All language subtitles for Execution Squad (1972)

- Morning.
- Morning sir.

Inspector Bertone to see Mr Stolfi.

You'll have to wait a while i'm
afraid, television, you understand.

...the ever more violent onslaught
of crime that is invading our city.

We have invited an expert of
international fame to discuss it.

A man who has dedicated his
entire life to the study of crime.

Former chief of police, Ernesto Stolfi.

- You mind if I take a book?
- No, not at all.

The book is Pinocchio.

Do you wonder what Pinocchio
could have to do with crime?

I'll show you.

Pinocchio went to prison you recall.

Poor boy, it was a
strain on his forbearing.

Remember the scene when the
emperor amnesties all the criminals?

There's the little puppet in
the cell and he doesn't know why.

It's not because he's done
anything wrong, he hasn't.

And then little Pinocchio comes
to the prison guard and says:

All the prisoners are being set
free and I should be set free too.

"Oh no" said the prison guard,
"Not you, you can't be set free."

"You're not a criminal". "Oh
but excuse me" said Pinocchio.

"I am a criminal, just like the rest."

"A thousand pardons"
said the prison guard.

In that case, you're free to go.

And he takes off his hat and he bows,
opens the gate and sets Pinocchio free.

Well as an allegory it's
very interesting but...

do you have a remedy for this onslaught
of murder and rape in our city?

Oh my dear friend, these
days all sorts of...

solutions to these problems
are being handed out by...

psychiatrists and psychologists,
and all to no avail.

In my modest opinion something
radical has got to be done if...

we're to restore the faith of
the individual in the government.

Yes, it's one of the
advantages of being retired.

For the first time I can
say what I really think.

So I heard!

I asked you to come and see me because
I wanted to discuss the Bettarini case.

You acted rather impulsively
in court I thought.

I just find it hard to keep my mouth
shut when punks like that go free.

My dear boy, your invovlement in the
case finished when you arrested him.

It's pointless to
create enemies downtown.

Kid, haven't got a light have you?

Merci.

What kinda dough you pulling in kid?

Put your mark here.

Here come the reporters chief.

- Where's Bettarini?
- There he is, there.

Get me a shot of the lawyer then
beat it back to the paper, ok?

- Ok, you can beat it, you're free.
- Bettarini, how about a statement?

No no no, my client has
absolutely nothing to say.

- How about you then?
- Who me? No.

It was all said in court
today with the acquittal.

- Insufficient proof.
- That's right, but still found innocent miss.

Would that more policemen
were as innocent as my client.

Bad break for the police huh? What
do you say, how about a statement?

Look, i'm not your man.

The head of homicide is
Bertone, he's right over there.

Hey Bettarini, how about giving us
something for the human interest angle?

You know everything, you were
there at the trial weren't you?

I had nothing to do with the
robbery and I didn't kill nobody.

What can i tell you, that's
the truth, right inspector?

Inspector Bertone, have you anything
to say on the subject of this acquittal?

Yes.

You can write that that
nightwatchmen was a father of 4 kids.

You can add that the magistrate's
acquittal was criminal!

No, don't put that down,
Bertone's in enough hot water.

He's got a sick face that kid.

Hey man, don't get involved!

Come back here you.

- You dummy, you didn't even get the bread.
- Shut up and make this thing go!

Call an ambulance,
this lady's been shot.

Calling all cars, 18-9
to Piazza de Fornare.

All cars be on the lookput for
two young men on a motorcycle.

A motoguzzi 750, they are armed
and have killed two people.

Use maximum caution.

So my men didn't shoot,
why? I'll tell you.

If we're unlucky enough to
shoot a fugitive murderer..

someone's sure to make a stink and
the first ones to bitch are you people.

But where there are
witnesses to the killings...

nobody would be critical of that.

Sure we make it hard for you when
you smash the heads of students...

Or when you break strike.

Look inspector, why don't
you listen to the press.

We'll apprehend those two
killers whatever you write.

We can't do a damn thing
more than we're doing.

Oh sure.

I wonder if any of you realise how
many criminals there are in this city?

It's a gross exaggeration when
you talk of students and strikers.

Our men spend a great
deal of their time...

protecting the rights of
these minority factions...

And being shot in the
back in the bargain.

Now look Bertone, this
kind of talk leads to zilch.

In this city the
citizens are terrorised...

and they don't think the police
are doing anything about it.

Every day we receive letters
from our readers saying:

"The police are hired to
defend us, why don't they?"

The citizens don't feel there's
police protection, i'm well aware.

But neither do we feel protected,
downtown in politician's paradise.

The police force is
criticised by everybody...

all of you, judges,
city hall, the media.

Sometimes I think you
think we're the criminals.

Inspector, nobody's saying
it's your fault but...

I wonder if you have any
idea how many murders...

there have been in this city
since you took over homicide.

Too many, I know but we've caught a
jailed a high percentage of the killers.

We'll get these guys
too, at least I hope so.

- I mean this is real nice of you.
- Get out of here.

There's a cop at the corner,
do you want me to yell?

I wouldn't do that miss.

If you know what's good
for you you'll get going.

- The lights turned green, go on.
- You get out of my car!

Get going, go on.

Alright alright, don't push,
i'm going for god's sake.

I ain't done nothing,
what do you want from me?

What do you want from me?!

Officer, check that the witnesses
for the Piazza de Fornare business...

- are ready to look at these ugly faces.
- Yes sir.

- Cut the noise!
- Alright, state your full name.

- Well?
- Che Guevera.

Hat off and no smoking.

- Schocaletti Ortello, big joker huh?
- My name is hard to pronounce.

- What's this for wise guy?
- For my doggy woggy sir.

Look, I got no record, this is the
first time I ever set foot in here.

What are these scars?

Oh that, you see there
were these big roses...

Quit ordering me around,
who do you think you are?

You want out, then let them out,
I hereby release all of them.

Come on you smug bastards, you heard me.

Just a second sir, we were in the
middle of checking their documents...

We can't put them
back on the street yet.

I don't need you to tell me what to
do, did you hear what I just said?

The bastards wanna get outta here
then we'll let them outta here.

Alright, stay back.

Hey, there they are, those kids
are the killers, let's lynch them.

Go on, get the hell out there.

What are you talking about,
they're all crazy out there.

Run, run you lousy assholes.

I don't think they're gonna
go, ok all of you, back inside.

Go on, back inside all of you.

Come out here you killers!

You bastards, bring them out
here, we'll take care of them.

Oh come on, we know damn well
none of those rats would've...

had the courage to leave, not a chance.

And if one of them had tried
it we were on the scene anyway.

