The Stone Killer (1973)

A top New York detective is sent to Los Angeles where he must solve a case involving an old Sicilian Mafia family feud.

Director:

Michael Winner

Writers:

Gerald Wilson (screenplay), John Gardner (book)

Stars:

Charles Bronson, Martin Balsam, Jack Colvin

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Charles Bronson	...	Lou Torrey
Martin Balsam	...	Al Vescari
Jack Colvin	...	Jumper
Paul Koslo	...	Langley
Norman Fell	...	Les Daniels
David Sheiner	...	Guido Lorenz
Stuart Margolin	...	Lawrence
Ralph Waite	...	Mathews
Alfred Ryder	...	Tony Champion
Walter Burke	...	J D
Kelley Miles	...	Geraldine Wexton (as Kelly Miles)
Eddie Firestone	...	Armitage
Charles Tyner	...	Police Psychiatrist
Byron Morrow	...	Station Commander
Lisabeth Hush	...	Dr. Helen Torrey

Storyline

Top detective Lou Torrey is transferred to Los Angeles and uncovers a plot by a Sicilian mafioso to use Vietnam War veterans to murder all his enemies in a rerun of the "Sicilian Vespers" when the previous generation of Sicilian mafiosi were all killed on a single day. Torrey gets various clues that something big is about to happen, but will he discover what is planned before the big day?

---

Plot Keywords:

shot to death | shootout | revolver | police detective | police protagonist | 

---

Taglines:

It's hot in New York... even hotter in L.A... and they're freakin' out in the wide-open spaces in between.

---

Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

---

Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Underworld settings in the USA featured in the movie included Skid Row in Los Angeles and Little Italy and Spanish Harlem in New York City.

---

Goofs

During chase scenes skid marks can be seen meaning more than one take was done for the final scene in the movie. In particular, in the parking garage during the chase scene skid marks are prevalent.

---

Quotes

Lou Torrey: Lionel Henry Jumper?
Jumper: No. I just do impersonations.
Lou Torrey: We'll try one more time. Lionel Henry...
Jumper: Yes!

---

Crazy Credits

Actor Gene Woodbury is credited in opening credits only.

---

Alternate Versions

The footage of Lawrence darting round the room shooting the dead/injured mafia dons with a pistol (to ensure all are dead) after the window fall was cut from the original UK cinema version by the BBFC. The 1986 RCA/Columbia video was fully uncut.

---

Connections

Featured in Mr. Blonde: Paul Koslo on 'The Stone Killer' (2017)

---

Soundtracks

Final Capture
Written by Roy Budd
Performed by Roy Budd And His Orchestra

User Reviews

Fun Bronson Film Packed with Action

The Stone Killer (1973)

*** (out of 4)

Charles Bronson plays tough Detecitve Lou Torrey who finds himself investigating a murder, which no one seems to know what it's connected to. After getting a name the investigation grows deeper and more and more bodies begin to pile up. Soon Mafia boss Al Vescari (Martin Balsam) enters the picture.

In a lot of ways this film borrows from DIRTY HARRY. Bronson is basically playing the same type of character, although this movie makes sure to show his character as someone who isn't a racist but instead someone who will beat you no matter what your color is. The film touches on several issues including racism but there's no question that the viewer isn't meant to think too much. Instead this is just a fast-paced action movie that has a lot of fights, a lot of gun battles and of course the lead doing what he does best.

It's really interesting watching the films that Bronson and director Michael Winner made during this period. In many ways this one here contains the most violence and it's certainly the most action pack. I'd say that the story has a bit too much going on as there's a lot of plot here for this type of movie but thankfully the screenplay basically just puts Bronson into one dangerous situation after another. This is a great thing because he shoots bad guys, beats confessions out of people and basically does whatever he can to get the job done.

Bronson is quite good in the picture and once again he isn't given too much dialogue. The actor always acted with his body and he would have been perfect in the silent era. He turns in a very good performance here and really packs a punch with the role including some very funny bits of dialogue. The supporting cast is also very good with Balsam doing a good job in the Mafia role and especially a scene set in a cemetery. You've also got Jack COlvin, Norman Fell and even John Ritter in an early role.

THE STONE KILLER has a lot of good things going for it but the action and stunts deserve a lot of credit. As you'd expect for the era, there's a pretty good car chase as well as plenty of scenes where bullets are flying and bodies are dropping. Fans of Bronson will certainly eat this one up but he and the director were about to make their masterpiece the following year with DEATH WISH.

Details

Country:

Italy USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 August 1973 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Complete State of Death

Filming Locations:

16 Ericsson Place, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$1,386,064

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dino de Laurentiis Cinematografica, Produzioni Cinematografiche Inter. Ma. Co., Rizzoli Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1