Oscilloscope To Bring Back Dassin’s “Law”

The poster for Jules Dassin's "The Law." Image courtesy of Oscilloscope Laboratories.

Oscilloscope Laboratories announced today that it has acquired North American distribution rights to Jules Dassin’s little-known “The Law” (La Loi), which will have a theatrical re-release to commemorate the film’s 50th anniversary.  Oscilloscope will open the film in theaters later this year with a DVD and digital release to follow.

“The Law” was previously released in the US as “Where the Hot Wind Blows,” and stars Gina Lollobrigida, Marcello Mastroianni, Yves Montand, Melina Mercouri, and Pierre Brasseur.  As Oscilloscope describes: “Lollobrigida plays Marietta, the gorgeous housekeeper to Don Cesare (Brasseur), the patriarch of a small Mediterranean coastal town.  Lusted after by many men, including Francesco (Montand), the son of a local crime boss, Marietta has her own desires, consisting of the poor Enrico (Mastroianni).  Determined to secure the dowry that will enable her to marry Enrico, Marietta connives the men of the town by turning the tables on them using their own vicious drinking game which they call ‘The Law.’” 

Adam Yauch, head of Oscilloscope Laboratories said in a statement: ‘I am looking forward to O-Scope releasing a classic title. I hope it will be the first of many. ‘The Law’ is a terrific, underseen film, and we are excited to introduce it to new audiences. Criterion beware… We are preparing for a battle royale.”

The re-release will utilize newly-struck 35mm prints derived from the original archival film elements and boast a brand new English language subtitle translation.  A DVD release will follow in 2010.

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