Whether we like it or not...

one of our jobs is to protect
swine like that from being lynched.

The risk in that kinda
situation is ours.

You're gonna begin all over again huh?

How risky a line of
work it is for your men.

Come on Mario, when
they joined the force...

what did they figure on, babysitting?

You are the typical professional cop.

Saints, everyone's against you and any
kid that swipes an orange is a criminal.

No one's saying that we're saints, no...

A cop is a human being like any other.

Who when off duty manages
to enjoy himself...

just like we're doing right now.

Mario, how much I want
you to understand me...

A criminal too is human.

Criminals are created,
it's the fault of society.

In a society such as ours it's not
surprising there's so much crime.

Corruption's the norm not the exception.

Man oh man, listening to the way
you speak it like reading journalist.

Every phrase is a title for editorial,
talk about the typical professional!

Touch�, although you
know I was being serious.

I know, but to be so serious at
dinner is bad for the digestion.

I tell you what we'll do,
we'll change the subject.

On occassions I could
punch you in the face.

I suppose i could apply
article 336 in self defence...

Violence to a public official,
the exercise of his functions.

- But now you're off duty aren't you?
- That's true.

There's something on
your mind isn't there?

I was just trying to imagine the
plight of those two young murderers.

They didn't get a cent
you know, it was a failure.

Once you've got dough it's difficult to
hide out, they depend on the underworld.

You need the money to pay,
otherwise they spurn you.

In fact they might even
put the finger on you.

I might as well have
stayed at home knitting.

Mr Bertone, are we out together
or are you on duty tonight?

Yeah, you're right, i'm sorry.

Excuse me, we'll be there in a second.

- HQ calling 1-0, HQ
calling 1-0. - Wait.

- Yes.
- Identify please.

This is Bertone, what is it?

We got a traffic cop thinks
he saw one of the killers.

Recieved, hold him
there i'll be right down.

- Sandra, i'm sorry but unfortunately...
- I know, I received it too.

I'm sorry.

- If it's a news break call me later.
- I will, good night.

Sandra.

- I'm sorrier than you are.
- Why, who said I was sorry?

Do you mind telling us why
you waited all this time?

- He was afraid he'd disturb us.
- What did you see?

Well I don't know if
he was the killer...

I just noticed the girl
because she was cute.

Actually, I was wondering what a girl
like that was doing with a hippie.

He got into her car like he
had a date and everything...

Then when I waved her on
I saw they were arguing.

I admit I was confused...

there were squad cars all over the
place, traffic was a real bitch.

Yeah alright, go on.

Well I had a hunch something was wrong
so I wrote down the license plate.

Well that's something, have
you run a check on it yet?

- Excuse me sir.
- We're working on it now.

- There's a call from the commissioner.
- Come with me.

The identikit sir, turned
in a great pice of work huh?

Marvellous but I never saw
anyone caught by identikit.

We've got 10 witnesses and
10 different descriptions.

Well, for what it's worth see that...

copies are distrubuted to the whole
list including the press office.

This is Bertone.

No but we may have come
up with a lead right now.

Very well, as soon as we have
anything more definite i'll inform you.

That mini minor sir, we checked on
the plate and I think we got a lead.

The automobile is owned
by an 18 year old girl.

She works as a hairdresser.

She hasn't been seen since
she left home this morning...

her name's Anna-Maria Sprovieri.

Alright, go round to her house
and asked for photographs.

Show them to that traffic cop
and see if he recognises her.

And I don't want any leaks to
the press, at least not yet.

Bertone, I have a question,
I think it's important.

What is it?

Say we track down this character,
do we use weapons or...?

First let's find him then we'll see.

- Still, just supposing.
- Just suppose doesn't solve anything.

The girl's our problem, if anything
happens to her we'll be crucified.

- Get up.
- Let me go.

- Damn you, get up.
- I can't stand.

I don't care, get up.

Come on.

What do you want? Let me go please.

Shut up and don't move.

- What are you gonna do, what do you want?
- Shut your face!

Why won't you let me go, please?

You don't hear too good do you sister?

I told you to quit
bothering me, now shut up.

- My parents will be sick with worry.
- That's really touching, you know that?

Get in the boat, I
wanna sleep for a while.

Get up here!

What have you done, what
are you running from?

Get undressed.

I told you to get undressed.

Get on with it, I told
you to get undressed.

Everything, you hear?

Everything, nude.

- Get in there, leave all your things here.
- Filthy pig!

You don't have to worry,
i'm not gonna rape you.

I only wanna sleep and
make sure you stay put.

Who are you, what have you done?

You really wanna know?

I tried a hold-up, it didn't
work out and I killed two people.

So i'll blast your brains
out if you try to escape.

Cut out the pushing will ya?

Well, look who's here.

We picked him up at the airport
sir, he was carrying this gun.

- What do you know, it's a 635.
- It's not mine pal.

You had it on you and it's not
yours, how do you figure that?

It's a frame up Santalamenti, listen,
you bastards have been known to do it.

Is it a coincidence it's the same
calibre used at Piazza de Fornare?

- I don't know.
- The same calibre as this.

Oh man, what a coincidence
is right, you're all nuts!

We'll see, let me have
a look at that gun.

Now get this straight, I don't know
nothing about no Piazza de Fornare.

- Lay off will ya.
- Try that on the court.

You're always dragging me in here.

The minute I leave the house,
Bettarini, you're busted again.

I bossed around like a prosciutto.

If you think you can pin this
on me go ahead, help yourself.

Put this babboon in a cell
until we see a lab report.

Let's go.

This is one time he's clean, the
descriptions were for a kid half his age.

And besides, all the
witnesses went through...

the rogues gallery and no
one recognised his mugshot.

He wants his lawyer sir, do we
let him use the phone or not?

- Try a good boot in the ass, screw his lawyer.
- Oh come on.

For god sake, that one's
already a ball cracker...

can you imagine his ball-busting
lawyer joining the party aswell?

Santalamenti, the law
exists and we'll obey it.

Simmer down, you can let him call.

Hey Bettarini, you need the book
to look up your lawyer's number?

No, I got it memorised.

Corinne, it's Bruno honey...

Put me through it's urgent,
they busted me again.

Avalano, the criminal's friend.

Avalano, it's Bettarini,
i'm under arrest.

I see, what did you do?

Nothing, they're alluding to
the murder in Piazza de Fornare.

Yeah, but you know...

Sure i'm innocent but they
planted a gun on me so i'm kinda...

Sure, yeah.

He says you guys are kidding,
smug bastards you like to joke.

You bastards!

They're beating me, Avalano!

