Operazione San Gennaro

Operazione San Gennaro, also known as Treasure of San Gennaro, is a 1966 Italian-German co-produced comedy crime film directed by Dino Risi. With a stellar cast that includes Nino Manfredi, Senta Berger, and Mario Adorf amongst others, this movie blends great comedic sequences with a dramatic narrative about deception, religious faith, and treasure hunting.

The film is set in the vibrant city of Naples, Italy, the city famous for its religious processions, particularly that of San Gennaro, the city's patron saint. It brilliantly captures the Neapolitan rivalry with northern Italians and Americans by using it as a backdrop for this comedic caper. The film dives into local customs and life in Naples, exploring the interplay of collective faith, traditional values, and modernist aspirations in a postwar Italian society.

Lead actor Nino Manfredi gives a remarkable performance as the savvy, resourceful Neapolitan, Don Vincenzo. Don Vincenzo is a heartfelt believer in Saint Januarius, widely known as San Gennaro, and owes his livelihood to the small booth he operates near the cathedral. On the other hand is Jack Dawson, played by Harry Guardino, a pragmatic New Yorker who is hell-bent on finding treasure. Jack's personality starkly contrasts Don’s religious conviction, triggering a chain of events that dominate the storyline.

The movie introduces us to another intriguing character, Scognamiglio, depicted by the versatile actor, Mario Adorf. Scognamiglio is a German-Italian photographer tied intricately to the overarching plot due to his detailed knowledge about the cathedral, making his role instrumental in the unfolding comedic drama.

Binded together by shared interests, a motley crew of characters comes together to execute a grand heist – the titular ‘Operazione San Gennaro’. Their target, a priceless treasure trove of jewels and artifacts, is safeguarded within the sacristy of the famous Naples Cathedral, dedicated to San Gennaro. The film captures their adventure, lined with unforeseen obstacles, humorous blunders, and escalating tension, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Senta Berger, as the beautiful and improvised Lucy, brings an additional layer of allure and complexity to the plot. Lucy jovially counts herself in the plan, adding a dash of romantic intrigue and female audacity to the otherwise male-dominated storyline.

Director, Dino Risi, acclaimed for his skills in the Italian comedy genre, known as Commedia all'Italiana, again delivers a narrative cladded in humor and pathos, reflecting the socio-economic fabric of Italy in the 1960s. He uses Operazione San Gennaro to explore the dichotomy of faith and greed, opportunity and danger, tradition and modernity.

Moreover, beyond the comedic caper and lighthearted banter, the movie carries undertones of philosophical reflections. It showcases the collision of faith and secularism, of fatalism and the belief in self-made fortunes, presenting a profound satire of ecclesiastical and popular traditions. Although comedy centric, the film occasionally throws light on the poverty, ignorance and superstition that existed in that era, offering a nuanced socio-cultural commentary.

Risi combines striking performances from the cast, clever dialogues, a suspense-filled narrative, and snapshots of Neapolitan life into a compelling package. The film uses the packed streets, baroque churches and sun-soaked beauty of Naples to serve as an atmospheric backdrop to the fast-paced plot, making it visually engaging as well.

Complete with cinematic charm, wit, and suspense, backed by excellent performances from a star-studded cast, Operazione San Gennaro is a cleverly crafted piece of cinema. Whether you're a fan of comedy, a crime film enthusiast, or someone who values deep narrative, this movie offers something for everyone. So, dive in and enjoy a thrilling adventure filled with laughter, charm, and dramatic flair, along with an engrossing peep into the socio-cultural landscape of Italy.