Stefano Vanzina is one of the great authors of adventure films,and Piedone l'Africano (1978) is one of his best movies,and also one of the best adventure movies ever. This director is the one who made Piedone d'Egitto (1979),Piedone a Hong Kong (1975),Piedone Lo Sbirro (1974),Banana Joe (1982) ,etc.;the south-African adventures are the most fanciful,lively,imaginative and thrilling of the whole Piedone franchise,a delight,and a feats of the picturesque cinema.There are many wonderful scenes,and a lot of gusto,and an instinct for merry adventures.Beautiful animals set free are shown,and some of the presumable delights of a safari,and there is also a dose of burlesque comic,and some suspense.
The great Steno had a style,and his funny movies are picturesque and fresh,merry and low-brow.Pragmatic,very simple,efficient;no originality,no ideas,but enough fun,the work of an able director.They offer exactly what they promised.Many Italian adventure movies are characteristically for a nation that knows how to amuse with low budgets and a vivid sense of the show.These African tribulations are fast-paced,but there is time for a smile.Piedone and his buddy did left Italy;they are now in a different continent.But it is like they are chasing villains in the backyard,and as if they never left Napoli.
The celebrated Bud Spencer is not required to act;instead,we expect him to have an almost respectable air,and some indulgence,but also not a few violence,and to be massive and comic;he is. An interesting presence is Dagmar Lassander.