Avalano, you hear this?

They're beating me.

What the hell are you doing?

Let go of him you idiot!

Don't you realise it's
just what he wanted?

Hello, hello?

How can you dummies fall
for a trick like that?

- Think you've screwed us again don't you?
- Careful, i'm very delicate.

According to the medical report,
fractured nose and cheek...

Contusions around the eyes,
cracked rib on the left side...

Severe lacerations and contusions to
the scalp and bruises all over the body.

It's a terrible thing, manhandled
with the ridiculous excuse...

that it was he who began it.

You've read what happened in my
report and I have nothing to add.

No, but fortunately for my
client it requires more than...

the word of the police to sway a jury.

Well put, today the word
of an ex-con would suffice.

I don't want you arguing in
my office, please gentlemen.

As you know, Bettarini
is charging you with...

assault and battery... police brutality.

I don't see any readson to dignify
these ridiculous charges with comment.

Look here Bertone, you in fact
personally assualted my client.

- Who don't you hold your tongue you...
- Bertone!

I'm sorry.

Avalano, naturally we'll look into it.

Somethign else, bail bond for my client.

It's out of the question,
Bettarini was found armed.

Yes but investigation has found that
the gun was not the one used in the...

Avalano, I don't intend to
be instructed in criminal law.

When i've reached a
decision i'll let you know.

Very well Mr Ricciuti, goodbye.

See you around, see you around.

Are you gonna press charges against me?

The charge is brutality,
there's not much choice Bertone.

We get on the ass of the criminals
and the politicians get on...

Watch how you speak inspector!

- We're in the palace of justice.
- Strange justice.

Where it acquits Bettarini
for lack of evidence.

You're a hard man to beat,
don't you ever have doubts?

It's a nice boneyard for the retired.

You'll retire one day too, you'll see.

You've read the papers, we're nowhere.

Yes, so I see, i'm following
the case with great interest.

That's why I wanted to see you this
evening, I want to help you if possible.

Needless to day I
appreciate the offer but...

Oh well, I still have friends in
the department, many friends but...

Just between ourselves, is
there anything to this story?

That is absolutely false from A to Z,
he's got a clever lawyer, that's all.

Yes I see, I can understand
you being worried.

You know I was under
investiagtion once myself when...

I was inspector, if
that's any consolation.

I'm at the point of losing
all conviction, all motivation.

Oridinary police routine has become
a farce, we're practically powerless.

The underworld buggers us and
the press rams it in deeper.

Look, if you'll take my
advice, just go your own way...

Let them do whatever they want and don't
let yourself be cut down by the press.

Counter attack.

In fact I was already planning
to hold a press conference.

Hey inspector, is this
your idea of a joke?

This is the first time I ever heard of
a press conference being held on a bus.

You haven't understood a darn
thing, he's putting us all in jail.

Lend me your ears...

Rome by night you all know well but
nobody knows it as well as I do...

Not after being a cop in
this city for 25 years.

I want to show you what the forces of
law and order are up against these days.

Hey Bertone, give us the truth, what
are you doing, going into the PR game?

Sanborito, since you can't enforce any
law, ask those two to get on the bus.

We're gonna start with an
explanation of how it goes today...

the so-called oldest
profession in the world.

Our first guest is In�s, better
known as the queen of vice.

- I was just walking you know.
- Sure you were, a bit of night air.

This belle of the night is well aware
that the Merlin law protects her.

If she isn't caught in the moment
she's actually soliciting...

she can turn as many
tricks as she wants.

But as In�s knows the law
is a double-edged sword.

She's free to walk her beat but she
is not at liberty to quit that beat.

Let's say she got it into her
head to quit the profession...

Or even worse, to
denounce her fancy man...

within 24 hours the homicide
squad would find her with...

her throat cut or with
her head bashed in.

But she can operate under the
law and so can her protector...

under the new interpretation of
the laws imposed on the police...

his immunity is almost guaranteed.

We need a magistrate to issue
a warrant for his arrest...

but the magistrate won't, or
rather he's not able to issue it...

that is unless the girl denounces
her pimp in a legal manner...

but this of course is an unlikely event.

And before the so-called Merlin law...

the girls were free to go
from one house to another...

in which case the state pimp
was and you might add the police.

No one is saying that the
situation was better before...

what is certain though is that today...

prostitution is the Swiss
bank of the underworld.

Experts say that the turnover,
give or take the odd million...

is 350 billion lira a year.

Now you're all aware that to organise
a robbery, a job, it takes financing...

and robberies often provoke homicides...

which could be avoided if we
could turn off the money flow...

but we can't, the Merlin law
is virtually screwing us...

it amounts to laissez-faire for
prostituion and its exploiters.

Well, that's all.
Alright miss, you can go.

- Ever tried it?
- Get out of here!

Alright, let's go.

Don't worry about it.

Hey princess, mind stepping
into the bus for a moment?

And now the other side of
the coin, ladies & gentlemen.

Meet Orazio Columbo,
known as "The Princess".

I'm sure most of you find her
scandalous and I must admit...

her modus vivendi is enough to make
most people sick to the stomach.

- He's such a bore.
- We get enquiries...

and so do you, asking how come sweethearts
like this are allowed to operate?

Well i'll tell you a
little about his life.

Although our young friend here earns
his living with the sweat of his ass...

his main source of income derives from
threatening certain customers he'll tell.

- In other words, blackmail.
- He's lying.

Now most of his victims cough
up to retain their anonymity.

Although occassionally someone
with courage will lodge a complaint.

But this lucky whore... you don't mind?
- On the contrary!

This lucky whore had the good
fortune to be caught while...

consumating a most unnatural act with...

a very highly placed politician
with a wife and grown children.

Someone disappeared, certain
assistant DA's were promoted...

and unlucky footsoldiers like me were
almost transferred to the boondocks.

Exiled! That's your number
sweetheart, on your way.

- Bon nuit!
- Bye bye!

There's one of the city's jails.

Inside there are at least
2,000 men awaiting trial.

heisters, counterfeiters, pushers,
buyers, killers and embezzlers...

you name them, we've got them.

Now to actually arrest all
these enemies of society...

the police force has to
break it's collective back.

That not withstanding, how
many of them do you think...

will eventually stand
trial and be convicted?

I'll tell you, no more than 10%.

Because the legal
profession applies the law...

not to further the cause of justice but
to procrastinate till the next amnesty...

so before long most criminals
are back in the street.

And with their skills,
honed to a 't' in prison...

the state runs schools for criminals.

It's was a very interesting
tour Inspector Bertone but...

we're all curious about one thing...

