Hot Potato (1979 film)
# Hot Potato (1979 film)

Hot Potato (Italian: La patata bollente) is a 1979 Commedia all'italiana film directed by Steno. The film discusses a range of issues such as homophobia in the political left, Anni di piombo violence, working class culture, and the sustainability of Eurocommunism.

## Plot

Bernardo Mambelli nicknamed "il Gandi" (Renato Pozzetto) is a PCI militant and pugilist working at a Milanese paint factory. One night, he sees a fascist gang beating a frail young man (Massimo Ranieri). He saves the man and brings him to his house to learn that he is Claudio, a homosexual. With nowhere to go and recovering from the assault, Claudio starts staying at Bernardo's house but a series of typical misunderstandings lead his comrades as well as his girlfriend Maria (Edwige Fenech) to believing that he has "turned gay". Bernardo is now seen as a potential lost cause and the ongoings soon reveal a "hot potato" situation for him.

## Cast

* Renato Pozzetto as Bernardo Mambelli nicknamed "il Gandi"
* Massimo Ranieri as Claudio
* Edwige Fenech as Maria
* Mario Scarpetta as Walter
* Clara Colosimo as Elvira, the doorwoman
* Luca Sportelli as Elvira's husband
* Sergio Ciulli as Maravigli
* Adriana Russo as Maria's best friend
* Umberto Raho as the doctor
* Ennio Antonelli as laborer
