How a planned serious heist movie transformed into a beloved Italian comedy classic
In short: Operazione San Gennaro began as a gritty heist film intended for Jean-Paul Belmondo, but it evolved into a celebrated comedy about American thieves attempting to rob Naples' patron saint. The production, which won a Silver Prize in Moscow, highlights a unique clash between international crime and local Neapolitan loyalties.
Directed by Dino Risi and released in 1966, Treasure of San Gennaro centers on a group of American criminals arriving in Naples with a singular, audacious goal: to steal the holy treasures belonging to the city's patron saint. The plot thickens when the thieves recruit the local mafia, forcing the mobsters into a moral dilemma. They must weigh the allure of a multibillion-lire payday against their deep-seated devotion to the community and its religious heritage.
The film’s final form was a departure from its original vision. Initially conceived as a serious heist drama, the production sought Jean-Paul Belmondo for the lead role before shifting gears. Principal photography commenced in Naples in July 1966, featuring a cast that included Nino Manfredi, Senta Berger, Totò, and Claudine Auger. The technical execution was equally complex; actor Carlo Croccolo provided the dubbed voices for at least 15 different characters, including those played by Mario Adorf, Ralf Wolter, and Harry Guardino.
The movie's success at the 5th Moscow International Film Festival, where it secured a Silver Prize, sparked plans for expansion. By early 1967, Nino Manfredi and Ennio De Concini began developing a sequel titled Dudù a Nuova York, which would have followed the character Armandino 'Dudu' Girasole to the United States. However, the market became saturated with unofficial sequels and various rip-offs, most notably Lucio Fulci's Operation St. Peter's. This influx of derivative works ultimately led the studio to shelve the project, leaving the original film as a singular, iconic piece of Italian cinema.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Treasure of San Gennaro
- Also: Treasure of San Gennaro
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