Why haven't you once
mentioned the charge of...

police brutality brought
against you by Betterini?

Good question, now i'd like to
tell you about justice in Italy.

Write that Bertone says...

"There's something out of
kilter in our legal procedure".

The system that accuses me
on the word of an ex-con...

and in the same breath,
acquits an avowed criminal...

on the grounds of insufficient evidence,
needs to have it's house put in order.

Inspector, come take
a look at this mess.

Who did it, you?

Are you kidding inspector?
This is the way I found him.

We got a telephone
call, the caller says...

this guys knows something about the
motorcycle used in Piazza de Fornare.

This is the bike over here.

The plates are gone and the
frame number's been filed off.

Unless that punk talks it'll be
days before we find out who owns it.

Alright, leave it where it is and don't
touch it till the lab boys look at it.

I'd like to know if someone was
trying to shut him up or make him talk.

Be careful, don't let
him out of your sight.

Come on.

Alright, let's go through it again.

Why did you have the motorcycle
covered, why were you hiding it?

Look, every minute that passes
could cost you a year in jail.

Now who owns the bike?

I told you all I know,
why are you still asking?

Go away and stop bothering me.

Who did this to you? Did
they do it, these gentlemen?

- Who the hell's this guy?
- This guy's assistant DA Ricciuti.

- Listen Ricciuti...
- Now who beat you up, answer me?

Who inflicted these injuries?

Look Ricciuti, we're trying to find...

two murderers and a girl
who's been reported missing.

The girl could be dead
soon if we don't get to her.

Now may I question
this character or not?

Yes, by all means continue
Bertone, though i'm warning you...

I'm warning you I intend to find
out who inflicted those injuries.

Now this is your last chance
and you'd better answer...

in an hour we'll know anyway...

and you'll lose all possibilty of
not being charged with complicity.

I don't wanna talk to you, only you.

The motorcycle belongs
to a kid called Mario.

- Mario what?
- I don't know, Mario's all he told me.

Do you know where he lives?

On the Tuscolana, right
near the car factory.

- What about work?
- He hangs around.

You can do better than that, there
must be several thousand Marios there.

You just ask for the fella who plays
extras in westerns, everyone knows him.

Come on.

Guess he'll know I
squealed, he's gonna get me.

I want to know, who was
it, who did this to you?

- Two bricks.
- Sure it wasn't them?

No, another two, beat me silly...

I though I was gonna die but
they ran when they got the name.

But they were kinda strange for cops.

Nothing.
- Alright senora, where's Mario?

If you lousy cops don't know
what do you expect from me?

We told you, we don't have
him under arrest, now tell me.

You just don't wanna know do you?

It was two of your guys
that dragged him outta here.

Why don't you go down
there and check your jail.

Looks like somebody has a jump on us,
first with the mechanic, now with Mario.

- Think it's a carabinieri?
- Maybe, take them downtown.

Let's go ladies, we'll
give you a free ride.

All the way to prison
if you had your way.

Take you hands off me!

No one knows anything, I
checked all the precincts.

- Alright, try the carabinieri.
- Right.

Now, who were these two
who came and took him away?

Cops, in plain clothes.

I told you, the police, didn't you hear?

Insp. Santalamenti, homicide.

We're looking for a Mario Statterini.

Yeah, domicile 1840 Via
Tuscalana, is he in your custody?

Statterini, Mario? One
moment, I call the super.

Now senora we'll go over it again,
please try to recall everything.

They ring the bell, say
it's the police, right?

- Your sister goes to open...
- What's this sis shit?!

Alright, excuse me, your
daughter goes to open it...

Now they enter...

Nothing, you're sure of that?
Of course it's very important.

If you want i'll run a check on it.

You said you could a good look at him,

well surely you can
furnish a description.

Now come on, short, fat, thin, tall?

- The carabineri don't know him at all.
- Might've guessed.

Well that leaves narcotics squad...

pushing, buying or using,
try them, you never know.

- Well?
- I already told you, they were two cops.

Yeah, two cops, you said that,
but how did they treat him?

- You forget that too?
- The bastards nearly killed the poor kid.

We found something sir,
autographs of Statterini.

- Good. Your son?
- Yeah, that's my son.

- Here, have a look.
- A face only a mother could love!

The union boss at the extras
came up with the photos and...

he told me a lot about
the little rat aswell.

This Mario specialises in snatching
purses, he's no longer working in films...

his sister sells her ass and
his mother keeps the bucks.

- Family togetherness, Italian style.
- Send them home.

Ok, make 1,000 copies, general
distribution, the press aswell.

Let's hope the De Fornare
witnesses identify him.

Tell me... what do you think?

I'd say we're getting somewhere finally.

Yet I have the feeling
we're running a poor second.

What is this, you guys trying
to be funny or something?

You dummies gonna answer me or not?

Hey, where are you taking
me? Listen, I want a lawyer.

I ain't gonna tell you
nothing without a lawyer.

Don't push me!

You guys leave me alone now.

You guys think you scare me
or something with this act?

You got less than a
minute to say your prayers.

What are you gonna do?

What have I done? I ain't done
nothing, you can't do this to me.

Fire!

I don't know about you but it looks to
me like it was done by professionals.

I figure there were at least 5 or 6 of
them, they used 38s, police specials.

Professional alright. Very much like
an execution old fashioned style.

Are you nostalgic for
the death penalty Bertone?

Why do you say that?

All I gotta do is catch them, the
sentencing is up to the judges.

But now that you mention it Ricciuti,
wasn't there a big shot who...

came out recently in favour of
restoring capital punishment?

- What are you driving at inspector?
- Oh nothing, just a vague idea.

One thing for sure,
that reeks of fanatacism.

Well, could be the explanation's
not quite so esoteric...

In all probability he was
preparing to turn his pals in...

they made sure he didn't.

Your in the crime level syndrome...

that's a little too imaginitive
for our local underworld.

The body has been positively identified
as one Mario Statterini whom...

the police have been
hunting in connection with...

the attempted robbery in Piazza de
Fornare in which two persons were killed.

The police report no
further clues as to...

the identity or whereabouts of
Statterini's presumed accomplice...

who is believed to be
holding a young woman hostage.

In the meantime, the district
attorney's office reports...

the provisional release
of Francesco Bettarini...

who had been arrested in
connection with the case.

Ballistics tests proved that...

the gun found on Bettarini
was not the murder weapon.

Hey what is this, what do you guys want?

Yeah I got it, ok, ok.

Well here we go again, you
boys never learn do you?

Why ain't you out catching crooks huh?

How often do I have to tell you,
I wan't near the Piazza de Fornare.

