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>
In at least one glimpse of the Manhattan skyline (as the car is being unloaded from the cargo ship), you can see the first of the World Trade Center towers under construction.
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Goofs
Continuity:
When Popeye first follows Charnier down the subway steps, Charnier tricks Popeye by quickly leaving through the exit. Popeye rips his coat and hat off in an attempt to disguise himself, and races back up the subway steps to the street. We cut to a shot of Charnier walking with his cane, and then cut back to Popeye with his coat, gloves, scarf, and hat back on and buttoned up.
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