Alberto Sordi must have blessed the day he met screenwriter Rodolfo Sonego in 1954 as they were destined to enjoy one of the longest and most fruitful collaborations in the history of Cinema.
Luigi Zampa's beautifully observed piece has Signor Sordi playing a variation on the type of character he has made his own, that of the buffoon with delusions of adequacy.
Having wangled a job as a traffic policeman Otello succeeds in bringing the city's traffic to a grinding halt. He inadvertently becomes a local celebrity by allowing luscious Sylva Koscina, here playing herself, to drive without a licence(and who could blame him?)
He is given a dressing down by the hypocritical Mayor who reminds him that "the Law is the same for everyone." He proceeds to pull the Mayor over for speeding and then his problems really start.......!
As one would expect from this director the comedic tone soon darkens and satire gives way to a scathing indictment of civic corruption as the Mayor, played by the superlative Vittorio de Sica, proves to be a nasty piece of work who will go to any lengths to ensure his re-election and protect his vested interests.
Once again Sordi and de Sica demonstrate their superb artistry and work wonderfully together. They were to collaborate as actor/director on the excellent 'Il Boom' three years later. Colourful characters abound and Miss Koscina, suffice to say, lights up the screen.
An immensely entertaining film which also serves as a reminder that although David might have beaten Goliath in the Old Testament, he seldom does so elsewhere.