- This isn't about Piazza de Fornare.
- Then what the hell do you want?

You killed a nightwatchman at
PhotoMechanica, or don't you remember?

But you guys forget that I
already stood trial on that charge.

You understand coppers, I said I
stood trial and was found innocent.

We know that.

Well according to the
laws of this country...

they can't try you twice on the
same charge, you must know that.

And more to the point, I can admit
right now that I actually did it...

and nobody could do anything about it.

- Why don't you admit it?
- Be careful, you heard about the cat.

We're not curious, we
know, we know all about you.

What do you mean?

Where are we?

What are you guys trying to do anyway?

Hey come on!

For Christ's sake, what
do you want from me?

No, no! But you ain't the fuzz!

What I do to you
fellas, what I do to you?

What are you doing?

Yes but do you see any
connection between...

the murders of this Mario
and our friend Bettarini?

No, right now the only one I can
make is that they were both killers.

Coincidentally that they
were both eluding justice.

Does this make any sense to you?

Say someone was interested in showing...

our system of democracy is
unable to curb the underworld.

They got some idea to promote
a clean up job of their own.

Now what do you think would be
the most likely way to go about it?

As I see it you pick two killers
who had good coverage recently...

you know, papers and TV...

and make an example of them and win
yourself the support of the public.

Well now you've exploded
your little bomb...

I hope you aren't going
to get caught by the blast.

Listen, they asked for my
opinion and I expressed it.

Fools step in where
angels fear to tread.

Vigilantes, anonymous
society, are you mad?!

Bertone, how could you even
consider giving out this kinda story?

The whole thing's a load of
nonsense, complete nonsense.

Well I happen not to agree.

So it's lousy publicity, it's also true.

Bertone, please try and
look at my side of it.

Do you mind suggesting what I
say to the police commissioner?

Your theory's ridiculous,
positively ridiculous.

As if the Mafia in Sicily and
kidnappers in Sardinia weren't enough.

Now you want to add a
gang of vigilantes in Rome.

What'll I say to the minister?

Come in, come in, although
you'll have to excuse me...

I have to be off in a few minutes
so we'll have to make it brief.

Leave us alone.

I will say at the outset that...

the government gives no credence
to this story, it's incredible.

That's the police opinion too.

But personally i'm very
worried... the problem exists.

We're suffering a wave of
murder, robbery and rape...

and the desire of the citizen to create
his own justice is understandable.

Sir, may I say with all
due respect of course...

you know the hands of the police are
tied and measures must be taken to...

to give us more freedom.

Go ahead, since we're confronted
with an emergency situation...

let's adopt emergency
measures to fight it.

- For example?
- For example we could begin by...

suspending certain rights
provided under the law...

in respect to civil
liberties during questioning.

It's the encouraging
results in 24 hours.

I appreciate your feelings
but do not condone them.

A return to the past is very difficult.

The many thousands of
honest citizens who were...

mistreated by the police in the
old days would not accept it.

I'm told that you believe in the
existence of this organisation?

Whether the organisation
exists or not sir,

I fear that we're on the edge of...

a wave of violence in this
country that has no precedence.

Hello, a little fun?

A whole bunch of you huh?

That's ok by me as long as you pay more.

Well come on, don't just
sit there, what is this?

Sorry pal, you want this, that's
the deal, no bread no head.

No, it's not that I want
something for nothing...

I do want to pay, you're so good
looking, but I won't pay in advance.

Advance schmance, I ain't going nowhere
if I don't get the money in my pocket...

You get the message now sweetie?

Oh don't act like that...

i'm just afraid you'll run off
and leave me for a stranger.

Oh for pity's sake, go find
yourself another lollipop...

You faggot's can be a pain in the ass.

Hey you, come here a minute.

- Who, me?
- Yes you.

Don't say i'm arrested...

I've done nothing, I was
only asking directions.

I know, shut up!

Who are you, squad?

Listen, i'll pay, whatever you want.

Let me go eh? 100 a piece?

That's enough!

There's been a terrible mistake,
I was only asking directions.

Tell you what, i'll make it 150.

Looks like the "clean up squad" has
chalked up another one inspector.

Yeah.

I heard you Bertone,
yes, the "clean up squad".

Now listen Bertone, how long
have you been with homicide?

How many streetwalkers,
prostitutes and alike...

have been killed in Rome
in the last 20 years?

Not to mention the pederast
who met the same end.

Yes I know, but I tell you
this third murder is different.

You recall that union leader Peter Dini?

That's right, the guy
we pulled in for...

killing an officer during
that riot last year.

Yeah, he was acquitted
but he cooked his goose.

So it's not only hardened
criminals they're after.

What do we do? Sit
around and watch them.

Look Bertone, it's a
ridiculous hypothesis...

Why don't you give yourself a break?

Alright, I will. I'm
sorry to disturb you.

No no my dear boy, we mustn't
let ourselves get sidetracked.

You see whatever's
happened is very logical.

Naturally the logic precludes
to a secret society...

such as the one we're confronted with.

Mind you, I do agree with you that
such an organisation does exist.

You see, with organisations of
this type, the Mafia for instance,

they're not in a position
to apply ordinary measures.

It stands to reason, however
well organised they might be...

it's still not the state, they
cannot dispose of their prisoners.

Of course they're constricted, so they
have to apply the maximum sentence...

The death penalty.

Why these particular three?
It doesn't make sense.

You must try to understand
their mentality...

they chose their victims
as purely symbolic.

First the prostitute, the type
you see on every street corner,

lowers the morale of the city.

Then the homosexual corrupting
the youth then finally...

one of you extremists,
the subversive element...

always in the front line ready to...

attack and destroy what they
call institutional authority.

As it seems to me, they're not really
concerned with individual cases...

what they're really
trying to get at are...

the dangers to our society presented
in these specific catagories.

Hello, well tell me what happened. If
I hurry I can make the final edition.

No no, no exclusive from
a usually reliable source.

It wouldn't be fair to your colleagues.

On the other hand maybe I
could give you an inside story.

That is if we could make a deal.

I need proof to back up my theory
otherwise they'll say i'm crazy.

You're in a position
to get me this proof...

and if you do i'll see you
get an exclusive on the story.

I'm not sure I understand.

Some time ago a right-wing journal
published a special issue on...

the necessity of restoring
capital punishment in Italy.

You recall that issue don't you?

Yes, I recall it very
well, it made it's point.

I'm friends with the
writer, politics apart.

There were several interviewees...

all highly placed and influential
according to the journal...

who insisted they remain anonymous.

I want you to find out who they were.

