Il Prefetto Di Ferro (aka The Iron Prefect) (1977)

Set in 1925, a prefect by the name of Cesare Mori (Giuliano Gemma) with special powers is sent by Mussolini to Sicily to fight the Mafia. But it isn't easy as the influence of the Mafia has infiltrated the Fascist government and even the church. Even the victims of the Mafia don't seem eager to fight back but rather are complicit in their own victimization. Based on the non fiction book by Arrigo Petacco and directed by Pasquale Squitieri (DJANGO DEFIES SARTANA). Winner of a best picture David Di Donatello (the Italian Oscar), it's a potent political drama that director Squitieri keeps both fervent and tight. Giuliano Gemma (most famous as a leading man in spaghetti westerns) brings a solemn intensity as the prefect. Although the movie downplays the real Mori's fascism, he's still a Mussolini Fascist which often makes it difficult to empathize with his mission. What's worse, fascism or the Mafia? That aside, it's worth seeking out. The underscore is by Ennio Morricone. With Claudia Cardinale, Francisco Rabal, Rik Battaglia and Stefano Satta Flores.