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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 45,107 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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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:

There are no rules and no holds barred when Popeye cuts loose! 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

In France, the last 2 or 3 digits on the license plate referring to the Département the car is from. 13 stands for Bouches-du-Rhône (Marseilles) and 75 for Paris (Paris). See more »

Goofs

Continuity: When Popeye Doyle creeps alongside the building below the sniper his gun can be seen jumping hands between shots. 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 Behind the Rules of Engagement (2000) 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 »