Born in Rome in 1940, Maurizio Merli emerged as a notable figure in the poliziotteschi genre during the 1970s. He gained prominence with his lead role in Covert Action (1978), where he embodies the gritty essence of Italian crime cinema. Merli's performances often drew comparisons to Franco Nero, yet he carved out his own niche, becoming a staple in the genre. His contributions to cult cinema are marked by a series of intense roles that resonate with fans of exploitation films.
Covert Action
Janssen plays an ex-CIA agent who has become an author, writing both non-fiction exposes (Phillip Agee was in the news at this time) and fiction spy novels. The CIA is on his case, in the person of Arthur Kennedy, CIA chief in Athens, where Janssen is staying. Janssen is pursuing a case that interests him, while dodging the traps set for him by Kennedy and trying to help Maurizio Merli, a former colleague with personal problems.
