Squadra volante (1974)

In Pavia, the gang of a ruthless bandit known as “the Marseillais” attacks and robs a car carrying hundreds of millions of lire, leaving behind, among other things, the body of a police officer. Inspector Tomas Ravelli of Interpol investigates the case, having arrived from Marseille after receiving a tip-off. However, because of his overly heavy-handed methods, Ravelli faces opposition from Commissioner Calò. Through a ballistic examination, Ravelli discovers that the Marseillais himself—who killed his wife five years earlier, and whom he intends to avenge himself on—is responsible for the latest robbery. With the help of the loyal Sergeant Lavagni, assigned to keep tabs on him by Calò, Tomas soon manages to track him down. During a struggle at the robbers’ hideout, Rino, the getaway driver, is killed. The others, dressed as priests, go to Rino’s house to destroy some evidence that could incriminate them. Ravelli discovers the now-abandoned hideout and Rino’s body, while the gang is intercepted on the highway. To escape the pursuit, the gang members switch cars and hide in a house near Rovigo. After killing his accomplices, the Marseillais goes to a boathouse on the Po to meet “the Tunisian,” who is to take him abroad. In the final scene, the police stop the Marseillais on the day of his departure. Ravelli throws away his police badge and kills the now-disarmed Marseillais.