I can't very well send my own men
without a search warrant, understand?

They won't give me one so
that's why i'm asking you.

There's a good chance they'll still
have the original questionnaires.

More than likely all
those names are on them.

I also want the names of all...

the journals underwriters
in the last 5 years...

and a list of contributors to its
causes, political or otherwise.

And how much was given
to persons, movements etc.

No look, I earn a living as a
journalist, not as a police spy.

Have a look at this.

- Remember Peter Dini?
- I sure do.

The police blamed him for
the death for that cop...

but the evidence showed it was
a clear case of railroading.

Apparently not everyone
is of the same opinion.

He was killed last night
along with two others.

Hey you guys, here's Bertone.

Go easy on the questions, he's
got a lot on his mind these days.

- Have you got anything new to work on?
- Practically nothing.

A big black car with phoney plates with
4 men in it, that's all we know so far.

Alright?

It's interesting all these
posters around town...

"Rome is your city folks and
it's your duty to keep it clean".

I always thought it was the
mayor's clean up program.

Looks like the homicide squad is
fighting a losing battle these days.

You got a theory connecting
the killings and the posters?

Well unfortunately,
theories don't help much.

This clean up squad, how many
have they killed upto now?

It's said that a lot of
underworld characters are...

hurrying to turn themselves in.

Apparently they think they're
safer locked up in jail.

This true inspector?

Well it's been said that...

when they feel an earthquake rats
come running out of the sewers.

Come on, I want you
to meet an old friend.

Come on in.

Here you are, here's the most
recent refugee from a sewage pipe.

My god, wow, that's Valente!

Exactly, on the wanted list for
two years, armed robbery and murder.

Really Valente, I never thought i'd
find you hiding behind the police.

Valente, but you're
risking a life sentence.

Why the hell did you turn yourself in?

I'll tell you why he did it...

because last night the so-called
clean up squad tried to kill Valente.

Only he got away somehow and
ran all the way to headquarters.

Says he prefers to die
an old man in prison...

rather than have his
neck wrung like a chicken.

- Is he on his way to jail?
- For the time being no...

We've business to discuss Valente and I.

I heard you were looking
for me, anything new?

Yeah, the beards downstairs
came up with this identikit of...

the guy that collared the homosexual.

The kid who saw him
swears it's him, I hope so.

Since when did you have
faith in identikits?

Since I began clutching at straws.
Even an identikit beats that.

First error they've
made this organisation.

- What error?
- Not to kill the kid.

It really was an error.

Sir, the killer who kidnapped
the girl is hold up outside town.

We got a call from a stoolie
and D'orenzo's found the hideout.

- Yeah, where?
- It's on the Marie Treano in the Ostia area.

Check it out on the map.

Anyhow, when we received his call
D'orenzo went over to investigate.

Seems like a boatyard, that's
where he spotted the girl.

Get on to the central
operator of Ostia...

get him to throw a cordon
around the whole area.

No one moves in until I say so.

And inform the DA's office.

Ostia control, this is
headquarters calling Ostia control.

Ostia control, have urgent
message, do you read? Over.

Come on.

Christ, they brought
the whole lousy army.

Well it's not gonna help them any.

But you can't fight them, why
don't you give yourself up?

Why don't you keep your mouth shut!

I'm gonna show those pricks.

You people get back, hear me?

Go on, get out of here.

He's over there sir.

- I was waiting until you got here.
- What's your plan?

Demand his surrender, if I were
you i'd move out of the way.

Oh i'll stay here, proceed.

This is inspector Bertone, you're
surrounded, you can't escape.

Release the girl and come
out with your hands up.

You got two minutes, no more.

What action do you intend to
take if he doesn't come out?

- It's his ass!
- And what about the girl?

What do you want from me?

If we let him go now will you explain
it to the next person he kills?

If that were your daughter inside
would you give the order to fire?

- The two minutes are gone.
- Right.

- Sir, i'll go in.
- No, you follow me.

- Bertone, you are assuming a grave responsibility.
- Yes, I know!

I'm coming out, please don't shoot.

If you don't want me killed bring
a car over here with a full tank.

There must only be one man
in it and he mustn't be armed.

He must go away at once and
leave the driver's door open.

And no deviations
otherwise i'll be murdered.

You hear that? Well, does
he get the car or doesn't he.

Ricciuti, you have the honour
of deciding, it's not my sphere.

We don't have any
choice, do what he wants.

Look, if he gets out of heere with
the girl we're back at square one.

Now that we've got him surrounded
we've got a 99% chance of nailing him.

I'm not going to have murder
on my conscience Bertone.

You played your cards.

We can't start making deals with
these punks, they'll walk all over us.

I tell you Ricciuti, if you give
in to that bastard in there...

you'll be setting a precedent
for the whole underworld.

Attention.

This is the assistant
district attorney speaking...

very well, I accept your conditions.

We will send you a car immediately...

put down our weapons and
do nothing to stop you.

Proceed.

Esposito, take him the car.

I've got a whole roll of photos.

Print it up and see
what we've got on him.

Nice work.

What else could we have done
apart from sacrificing that girl?

- That's just what you've done.
- But for now she's out of danger.

For now.

Suspect is holding the girl
hostage. He is armed and dangerous.

Locate but do not approach
unless ordered to do so.

I repeat, do not approach
unless ordered to do so.

Suspect is identified as
Michaeli Setticameni...

Height: 5'8", Age: About 21,
Hair: Shoulder length black.

Arrested in February '69 for
mugging and armed assault.

Sentenced to three months.

Arrested in April the next year...

suspicion of using
and trafficking drugs.

Released.

Arrested 23rd November last year
on suspicion of grand larceny.

He beat the rap again, released
on insufficient etcetera.

Quite a career.

The DA's office tried
a number of times to...

hold him under provisional
arrest but to no avail...

he's a slippery customer, too clever.

- Detective? - Yes? -
There's a call for you.

The caller won't identify himself,
says he will only talk with you.

Well put him on.

- Bertone.
- Bertone, use your head.

You'll do yourself a favour if
you don't make trouble for us.

Oh yeah, who's speaking?

I believe the newspapers call us
the clean up squad, isn't that right?

Yeah.

- Well you'd better listen...
- No, you listen...

We have nothing against you...

we're only doing the work the
police aren't alllowed to do.

Now get this, i'll give you
fair warning here and now...

I mean to arrest all of you.

Don't be a fool, we're strong,
a lot stronger than you think.

If you like i'll give you an
example of just how strong we are.

- Tell me.
- Give our regards to rat Valente.

Hello? Hello?

It's impossible to trace, phonebooth.

