Illustrious Corpses

Illustrious Corpses

Year: 1976

Runtime: 121 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Francesco Rosi

Thriller

A detective is assigned to investigate the mysterious murders of some Supreme Court judges.

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Timeline & Setting – Illustrious Corpses (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Illustrious Corpses (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1970s

The story unfolds in a turbulent era of Italian politics, marked by demonstrations, strikes, and deepening polarization between the Left and the Christian Democrats. Institutions struggle under pressure while independent investigators push against political constraints. The period’s conspiratorial atmosphere shapes every murder and investigation.

Location

Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Palermo provides a grim backdrop for a clash between a reform-minded judiciary and a politically charged government. The city blends grand institutions with chaotic street demonstrations and a tense public mood. Its corridors of power sit alongside crowded squares where unrest and discourse intertwine.

🏙️ City of Palermo 🗺️ Sicily

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:58

Main Characters – Illustrious Corpses (1976)

Meet the key characters of Illustrious Corpses (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Inspector Amerigo Rogas (Lino Ventura)

A relentless and principled inspector who pursues the truth despite political pressure. He exposes systemic corruption and faces demotion as he navigates a tangled network of powerful actors. His dedication to investigation and integrity puts him at odds with the state’s attempts to control the narrative.

🕵️ Investigation ⚖️ Justice

Galano (Paolo Graziosi)

A journalist and editor connected to a revolutionary paper, he embodies the power of media in a polarized era. His conversations reveal the overlaps between leftist activism and state manipulation. Loyalty to a cause complicates his relationship with Rogas and the unfolding conspiracy.

🗞️ Media 📢 Propaganda

Supreme Court President Riches

A high court figure who articulates a philosophy of justice that the system is infallible by definition. He embodies the judiciary’s vulnerability to political pressure and helps drive the conspiracy forward. His presence signals how law can be co-opted by those in power.

🏛️ Justice ⚖️ Institutions

Security Minister

A powerful government figure who shapes investigations and public narratives. He coordinates the state’s response to unrest and influences how the murders are framed. His involvement underscores the top-level manipulation behind the conspiracy.

🏢 Government 🧭 Power

Chief of Police

Head of the police who directs how investigations are managed and how information is controlled. He advises a cautious approach toward the judges and oversees surveillance measures. He represents authority that can both protect and obstruct the pursuit of truth.

🚓 Law Enforcement 🧭 Control

The Prostitute

A key eyewitness whose testimony captures street-level volatility and the ambiguities of credibility in a charged political climate. Her account contributes to the unsettled sense of truth in a landscape where factions claim legitimacy. She embodies the vulnerable voices caught between power and protest.

👁️ Witness 🗝️ Truth

Cres

A pharmacist whose alleged involvement becomes a focal point in Rogas’s pursuit of the truth. The disappearance of Cres and the removal of his image hint at an organized effort to erase a suspect from the public record. The case illustrates how individuals can be crushed under the weight of political machinations.

💊 Medicine 🧭 Mystery

Sospettato mafioso

A mafioso suspect whose status highlights the blurred lines between criminal activity and political maneuvering in the murders. The figure underscores how crime, media, and state power intertwine in a broader scheme to shape political outcomes.

🕶️ Crime 🗂️ Conspiracy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:58

Major Themes – Illustrious Corpses (1976)

Explore the central themes of Illustrious Corpses (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice & Power

The murders and investigations reveal a justice system bent to political ends. Judges are sacrificed to steer policy, and legal duty collides with state interests. Rogas operates under intense pressure, illustrating how truth can be manipulated to maintain the status quo.

💰 Corruption

The plot exposes a network of political figures coordinating to manufacture a narrative that serves their interests. The investigation intersects with party politics, silencing witnesses and eroding public trust. Money and influence drive the drive to justify a preordained outcome.

📡 Surveillance

Phone taps and office bugs reveal pervasive state surveillance of officials and investigators alike. Information is weaponized, and truth is negotiated within a web of power. The final acts show how surveillance can distort justice and shape public perception.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:58

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Illustrious Corpses Summary

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Illustrious Corpses Summary

Illustrious Corpses Timeline

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Illustrious Corpses Timeline

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