Murder, political intrigue, and a mysterious salamander mark a deadly conspiracy in 1980s Italy.
THE SALAMANDER
The world's most expensive calling card. It will cost you your life.
An Italian policeman investigates a series of murders involving people in prominent positions. Left behind at each murder scene is a drawing of a salamander. The policeman begins to suspect these murders are linked to a plot to seize control of the government.
Quick Answer
The Salamander is a 1981 Italian-British thriller film directed by Peter Zinner about a policeman investigating a series of murders tied to a possible neo-fascist conspiracy.
Programmer's Pick
With Franco Nero as a dogged policeman and a supporting cast that reads like a Euro-cult who's who, The Salamander dishes out political paranoia with a side of animal symbolism. If you like your thrillers with conspiracies, jock straps, and Christopher Lee in the mix, consider this your Italian import.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Overview
Details & Specs
- Director
- Peter Zinner
- Writers
- Morris L. West, Robert Katz, Rod Serling
- Release
- 1981
- Runtime
- 1h 43m
- Country
- Italy, United Kingdom
- Language
- English, Italian
- Genres
- Thriller
Why This Matters
This film marks the directorial debut of Peter Zinner and adapts Morris West's 1973 novel, connecting literary suspense with early 1980s thriller cinema.
Cast & Crew
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Why Cult
The film centers on a suspected neo-fascist plot to overthrow the Italian government, weaving politics and suspense.
Every murder scene features a mysterious salamander drawing, giving this investigation an offbeat and memorable hook.
Franco Nero leads, with appearances from Anthony Quinn, Claudia Cardinale, Christopher Lee, Sybil Danning, and Eli Wallach.
Expect bare chests, jock straps, and a heady dose of voice-over narration—all hallmarks of early '80s Euro-thriller style.
Scene Gallery
Threat File
Prominent murders marked by salamander drawings
Neo-fascist conspiracy
Targeted killings and political destabilization
Italy
Questions from the Vault
When was The Salamander released? +
The Salamander was released in 1981.
Who directed The Salamander? +
The Salamander was directed by Peter Zinner.
How long is The Salamander? +
The Salamander has a runtime of 103 minutes.
What genre is The Salamander? +
The Salamander is a thriller.