- Where's Valente?
- Down on the 1st floor.

Hey you, where's Valente?

Inside eating his supper sir
sent over from a restaurant.

Open up!

RIP Valente.

Incredible, enough cyanide in
that food to put away an elephant.

There's something you ought to know
about the attitude of your own men.

What are you trying to say?

Well, they're starting to think this
organisation should be encouraged.

Am I hearing you right? They
wanna encourage this organisation?

We're really going down the tube, now
the rank and file is dictating policy.

I don't wanna hear anymore.

Excuse me but, in any case
you might aswell know...

our guys are saying it isn't fair to...

make any moves against
the clean up squad.

Oh is that a fact?!

Now listen you men, let's
get something straight...

What the hell's going on in this office?

Santalamenti tells me you don't like...

the way i'm conducting
this investigation.

Well it's about time
I found out whether...

i'm running a squad of police or
whether you're all just arseholes!

You men better listen well because
i'm not gonna tell you this again...

For me and for everyone on this force...

this so-called clean up
squad is on a par with...

and no better than any other
gang of criminals and...

we're gonna hunt these bastards down.

That's your job, that's why you joined.

- Sir, we feel...
- Who asked for you're opinion?!

Now I warn you i'm ready to...

pack all of you off to
Sicily, every last one of you.

And if I hear subversive
talk like that again...

That's all!

Go to work you guys, go to work.

Come in car 7-5,
come in car 7-5, over.

- Where is he?
- He ditched the car and stole a bike.

He's still got the girl with him.

- What zone are they in?
- AO sir.

You're frightening me,
why didn't you let me go?

Let me off can't you?

This is Bertone, I don't have to
remind you how important this is.

I want you to use extreme caution,
whatever you do don't lose him.

We're setting up roadblocks now.

He seems to be heading out towards
Ostia, we're nearly at the Via del Mare.

Sir, if we catch up with
this guy what do we do?

Close in but no shooting.

- Not even if he shoots at us?
- You heard my order!

- Let me off please, you haven't got a chance.
- Shut up!

He's going down the Via del Mare,
we just passed the 10km mark.

In a few minutes he'll be within
sight of our roadblock in Ostia...

He might try to double back.

This is car 75, we're still right on
his tail approaching the ring road.

We're now heading towards Bumaccino on
the road that runs round the airport.

We can cut in and head
him off if you want sir?

Alright, move in.

If he takes off cross-country
we're up a creek!

We're almost on top of him.

They're right behind
us, suppose they shoot?

Nice knowing ya.

Headquarters calling car
9, do you receive me car 9?

Do you hear me car 9? Report in!

I just heard about it, i'm sorry.

Too much blood, even for
someone in my business.

You've murdered the girl, that's what
they'll say in the press, you'll see.

They'll say that you sacrificed
an innocent person's life.

It's too late to be
concerned about the papers.

I'm concerned about
the attitude of the men.

When we catch him they'll kill him.

Here, i've got the whole works.

The names of the persons in
favour of the death penalty,

the list of underwriters,
the whole thing.

I'm beginning to get the picture.

I refuse to speak to anyone else
officer, it's a matter of great urgency.

- He's busy, what is it.
- No, it's Bertone or no one.

You know you've got enough there
to blow the lid off this town.

Yes?

- We've got a visitor, our friend Avalano.
- What's he want?!

- To speak to you and no one else.
- Right, gimme a minute.

- I'll leave.
- Yes, i'm sorry.

Sandra...

You've really helped me out, thanks.

Don't mention this to anyone,
these guys are serious.

I'll call you tomorrow, take care.

- Good evening.
- I'll see him now.

- Come in.
- I know it's late but this is urgent.

Take a seat.

you'd like to get Setticameni?

I should have known you'd
be representing him too.

My client is in extremis,
he's on the verge of panic.

- The boy is thrilled.
- And he wants to give himself up?

In a nutshell.

I hope you appreciate what i've
done, he wan't easy to convince.

- Well bring him in.
- Oh no inspector.

Now my client doesn't want
to die, only surrender.

- What does that mean?
- I want your guarantee...

prior to the arrest I don't
want anybody at all to know.

Since when are you scared of publicity?

Can't use publicity this time, the
kid is in danger, lynch mobs Bertone.

Alright, I guarantee
only my men will know.

No no inspector, your
men aren't to know.

We're equally afraid of your men.

It's all too easy to be
the victim of an accident.

Summary justice, sign of the times.

All you have to do is consider
the case of Valente's death...

Avalano, what the hell do you want?
You bringing that kid in or what?

No, not me inspector,
you are, and no escort.

And you bring in that boy alive
aswell, you don't go to headquarters.

You go straight to Ricciuti.

Anything else?

It's all written down... here.

This is 1-0 calling 2-1,
Santalamenti come in please.

This is 2-1 to 1-0,
we're right behind you.

Stop following me, I told
you I had to do this alone.

But Christ Bertone, we can't let you...

Stop following me! I said alone!

- That's an order.
- Very well, i'll turn around.

Give me the gun.

Alright, let's go.

Come on!

- You got a cigarette?
- I don't smoke.

Bertone speaking, over.

Bertone, do what we tell you. Stop
the car and let that killer out.

- You know who we are.
- Yeah, thanks for the offer.

We're right behind you
Bertone, you know we're serious.

We'll see the murderous little
bastard gets what he deserves.

An eye for an eye, a life for a life.

- It's them, the clean up squad, you gotta...
- Calm down!

Bertone, for the last time,
turn the kid over to us.

We have nothing against
you, don't make us use force.

- Get out.
- What are you gonna do?

- They're going to kill us.
- That's enough talk.

- But there's a whole carload.
- Quiet!

They shot me, they got me.

Now listen, stay here and
whatever you do, keep quiet.

Stay down.

- What are you gonna do, I don't wanna die.
- Relax.

No no no, that's finished.
What are you talking about?

Don't tell me I didn't hear any
shots, it's coming from the barn.

Go over there then, come on.

Forget it, we can't
stick around here anymore.

Come on... get going!

This is 1-0 to 2-1,
Santalamenti are you there?

This is Santalamenti, how'd it go?

As planned I picked up the
kid and we're coming in now.

By the way, did you get in
touch with the district attorney?

Yes, he said to tell you
he'd be waiting in his office.

You get over there too and
wait for me, you got that?

Meet you there, over and out.

Send him right in.

- There he is.
- What is this, he's hurt?

It's only a scratch.

- Who did this?
- It wasn't me.

I learned to treat his kind
with kid gloves a long time ago.

You mean he shot at
the arresting officer?

