocci) has been murdered in a park. The police have cast their net far and wide for leads while the disembodied voice of law and order interviews possible witnesses and suspects who might have seen anything. Making matters more difficult is the interviewees not exactly being forthright. Starting off is Luciano(Francesco Ruiu) who has gotten a job recommendation from a couple of priests before joining up with his pals Nino(Giancarlo De Rosa) and Sindaco(Vincenzo Ciccora), as they attempt to rob distracted couples in the park. Bostelli(Alfredo Leggi) is a former criminal who has apparently gone straight but still cheats on his wife Esperia(Gabriella Giorgelli) with whom he runs a protection racket.

With its unique story structure and directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, "La Commare Secca" is a not entirely successful movie, nor is it entirely without merit. It manages to paint a vivid tableau on a particular day about characters on the move who cannot find any stability which can mean a legitimate job. On the other hand, all the pieces of the puzzle do not exactly fit together as the mystery is resolved a little too perfunctorily.