What is "fantozzi"

Fantozzi is a 1975 Italian comedy film. It is the first entry in the saga of the unlucky Italian clerk Ugo Fantozzi, always played by its creator, Paolo Villaggio. It is considered a cult film.

Along with the first sequel Il secondo tragico Fantozzi, Fantozzi is considered the pinnacle of the series, and it shows the involvement of actors who are likely to come into comic episodes: Plinio Fernando (in make-up in order to act his horrible daughter), Anna Mazzamauro and Gigi Reder, among others. Fantozzi can be seen as symbol of the Italian middle class of the 70's, unhappy and frustrated at work and with family.

The success of this film and the saga that has generated has remained virtually unchanged among the decades. The film was released on Italian cinemas on 27 March 1975. The song of the closing credits, Fantozzi's ballade, written by Leo Benvenuti, Piero De Bernardi and Fabio Frizzi, is sung by Paolo Villaggio.