Magnum Cop / Long Arm of the Godfather

Both Magnum Cop and Long Arm of the Godfather are Italian-produced crime thrillers made during the Swinging Seventies, when European genre movies eschewed traditional moral values and began featuring unprincipled protagonists who trafficked heavily in kinky sex and nihilistic violence. Internationally known actors frequently slummed in these often seedy films, confident they would rarely if ever be seen outside of Italy; thus Magnum Cop, produced before Joan Collins' American comeback in the TV show "Dynasty," shows the British-born superstar getting down and dirty - and gloriously naked - in an unsympathetic characterization. Morally deficient (proudly, unabashedly so), these gritty thrillers make perfect entertainment of the "guilty pleasure" variety. - Ed Hulse

Magnum Cop (1978, Color, 85 minutes): Unorthodox private eye Wally Spada, better known as "The Fox" accepts what promises to be a routine assignment: locating an Austrian banker's daughter who has fled her privileged surroundings to join a cult. But Wally's investigation, which brings him into contact with glamorous stripper Brigitte, also uncovers a widespread white slavery ring and targets him for death. Starring Joan Collins; directed by Stelvio Massi.

Long Arm of the Godfather (1972, Color, 85 minutes): Vincenzo, a small time mafioso, is pitted against the all-powerful Dom Carmelo after he hijacks an arms shipment intended for the godfather. What promises to be a lopsided struggle becomes even more so when Vincenzo's untrustworthy girlfriend Sabine double-crosses him. Starring Adolfo Celi, Erika Blanc, Peter Lee Lawrence, Kim Dimon; Directed by Nardo Bonomi.