Mafia Things

A grizzled New York detective, accustomed to the brutal realities of mob life, finds himself drawn into a complex investigation when a series of seemingly unrelated murders begins to plague the city. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a sinister plot involving a powerful crime family and a ruthless assassin, forcing him to confront his own past and the murky lines between law and lawlessness.

Mafia Things, a lesser-known early work by Dario Argento, is often overlooked but possesses a gritty charm characteristic of its era. While not as stylistically polished as his later gialli, it offers a compelling crime narrative with effective suspense and a strong sense of atmosphere. Critics at the time noted its brutal realism and effective performances, though some found the plot occasionally convoluted.

• Praised for its tense atmosphere and realistic portrayal of mob violence.

• Some found the narrative pacing uneven and the plot occasionally hard to follow.

• The strong performances, particularly from the lead actors, were frequently highlighted.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this early film, but those available suggest appreciation for its dark tone and straightforward crime story. Some viewers found it a solid, if unexceptional, genre piece from the early 70s.

Although often attributed to Dario Argento, "Mafia Things" was actually directed by a pseudonymous director and Argento's involvement was limited to script contributions, making it a common point of confusion for film historians.