IMDb > The Panic in Needle Park (1971)
The Panic in Needle Park
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The Panic in Needle Park (1971) More at IMDbPro »

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The Panic in Needle Park (1971) -- Trailer - YouTube (Flash)

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Overview

User Rating:
7.0/10   4,005 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 2% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
James Mills (book)
Joan Didion (screenplay) ...
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Contact:
View company contact information for The Panic in Needle Park on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
1 October 1971 (Hong Kong) more
Genre:
Tagline:
In the dark corner of the city, they found light more
Plot:
This movie is a stark portrayal of life among a group of heroin addicts who hang out in "Needle Park" in New York City... more | add synopsis
Awards:
1 win & 1 nomination more
NewsDesk:
Interview: Joan Didion on "The Panic in Needle Park"
 (From IFC. 28 January 2009, 7:20 AM, PST)

User Comments:
A great portrayal of a relationship between two drug addicts. more (41 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Al Pacino ... Bobby
Kitty Winn ... Helen
Alan Vint ... Hotch

Richard Bright ... Hank
Kiel Martin ... Chico
Michael McClanathan ... Sonny
Warren Finnerty ... Sammy

Marcia Jean Kurtz ... Marcie

Raul Julia ... Marco
Angie Ortega ... Irene
Larry Marshall ... Mickey
Paul Mace ... Whitey
Nancy MacKay ... Penny
Gil Rogers ... Robins

Joe Santos ... DiBono
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Additional Details

Runtime:
110 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Australia:MA (cable rating) | Canada:PG (video rating) | Australia:R | Finland:K-16 | Norway:15 | Norway:16 (1971) | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:PG | USA:R (original rating)
Filming Locations:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Francis Ford Coppola showed a screening of this film to Paramount executives in order to convince them that Al Pacino was suitable for the role of Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972). more
Goofs:
Boom mic visible: Boom mic extends into the upper right hand corner during stick ball game. more
Quotes:
Bobby: I want you to shape up! more
Movie Connections:

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
21 out of 23 people found the following comment useful.
A great portrayal of a relationship between two drug addicts., 5 August 2004
9/10
Author: Jacob Østergaard from Denmark

This movie is not for people with sensitive nerves. Its harsh realism is very breathtaking, at times almost overwhelming. It concentrates in showing what drug addiction does to people in a relationship and succeeds in doing that. That's also the reason for its timelessness and artistic value.

Al Pacino and Kitty Winn, who plays the two main characters, Bobby and Helen, are very realistic in showing the ups and mostly the downs in the life of a drug addict. Especially the way they at times put their craving for drugs above each others needs.

The first time I saw the film I was 15. It was shown at my school and it made a very strong impression on me, especially its portrayal in the miserable life of a drug addict. I can therefore, among other things, recommend it as a preventive film for young people.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (41 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Panic in Needle Park (1971)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Why didn't Kitty Winn get as famous as Pacino? c7c7c7r
Criterion Release? moviemaker928
Great film, great name SaulGoodman
Disappointment pinnebarn
Forget R, how is this rated PG even now? GCD1
A new take on The Panic In Needle Park TaliesinForever
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