Who, him?! He wouldn't pick on the
police, he picks on the very old...

people who are defenceless and
he throws young girls under cars.

Listen you little jerk...

I could understand if it was a cop
you killed, he's paid to take risks...

but what I don't understand
is indiscriminate murder.

- Bertone...
- You're the dregs of the human race.

Stay out of this! No, i'm
not through with this vermin!

Bertone, you have no right
to take this personally.

I don't huh? I brought him
here at the risk of my skin...

and my skin is personal
isn't it Riscuitti?!

You know if I hadn't saved his ass...

right now he'd be dumped somewhere,
neck wrung like a chicken.

What are you talking about?
I'm not going to ask again.

Ask him, see if he'll tell you.

Who tried to kill you? Who was it?

But you're safe now aren't you?
Everything's gonna be a breeze.

What do you mean? What was
that remark intended to infer?

Intended to infer?

That for this lousy son of
a bitch the worst has passed.

Isn't that right?

After the lawyers and the judges
and the political parasites...

have finished complicating
his defence what'll happen?

They'll discover his
great-grandfather has schizophrenia...

and for that reason he's not
responsible for his actions, right?

With time off for good behaviour...

this louse won't serve
more than 10 or 12 years...

During which time he'll
perfect his murderous trade...

Until finally he's released
to start all over again.

- Isn't that right, isn't it?
- That's enough Bertone!

Calm down.

You'll be ruined if you
continue to act like this.

What the hell does that signify Mr DA?

I've arrived at a conclusion
in the Bettarini affair.

I've no doubt that he lied,
i've dismissed the charges.

Is that right?

Now I can almost consider myself
a respectable citizen again.

I thought you'd be pleased or
do you want me to apologise?

No thanks, it's too late.

Anyhow, in a short time
I won't care anymore.

Tomorrow morning i'm
handing in my resignation.

So you're leaving the police
force now, is that right?

Tomorrow.

Is it a matter of conscience?

I've devoted all these
years to fighting crime...

I started when I was a kid...

i've done all I could,
i've striven for it...

more power for the police force,
that was Bertone's position...

in good faith.

But now I understand my error.

In this country the laws are
used not only against criminals.

I see the entire citizenry
as an innocent victim.

You in fact know exactly what i'm
talking about, don't you Mr Stolfi?

Naturally, the doors of the
club are wide open to you.

As you can see there are
many activities here...

for the members to
enjoy their retirement.

- For instance you might like to pursue...
- No.

Tomorrow you're going to close.

What do you mean... close?

You heard what I said,
it's the end of the road.

The headquarters of the clean
up squad is finished Stolfi.

Bertone, I think I
should remind you that...

every one of our club
members is an ex-policeman.

Is that so? Don't
confuse the police with...

those common hitmen who
handle your rotten business.

Tell me, do they do it out of
fanatacism or for the money?

I've investigated the financial
situation here Stolfi...

You're certainly well endowed.

- We have our friends.
- Yeah and highly placed too.

Top bankers, industrialists,
leading politicians...

and some leading religious
dignitaries in the Vatican.

Your organisation, as I see it, is
a firm basis for the ladder to power.

First stage: An
association of criminals.

Second stage: Overthrow the state.

Third and final stage:
a return to dictatorship.

- I take it you've got facts.
- Well let's start with this one...

Some months back a certain journal
carried an anonymous interview...

on the necesssity of restoring the
death penalty for capital offences.

Otheriwse we'd see a return to
anarchy and the law of the jungle.

Well I was curious as to who
said that so we started checking.

I managed to find out that the eminent
person who authored that interview...

was none other than former
chief of police Ernesto Stolfi.

I've almost run a check on
who uses these facilities.

Nearly all your members here are
ex-cops who were notorious for brutality.

And nearly all were
thrown off the force for...

intimidating witnesses,
extortion, taking bribes.

Would you like another fact?

The morning I came here
to talk to you about...

those 3 people who were killed
that night you made a mistake.

If you remember you
referred to them as...

a prostitute, a homosexual and
a political extremist and yet...

there's only one way you
could have known that...

you couldn't have got it from
the radios or the newspapers...

since all i'd given out was their names.

And that's not all Stolfi...

I think you'll recognise this monkey.

Oh, my dear Bertone, you know
the value of an identikit.

Now then, surely you
don't think you can...

make an accusation against
me based on that evidence?

I make arrests and I write reports.

The rest is up to the district attorney.

Arrests?

Look, let us pretend, just for one
instant, that your theory is correct.

I mean, if these are the general
headquarters of the clean up squad...

do you think you would walk
out of this place alive?

Don't worry, i've already
taken a few precautions.

Santalamenti and my men have
this whole area surrounded.

I'm full of admiration for you Bertone.

You know you're an outstanding
example of a policeman.

In the name of the law I
hereby place you under arrest.

Yes, a pity.

The right man in the wrong place.

Did anyone else know he was
coming to the club today?

- No one.
- I see, good.

I also found the dossier.

This time there's gonna be
a lot of questions asked.

Oh no, I doubt that.

I know how to fix such things you see.

Still, it was a terrible
thing, Bertone is a real loss.

We carried out a thorough search but...

the dossier was not to be
found in his office or his home.

If it exists I don't know where.

But that's impossible, no one justs
misplaces a set of documents like that.

That's your opinion.

But Riscuitti, obviously it
was stolen and then destroyed.

By whom? Are you inferring that we're
infiltrated by some organisation?

I just listened to Bertone.

You'd better not print
anything without proof.

Was Bertone wrong? Do you think
he'd be dead if he hadn't found out?

Bertone was a man who took chances.

Mr District attorney?

Yes sir.

I undertand there's
some suspicion that...

this fictional clean up squad is
responsible for Bertone's death.

That's quite absurd isn't it?

My job is to check such absurdities.

Really Riscuitti, i'm surprised at you.

You've got an excellent
career ahead of you...

with a bit of prodding
in the right places...

there's no telling how far you could go.

You'd jeopardise that
over this nonsense?

Allow me to say that
until this minute...

Bertone's theory of a secret
organisation had struck me as...

too shallow to be taken seriously.

For your information, an investigation
will get underway at once.

But my dear Riscuitti, don't you
realise you'd only be tilting at windows.

Against whom would you
proceed? Against whom?

For now I guess the person's unknown.

But sir, you can rest assured, the
investigation will stop at nobody.

Nobody!

Well I don't have to remind
you, you can't act without proof.

I know required procedure thank you.

- I wish you luck.
- Thank you.

Mr Stolfi, I'd like to see you tomorrow
morning, 10 o'clock in my office.

I shall be there.