The Law

A 1959 French production set in a provincial Sicilian fishing village, directed by an American expatriate (Jules Dassin, who fled the McCarthy-era blacklist), and featuring an array of impressive French and Italian stars, The Law is a Mediterranean melodrama built around lust, greed, power, blackmail, and humiliation. Gina Lollobrigida stars as Marietta, “the town disgrace, or so the priests keep telling me,” who is desired by all the men—from respected town patriarch Don Cesare (Pierre Brasseur) to arrogant crime boss Matteo (Yves Montand). Marietta, however, sets her sights on Enrico (Marcello Mastroianni), an agronomist from the north who claims he's not rich enough to marry—which leads her to decide to steal money for a dowry. Overheated, overwrought, and more colorful than compelling, this soap opera (originally released in the U.S. as Where the Hot Wind Blows) is nevertheless an entertaining and handsome production, with a glorious cast (including costar Melina Mercouri). DVD extras include audio commentary by film critic David Fear, archival interviews, an alternate ending with unseen footage, and a 2010 Italian documentary on southern Italy's “osteria” culinary culture and the ancient drinking game that gives the film its name. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)