7.1/10
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The Panic in Needle Park (1971)

R | | Drama | 1 June 1971 (France)
The Panic in Needle Park Poster
The lives of heroin addicts who frequent "Needle Park" in New York City.

Director:

Writers:

(book), (screenplay) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

, , | See full cast & crew »
Reviews

On Disc

at Amazon

1 win & 1 nomination. See more awards »

Photos

6 photos | 37 news articles »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Helen
Alan Vint ...
Hotch
Richard Bright ...
Hank
...
Chico
Michael McClanathan ...
Sonny
Warren Finnerty ...
Sammy
...
Marcie
...
Marco
Angie Ortega ...
Irene
...
Mickey
Paul Mace ...
Whitey
Nancy MacKay ...
Penny
Gil Rogers ...
Robins
...
DiBono
See full cast »
Edit

Storyline

This movie is a stark portrayal of life among a group of heroin addicts who hang out in "Needle Park" in New York City. Played against this setting is a low-key love story between Bobby, a young addict and small-time hustler, and Helen, a homeless girl who finds in her relationship with Bobby the stability she craves. She becomes addicted too, and life goes downhill for them both as their addiction deepens, eventually leading to a series of betrayals. But, in spite of it all, the relationship between Bobby and Helen endures. Written by E. Schofield <evescho@cafe.net>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

death of pet | needle | love | betrayal | addiction | See All (57) »

Taglines:

God help Bobby and Helen. They're in love in Needle Park. See more »

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

1 June 1971 (France)  »

Also Known As:

Panique à Needle Park  »

Filming Locations:

Company Credits

Production Co:

,  »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Jerry Schatzberg turned down the script when he was offered it by the production company. He was then re-approached when Al Pacino took an interest in the project. He agreed then to direct on the condition that Pacino could star, however ironically it then became difficult to find a studio that would back the project with a newcomer like Pacino. See more »

Goofs

[45:50] Boom microphone (and camera) visible in the upper right hand corner near the end of the stick ball game. See more »

Quotes

[repeated line]
Bobby: I was gonna marry you!
See more »

Connections

Featured in Casting By (2012) See more »

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User Reviews

deeply disturbing
28 January 2001 | by (Brooklyn) – See all my reviews

This is one of the most disturbing films I have ever seen. It is very real and grisly looking, not polished with the horrible artificial lighting you see nowadays in films. Bobby and Helen are addicts whose lives are going nowhere, they just can't get out of their destructive lifestyle. The scenes of the characters shooting up, tricking, and hanging in the brutal streets of 1970's New York are very realistic. Makes "Trainspotting" look like a Disney cartoon.
39 of 48 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?
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Disappointment pinnebarn
Forget R, how is this rated PG even now? GCD1
Where can I find this movie? Heekincs
DVD delay! SHADYJJ55
this film view addiction the way it is krillin1212
Best portrayal of heroin addiction in film. littleghost-873-525817
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