Press Release from Chris' Soundtrack Corner:
Chris' Soundtrack Corner proudly presents an expanded double CD soundtrack to PIEDONE A HONG KONG, directed by Stefano Vanzina—better known simply as Steno, and perhaps best recognized for directing the 1972 poliziotteschi LA POLIZIA RINGRAZIA (Execution Squad) and the 1976 comedy FEBBRE DA CAVALLO ("Horse Fever"). PIEDONE A HONG KONG was the second of four "Flatfoot" poliziotteschi-comedy films directed by Steno, following PIEDONE LO SBIRRO (1973; The Knock Out Cop), and in turn followed by PIEDONE L'AFRICANO (1978, Flatfoot in Africa) and PIEDONE D'EGITTO (1980; Flatfoot in Egypt). Each of the films featured comedy Western star Bud Spencer (1929-2016) as Naples Police Inspector "Flatfoot" Rizzo, eschewing guns in favor of his forceful fists and propulsive palms to corral criminals in Italy and beyond.
Rizzo's signature theme composed for the first film embodied the De Angelis' penchant for flavorful, catchy melodies. That theme was carried over into the succeeding three sequels. It, naturally, becomes the primary motif heard in PIEDONE A HONG KONG, given an exotic electric guitar treatment that works well to identify the luxurious Hong Kong landscape as well as accommodating Rizzo's cheerful, uninhibited swagger and self-confidence, just as it would later treat the detective's adventures in Africa and Egypt. Reprising their infectious main theme from the first PIEDONE movie, brother composers and musicians Guido & Maurizio De Angelis adorn PIEDONE A HONG KONG with a delightful array of tuneful themes and a degree of ethnic Asian music which energizes Rizzo's journey, all of which treats the film's humor and action with music in turns both cheerful and suspenseful. In the album notes we examine in detail six major themes the composers configured for their score, as well as a number of source music cues for local color.
Chris' Soundtrack Corner is delighted to make PIEDONE A HONG KONG available in an extended two CD edition with 101 minutes of music, incorporating the complete film score, including a number of alternate tracks and music not used in the final film. It's one of Guido & Maurizio De Angelis' most stimulating comedy scores, with its wealth of different themes and motifs presented in a constantly varied musical mosaic of energy and excitement. The album is produced by Christian Riedrich and mastered by Manmade Mastering. The CD is accompanied by a 16-page illustrated booklet designed by Tobias Kohlhaas and featuring detailed, exclusive notes by Randall D. Larson, who explores the making of the film and its score in detail.
