Product Review

Three stories from the man who defined Italian morals in the 1960's - Pietro Germi ('Divorce, Italian Style'). Here he takes on the church, the courts, the police and family life, sparing no sacred cow. Ably assisted by screenwriters 'Age & Scarpelli' ('Divorce, Italian Style', 'Seduced and Abandoned') who are often considered the inventors of 'Commedia Italiana'. Their combined efforts earned them a Grand Prix at the 1966 Cannes Film Festival.

In the first story, a laughing doctor diagnoses a man with temporary impotence. But it's his wife who steps in to provide the appropriate treatment.

The next, and longest tale, features Virna Lisi as the object of desire. But her married suitor refuses to accept Italian convention and take her as his mistress. Instead, he leaves his wife and children (scandal!) to be with her. Society is outraged!

But the picture is at its boldest and most scathing in the final section, when the pillars of local society seduce a girl who turns out to be underage. What will these fine upstanding gentlemen do? Bribe her father to drop the charges, of course!

DVD EXTRAS
"The Birds, The Bees & The Italians" - Original Theatrical trailer.