Alright, fellow tapeheads, let's rewind to a time when action heroes didn't need CGI muscles, just real ones, preferably attached to a frame like a friendly refrigerator. Today, we're popping in a well-loved, slightly fuzzy copy of Flatfoot in Africa (original title: Piedone l'africano), the 1978 romp starring the legendary Bud Spencer as the Naples police inspector with fists like cinder blocks and a heart as big as his appetite. This wasn't just another movie; finding a Bud Spencer flick in the video store felt like unearthing pure, unadulterated fun – a guaranteed evening of cartoonish brawls and surprising warmth.
This third outing for Inspector Rizzo, affectionately nicknamed "Flatfoot" for his penchant for pounding the pavement (and occasionally skulls), takes our hero far from the familiar streets of Naples. Directed by Italian comedy veteran Steno (who helmed numerous classics, including several with comedy icon Totò), the film whisks Rizzo off to South Africa. The setup? Investigating the murder of an officer linked to a diamond smuggling ring, all while unexpectedly becoming the guardian of Bodo (Baldwyn Dakile), the orphaned son of the slain policeman and the only witness. It's a classic fish-out-of-water scenario, ripe for both action and laughs.
### Big Man, Bigger Heart, Biggest Slaps
Let's be honest, you didn't rent a Bud Spencer movie for intricate plotting. You came for the man himself. Spencer (born Carlo Pedersoli, a former Olympic swimmer – a fact that explains his imposing physique and surprising agility) is Inspector Rizzo. He embodies that specific brand of gruff-but-lovable heroism that was his trademark. Rizzo doesn't need fancy gadgets or complex deductions; his methods involve intimidating stares, deadpan quips, and, of course, his signature open-handed slaps and hammer-fist punches that send bad guys flying with delightfully exaggerated sound effects. Remember the sheer satisfaction of those hits landing? It was pure cinematic catharsis, delivered with a wink.
The action here isn't the intricately choreographed ballet of modern blockbusters. It’s gloriously practical, grounded, and often hilarious. Spencer, who famously preferred performing his own non-acrobatic fight scenes, moves with a deliberate, unstoppable force. When Rizzo wades into a room full of thugs, it's less a fight scene and more a localized weather event. The stunt work focuses on impact – bodies crashing through tables, goons pinballing off walls – achieving a tangible, almost cartoonish reality that CGI often struggles to replicate. It felt real in that specific, over-the-top 70s way. One fun bit of trivia: Spencer reportedly developed his unique fighting style partly because he disliked screen violence and wanted something less brutal and more comedic – hence the famous slaps over closed fists.
### Comedy, Caputo, and Continental Charm
No Flatfoot adventure is complete without his perpetually flustered, accident-prone subordinate, Caputo, played brilliantly by the inimitable Enzo Cannavale. Their dynamic is pure gold – Rizzo's stoic exasperation playing off Caputo's nervous energy and slapstick incompetence. Cannavale, a staple comedic actor in Italian cinema, nearly steals every scene he’s in, providing the perfect counterpoint to Spencer's imposing presence. Their arrival in Johannesburg, fumbling with luggage and local customs, is a prime example of the film's gentle, character-driven humour.
Adding young Bodo to the mix softens Rizzo further, showcasing the "gentle giant" aspect of Spencer's persona. While the "tough cop adopts cute kid" trope is familiar, Baldwyn Dakile is genuinely charming, and his bond with Rizzo feels surprisingly earned amidst the diamond chases and dockside brawls. Filming on location in South Africa adds a layer of visual interest absent from the previous Naples-centric entries. Seeing Rizzo navigate the markets, wildlife parks (cue the obligatory ostrich chase!), and bustling cityscapes gives the film a sense of scale and adventure, even if the portrayal of the location is filtered through a distinctly 70s European lens. Apparently, shooting abroad presented its own set of logistical challenges for the Italian crew, but the resulting visuals were a key part of the film's appeal.
### More Than Just Punches
While primarily an action-comedy, Flatfoot in Africa doesn't shy away entirely from the backdrop of its setting, touching lightly on themes of cross-cultural interaction and the stark contrasts within South Africa at the time. It's handled simply, mind you, this isn't a political treatise, but it adds a touch of depth often missing from straightforward beat-'em-ups. The score, often featuring cheerful, jaunty themes punctuated by dramatic stings for the action, perfectly complements the film's mood – it’s unmistakably Italian genre cinema from the era.
The film, like its predecessors (Flatfoot, 1973, and Flatfoot in Hong Kong, 1975), was a significant hit, particularly in Italy and Germany, where Bud Spencer (often paired with Terence Hill) enjoyed immense popularity throughout the 70s and 80s. These weren't critical darlings, perhaps, but audiences loved their reliable mix of action, comedy, and heart. They were the kind of movies you'd happily rent again and again, knowing exactly the kind of comfort-food entertainment you were going to get.
### The Verdict
Flatfoot in Africa is pure, unadulterated Bud Spencer. It’s a comforting slice of 70s Italian action-comedy, elevated by its charismatic star, the reliable comedic relief of Enzo Cannavale, and the novelty of its African setting. The plot is functional, serving primarily as a vehicle for Rizzo to interact with colourful characters, look after Bodo, and periodically flatten rooms full of bad guys with immensely satisfying thwacks. The practical stunt work and Spencer's unique fighting style remain a joy to watch, a reminder of a time when screen action felt weightier, even when intentionally comedic. It might be formulaic, and some elements are undeniably dated, but its charm is infectious.
Rating: 7/10
Justification: This rating reflects the film's high entertainment value within its specific niche. It delivers exactly what fans expect: Bud Spencer being awesome, great comedic chemistry with Cannavale, fun practical action, and a charming, straightforward story. It loses points for its narrative simplicity and some dated elements, but the sheer nostalgic fun and Spencer's undeniable screen presence make it a solid recommendation for any retro action-comedy fan.
Final Thought: Cracking open the case for Flatfoot in Africa is like revisiting an old friend – predictable, maybe a little worn around the edges, but guaranteed to leave you smiling. It's a perfect example of that specific brand of VHS-era comfort viewing, where the punches were hard, the laughs were easy, and the heroes were built like tanks with teddy bear interiors. Still holds up for a dose of pure, unpretentious fun.