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The French Connection (1971)

R 104 min  -  Action | Crime | Thriller  -   9 October 1971 (USA)
7.9
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Ratings: 7.9/10 from 45,041 users   Metascore: 96/100 
Reviews: 241 user | 90 critic | 4 from Metacritic.com

A pair of NYC cops in the Narcotics Bureau stumble onto a drug smuggling job with a French connection.

Director:

William Friedkin

Writers:

Ernest Tidyman (screenplay), Robin Moore (based on the book by), and 1 more credit »
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Related Videos

The French Connection -- A pair of NYC cops in the Narcotics Bureau stumble onto a drug smuggling job with a French connection. The French Connection -- Detectives Doyle and Russo shakedown a bar where they have an informant. The French Connection -- Interview: Gene Hackman "on filming the car scene"
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gene Hackman ...
Fernando Rey ...
Roy Scheider ...
Tony Lo Bianco ...
Marcel Bozzuffi Marcel Bozzuffi ...
Pierre Nicoli
Frédéric de Pasquale Frédéric de Pasquale ...
Devereaux (as Frederic De Pasquale)
Bill Hickman Bill Hickman ...
Mulderig
Ann Rebbot Ann Rebbot ...
Marie Charnier
Harold Gary Harold Gary ...
Weinstock
Arlene Farber Arlene Farber ...
Angie Boca
Eddie Egan Eddie Egan ...
Simonson
André Ernotte André Ernotte ...
La Valle (as Andre Ernotte)
Sonny Grosso Sonny Grosso ...
Klein
Benny Marino Benny Marino ...
Lou Boca
Patrick McDermott Patrick McDermott ...
Chemist (as Pat McDermott)
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Storyline

William Friedkin's gritty police drama portrays two tough New York City cops trying to intercept a huge heroin shipment coming from France. An interesting contrast is established between 'Popeye' Doyle, a short-tempered alcoholic bigot who is nevertheless a hard-working and dedicated police officer, and his nemesis Alain Charnier, a suave and urbane gentleman who is nevertheless a criminal and one of the largest drug suppliers of pure heroin to North America. During the surveillance and eventual bust, Friedkin provides one of the most gripping and memorable car chase sequences ever filmed. Written by Tad Dibbern <DIBBERN_D@a1.mscf.upenn.edu>  

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Heroin | Police | French | Drugs | Chase  | See more »

Taglines:

Doyle is bad news - but a good cop. See more »

Genres:

Action | Crime | Thriller

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English | French

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Contacto en Francia See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$1,800,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$51,700,000 (USA) (1973)
See more »

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System) | 4-Track Stereo (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The 4-door blue Ford LTD driven by the suspect has actual NY license plates 9620-WM (not a movie prop) complete with proper expiration and safety inspection stickers on the windshield. This car was registered in Westchester County just north of New York City. In the film, this car is under surveillance by detectives riding in the slightly older blue undercover Ford sedan with a straw hat on the back shelf. See more »

Goofs

Continuity: During the car chase scene a 1964 Chevrolet with smoky exhaust was passed at least four times. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle: Merry Christmas. What's your name, little boy?
Little Boy: Eric.
Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle: Uh-huh, Eric. What do you want for Christmas Eric? Hmmm?
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Jacob's Ladder (1990) See more »

Soundtracks

"Everybody Gets to Go to the Moon"
(1969) (uncredited)
Written by Jimmy Webb
Performed by The Three Degrees in the club See more »