Super Fuzz

Super Fuzz

Year: 1980

Runtime: 104 mins

Language: English

Director: Sergio Corbucci

Science FictionComedyActionFantasyCrude humor and satire

Dave Speed has been a diligent crime‑fighter, but who is watching over him? While delivering a parking ticket in a remote Florida Everglades village, the police officer is caught in a secret government‑NASA radiation test. A nuclear missile detonation endows him with a host of superhuman powers, thrusting him into chaotic, comedic adventures as he grapples with his newfound abilities.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Super Fuzz yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Super Fuzz (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Super Fuzz (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 20th century

Set in the late 20th century, the film blends a swampy Everglades atmosphere with an urban crime world. It centers on a secret radiation experiment conducted by the government and NASA, and a counterfeit money operation run by a gangster. The era's tech and style—humor, practical effects, and fast-paced action—drive the story.

Location

Florida Everglades Native American village, U.S. city

The story centers on a tiny Native American village in the Florida Everglades, whose isolation gives it a sense of secrecy. It also moves into an urban U.S. city where a counterfeit operation is carried out. The juxtaposition of swampy solitude and metropolitan crime drives the film's humor and action.

🌴 Everglades 🏞️ Native village 🗺️ Remote setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:42

Main Characters – Super Fuzz (1980)

Meet the key characters of Super Fuzz (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dave Speed (Terence Hill)

A fresh police academy graduate who gains extraordinary powers after radiation exposure. He discovers a wide range of abilities—super reflexes, speed, telekinesis, precognition, and more—that sometimes vanish when he sees red. He uses his powers to uncover a counterfeit operation and protect allies, while grappling with reliability and ethical choices.

⚡️ Superpowers 🧠 Mind powers 🤝 Loyalty

Willy Dunlop (Ernest Borgnine)

Dave's partner and friend, a seasoned detective who is skeptical of the extraordinary claims surrounding Dave's powers. He is charming and loyal, and he has a crush on Rosie Labouche, adding personal tension to the case. He ultimately supports Dave while facing the danger of the criminals.

🤝 Partnership 🛡️ Loyalty 🎭 Comedy

Rosie Labouche (Joanne Dru)

A former actress and Torpedo's mistress who becomes entangled with the criminals and Dave. She uses hypnotism and manipulation to influence Dunlop and to pursue her own ends, contributing to the film's schemes and chase.

💄 Glamour 🧠 Manipulation 🗣️ Persuasion

Torpedo (Marc Lawrence)

A crafty local businessman and gangster behind the counterfeit operation, pursued by Dave and Dunlop. He relies on henchmen and deception to protect his profits and the secret printing facility.

🕵️‍♂️ Crime 🧩 Conspiracy 🏴‍☠️ Power

Silvius (Herb Goldstein)

An old retired magician who unintentionally uncovers Torpedo's scheme and becomes a target. He provides crucial information about the red-color weakness that explains Dave's powers' limits.

🎩 Magic 🧠 Knowledge 🏃 Escape

Evelyn (Julie Gordon)

Dunlop's niece and Dave's girlfriend, who is torn between normalcy and the thrill of a super-powered partner. She worries about the implications of Dave's abilities and ultimately makes a provocative final gesture by dyeing her hair red.

❤️ Love 💬 Trust 🔒 Relationships

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:42

Major Themes – Super Fuzz (1980)

Explore the central themes of Super Fuzz (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚡️ Power

Dave's sudden powers redefine what a rookie cop can achieve, letting him outrun and outthink foes. The film explores the allure and burden of extraordinary abilities, especially as Dave learns they are not unlimited. The weakness—his powers fail when he sees red—creates suspense and moments of vulnerability that keep him relatable. The theme is about responsibility and the costs of power, not just spectacle.

🧭 Identity

Dave must hide his powers from colleagues and his girlfriend, creating a double life and tension in relationships. Evelyn's skepticism about a 'perfect' man highlights fear of the unknown. The secrecy tests trust and questions what makes a person human. The film uses humor and action to explore authenticity under extraordinary circumstances.

🔎 Conspiracy

A secret radiation experiment by the government and NASA provides the backdrop for a wider criminal plot. Torpedo and Rosie operate a counterfeit network, while the Barracuda serves as a hidden printing facility. The pursuit of truth and the exposure of powerful interests anchor the suspense. The theme blends political intrigue with pop-culture caper energy.

🤝 Friendship

Dave and Dunlop form a mismatched but loyal partnership, balancing bravado with practicality. Their banter and trust under pressure drive much of the film's humor and heart. The duo's resolve to stop the criminals culminates in teamwork that overrides individual egos. The message affirms that comradeship can amplify courage in dangerous moments.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:42

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Super Fuzz

Don't stop at just watching — explore Super Fuzz in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Super Fuzz is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Super Fuzz Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Super Fuzz, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Super Fuzz Summary

Super Fuzz Timeline

Track the full timeline of Super Fuzz with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Super Fuzz Timeline

More About Super Fuzz

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Super Fuzz: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Super Fuzz