In 1978 alone, director Stelvio Massi and lead actor Maurizio Merli made three Poliziotesschi together. In total, they each directed or starred in approximately 15-20 Poliziotesschi; which probably makes them the two most active and productive contributors of this magnificent sub-genre. It's only normal that not ALL those Poliziotesschi are equally brilliant. "Il Commissario di Ferro" is one of the weaker efforts of both gentlemen, but still an entertaining crime-thriller for the fans.
The plot is very simple and straightforward. Tough, unorthodox copper Mariani is chasing after the fugitive kidnappers of a young girl, while and armed & frustrated junk walks into the police station and pulls out a gun. He wants to kill Mariani, because he holds the nicknamed "Iron Commissioner" responsible for his father's suicide in jail. The junk holds half the station hostage, but Mariani doesn't return and inadvertently even brings his ex-wife and son in danger. It seems like everyone is heading down to the station, except for the darn commissioner!
There's nothing memorable about "Il Commissario di Ferro", but it's nevertheless professionally directed by Massi and featuring a handful of brutal shootouts, a virulent fight in a warehouse full of plastic, familiar faces in the supportive cast, and a few tense hostage situation moments.
