Novel: Commissario Brunetti‘s 14^th Case

First Broadcast: May 22^nd 2008

 

Storyline

It is a cold, windy night and the Christmas market is taking place in Campo Santo Stefano. Dealers from all over Italy are offering their specialties and between the stalls mobile African traders have spread their blankets on which they offer fake bags and belts from Prada, Gucci and many other well-known manufacturers.

 

Suddenly, one of the black African collapses in blood after being shot by several bullets. Passer-byes cry out and one of them informs the Policia who also arrives at the scene for a first close inspection of the crime scene, beginning to take the statements of the witnesses.

 

When Commissario Brunetti and his Sergente Vianello arrive at Caompo Santo Stefano, Brunetti quickly gains the impression that the African was shot by professionals. This hypothesis is also supported by the testimony of members of an American tour group.

 

The woman belonging to the doctors-couple standing near the crime scene indicates that she saw a light-skinned man of strong physique, who has probably shot the African. She couldn’t say more, however, so Brunetti only has few facts that might help him with the investigation.

 

He is sure that the other mobile vendors, part of the Italian Vucumpra, have information that could speed up the inquiry. He knows, however, that they are very secretive, which is why he announces that each dealer can give information to the police, without fear of being asked about their personal details.

 

The investigations are also hindered by the fact that nobody seems to have known the victim and his identity because of illegal immigration. It turns out, however, that, despite Brunetti promise of secrecy, the other traders and the owners of the surrounding shops and boutiques do not wish to help the Policia any further.

 

When the two investigators accidentally stumble upon the home of the dead African, somebody suddenly shoots at them, but they manage to escape. During a search of the apartment, Commissario Brunetti finds several valuable diamonds.

 

During his further investigation, Brunetti notes that the Vucumpra seem to be enjoying special protection. Although some illegal street vendors are still being arrested from time to time, nothing else happens otherwise.

 

When Brunetti is summoned by Vice Questore Patta himself, he makes it crystal clear that no further investigations are desirable in this matter. The Interior Ministry has taken up the matter, because it constitutes a case of international terrorism.

 

Although further investigation was prohibited by Patta, the inspector conducts research into the African’s killer.

Starring

Uwe Kockisch as Commissario Guido Brunetti

Julia Jager as Paola Brunetti

Karl Fischer as Sergente Vianello

Michael Degen as Vice Questore Patta

Annett Renneberg as Elettra Zorzi

Laura Syniawa as Chiara Brunetti

Pattrick Diemling as Raffi Brunetti

 

Other Roles

Helmut Zierl as Dr. Floccari

Ernesto Hausmann as Nando

Nkechi Madubuko as Zaina

Dietmar Mossner as Alvise

 

Director: Sigi Rothemund

Script: Donna Leon, Holger Joos

 

Producers: Benjamin Benedict, Niko Hofmann

Production Manager: Jurgen Schott

 

Camera: Dragan Rogulj

Assistant Director: Ronny Begullar

 

Music: Andre Rieu

 

 

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