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Dirty Harry

  • 1971
  • R
  • 1h 42m
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
175K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,781
8
Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry (1971)
Theatrical Trailer from Warner Bros. Pictures
Play trailer2:53
3 Videos
99+ Photos
Cop DramaPolice ProceduralSerial KillerActionCrimeThriller

When a man calling himself "the Scorpio Killer" menaces San Francisco, tough-as-nails Police Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan is assigned to track down the crazed psychopath.When a man calling himself "the Scorpio Killer" menaces San Francisco, tough-as-nails Police Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan is assigned to track down the crazed psychopath.When a man calling himself "the Scorpio Killer" menaces San Francisco, tough-as-nails Police Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan is assigned to track down the crazed psychopath.

  • Directors
    • Don Siegel
    • Clint Eastwood
  • Writers
    • Harry Julian Fink
    • Rita M. Fink
    • Dean Riesner
  • Stars
    • Clint Eastwood
    • Andrew Robinson
    • Harry Guardino
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.7/10
    175K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    1,781
    8
    • Directors
      • Don Siegel
      • Clint Eastwood
    • Writers
      • Harry Julian Fink
      • Rita M. Fink
      • Dean Riesner
    • Stars
      • Clint Eastwood
      • Andrew Robinson
      • Harry Guardino
    • 453User reviews
    • 141Critic reviews
    • 87Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 4 nominations total

    Videos3

    Dirty Harry
    Trailer 2:53
    Dirty Harry
    Did 'Home Alone' Inspire 'Rambo: Last Blood'?
    Clip 1:43
    Did 'Home Alone' Inspire 'Rambo: Last Blood'?
    Did 'Home Alone' Inspire 'Rambo: Last Blood'?
    Clip 1:43
    Did 'Home Alone' Inspire 'Rambo: Last Blood'?
    Christopher Meloni Knows How to Spot a Good Cop
    Video 2:34
    Christopher Meloni Knows How to Spot a Good Cop

    Photos219

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    Top cast81

    Edit
    Clint Eastwood
    Clint Eastwood
    • Harry
    Andrew Robinson
    Andrew Robinson
    • Killer
    • (as Andy Robinson)
    Harry Guardino
    Harry Guardino
    • Bressler
    Reni Santoni
    Reni Santoni
    • Chico
    John Vernon
    John Vernon
    • The Mayor
    John Larch
    John Larch
    • Chief
    John Mitchum
    John Mitchum
    • De Georgio
    Mae Mercer
    Mae Mercer
    • Mrs. Russell
    Lyn Edgington
    Lyn Edgington
    • Norma
    Ruth Kobart
    Ruth Kobart
    • Bus Driver
    Woodrow Parfrey
    Woodrow Parfrey
    • Mr. Jaffe
    Josef Sommer
    Josef Sommer
    • Rothko
    William Paterson
    William Paterson
    • Bannerman
    James Nolan
    James Nolan
    • Liquor Proprietor
    Maurice Argent
    Maurice Argent
    • Sid Kleinman
    • (as Maurice S. Argent)
    Jo de Winter
    Jo de Winter
    • Miss Willis
    • (as Jo De Winter)
    Craig Kelly
    • Sgt. Reineke
    • (as Craig G. Kelly)
    Ann Bowen
    • Yelling Wife
    • (uncredited)
    • Directors
      • Don Siegel
      • Clint Eastwood
    • Writers
      • Harry Julian Fink
      • Rita M. Fink
      • Dean Riesner
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews453

    7.7175K
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    Featured reviews

    8GiraffeDoor

    I feel awkward about liking this movie. But it's still an inimitable classic.

    For me this is that movie that you love when you're young but as you get older you see the dark side to it.

    I mean...it's not exactly Masha and the Bear even on a superficial level but you know what I mean.

    As an action movie, this is just timeless. It has a gentle, yet uncompromising tone that immediately puts you in the mindset that you are in an unforgiving, violent world. It's clearly going for the X rating. It's not about elegance, it's just about being honest.

    There's something folkloric in this tale of hunter and hunted where it's hard to tell who is the more brutal. That was indeed meant to be the gimmick: "two killers on the loose, one carries a badge".

    It's a vivid movie about sadism and unapologetic brutality. Where there is only kill or let others get killed. Harry is a delicious character and Eastwood's cool portrayal, always seeming to be one jolt away from going nuts is captivating.

    But in recent years I've had new feelings. Harry seems to personify that kind of cop who hates the 4th amendment, who sees themselves as the only barrier between the innocent and monsters and is devoted to protecting without a thought for who will protect the public from him. It's that counter-counter-cultural thinking wear one wants more power to law enforcement not less. I know the title suggests that these are Harry's negative traits but when watching, these are why we fall in love with him as a character. It's kind of a double bluff. Especially when Harry's violation of protocol is seemingly respesented as necessary.

