| Gardenia | |
| Director: | Domenico Paolella |
| Screenplay: | Augusto Caminito |
| Story: |
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| Starring: | |
| Music: | Franco Califano |
| Cinematography: | Sergio Robini |
| Editing: | Amedeo Giomini |
| Studio: |
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| Distributor: | P.A.C. |
| Runtime: | 100 minutes |
| Country: | Italy |
| Language: | Italian English |
| Gross: | ₤108 million |
Gardenia (Italian: Gardenia, il giustiziere della mala) is a 1979 Italian poliziottesco film directed by Domenico Paolella. It represents the first leading role for the singer-songwriter Franco Califano.[1] [2] [3]
In the city of Rome lives Gardenia, a respected exponent of Roman organized crime who shows a certain humanity in managing his business. He runs a restaurant and a clandestine gambling house, and has a woman named Regina.
Contacted by Don Salluzzo, a mafia boss, he categorically refuses to enter the drug business and sell it in his restaurant.
Because of his refusal he comes into conflict with Salluzzo who tries several times to eliminate him, but with the help of some childhood friends he finally manages to win.
Gardenia was released theatrically in Italy on 5 May 1979 where it was distributed by P.A.C. It grossed 108 million Italian lire on its release in Italy.