When it comes to rhythm, I Love disco is always present … “More cruel is war and man knows what war is, warm and tender is love and man knows what love is …” do these words remind you of anything?
But how Discolovers?!? It is the beginning of the Sandokan theme song. It was 1976 and the Italians were glued to the TV to follow
the adventures of the Tiger of Malaysia, or Sandokan. The drama, as they were called then, was shot in India in 1974, but broadcast on Rai Uno for the first time in 1976. It was a resounding success, which launched the Indian actor Kabir Bedi as an international star and the Oliver Onions, (Roman guppo) who sang the famous theme song, at the top of the Italian Hit Parade with the song that still today the official anthem of the ” Tiger
of Malaysia “. “Sandokan”, shot by Sergio Sollima, was an eight-part drama based on the stories of Emilio Salgari, centered on the exploits and the loves of an Indian prince ousted by the British, and who became more than a pirate a champion of the weakest. With a half-Indian and half-European cast, “Sandokan” nailed millions of spectators to their seats, also because at the center of the story was the love of the “Tiger” for the young Marianna Guillonk, played by the beautiful and blonde Carole Andrè. Other unforgettable characters of that mythical drama were the demonic James Brooke
played by Adolfo Celi and the brotherly friend of the Tiger Yanmez de Gomera, to whom Philippe Leroy gave life. But above all, the character played by Kabir Bedi remains unforgettable, who gave the Salgarian hero honor, vulnerability and charisma. Before this script, some films about Sandokan were made in the 60s, with forgettable and not very charismatic interpreters. Thanks to Kabir Bedi, however, the “Tiger” was able to roar even for those who did not know his stories, relaunching the fame of Salgarian heroes for many generations of spectators. So I can only conclude this post by remembering my evenings with family in front of the TV… humming: ”… Sandokan, Sandokan… yellow the sun gives me strength… Sandokan, Sandokan…”!