    Scorpio is amazing. He is played with maniacal relish that complements the stony Harry like how the Joker does for batman. But I would say he's scarier. We don't get the comic fantasy as a barrier.

    I might be overthinking this movie but it is a fascinating rumination on grey morality and how it's not always easy to tell who to root for. even when you think you've realised that the official heroes aren't always good.

    it's a difficult movie to interalize and ultimately, that's why it's brilliant.

    There's never been a movie quite like it.
    10ivo-cobra8

    Dirty Harry is Clint Eastwood's masterpiece!

    This film has it all, amazing soundtrack, amazing cinematography in the amazing San Francisco area, terrific cast of actors who played believable in their roles. This movie is what it is, a perfect 10, because it takes the vision of one of the most imaginative directors on Earth, and realizes them almost perfectly with all the tools that fit the task -- actors, stunts, story, cinematography. It is one of my personal favorite action movies of all time.

    Dirty Harry (1971) is Clint Eastwood's masterpiece and one of his best movies including the best memorable character! The movie that started it all! It is the best action thriller film from Clint Eastwood and director Don Siegel! Clint at his asskicking best! It is my favorite best film from Clint Eastwood and the first best one in the series. Even tough he did not directed this film he gave us one if his best performances ever! I love all Dirty Harry movies but this one is a classic and the best in the series. It has action suspense from end till beginning. A movie that will make anyone's day, if you feel lucky punk. I have seen the first one 20 times and will argue that it's the best with no question, but it is somewhat a matter of opinion :)

    "I know what your thinking. Did he fire six shots or just five? We'll Do I feel lucky? We'll do ya punk?" Harry Callahan's best quotes. This is one classic Clint Eastwood film. He funnels traits of himself into "Dirty" Harry: no nonsense, dry humor, some charm and a good logical mind. Andrew Robinson had trouble getting work for a while after this movie because he did such a great job as Scorpio. Getting typecast as a psychopath kind of limits your casting options. Andrew Robinson also played in my favorite action Stallone flick Cobra (1986) and horror flick Hellraiser (1987). He did a great performance ever as a psychotic killer Scorpio. Reni Santoni was also cast in this movie as Harry's partner Homicide Inspector Chico Gonzalez. He also started 15 years later in my action flick Cobra (1986) alongside Andrew Robinson! I can say both of the actors did a fine job playing in bot cop flicks. First one is the best.

    But, a little bit of background is due. Academy Award-winner Clint Eastwood ("Unforgiven," "Million Dollar Baby") stars as "Dirty Harry" Callahan in this riveting action film that spawned several blockbuster sequels. In this original, Detective Harry Callahan is determined to bring in psychotic killer Robinson, even if he's determined to break some of the rules. Brilliantly filmed for maximum impact. Recently selected by the prestigious American Film Institute as one of the 400 greatest American films of all time and added "Dirty Harry" as part of the 50 Greatest Heroes of all time.

    Dirty Harry is a 1971 American action thriller film produced and directed by Don Siegel, the first in the Dirty Harry series.

    The basic plot is about catching a serial killer who was based on a Zodiac Killer. This is one of best movies ever. The story is good, acting is brilliant and effects and action scenes are epic. Watch this movie now!!!! Great films stick inside your head,and this one is a brain limpet! The cinematography and evocation of the San Francisco setting are hauntingly memorable,the dialogue taut and sparse and Schifrin's score is still super cool.Don Siegel and Clint must have studied the European stylists because I read Dirty Harry as the finest amalgam of US Noir and 60's new wave. I find echos of Antonioni and Melville in the tight,clean mis en scene and impeccable action sequences honed by Siegel's long Hollywood pedigree. superb. This movie is 10 out of 10.
    ma-cortes

    Harry Callahan's first entry in which is sent to chase vicious series murderer killing and kidnapping children

    Effective first installment in ¨Dirty Harry¨ series and followed by various sequels still gripping and stirring . The film starts with a prologue : ¨In tribute to San Francisco Police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty¨ . Iconoclast Harry Callahan(Eastwood) attempts to detain vicious killers who are robbing a bank , he takes on criminals determined to bring them to justice, even if he has to break some rules . This time has a young partner who is assigned when his ordinary pal is wounded . The rock-hard inspector is accompanied by a Mexican cop (Reni Santoni) and they track down a nasty series killer (Andrew Robinson) .The psychotic murderer is detained but is freed on legal technicalities and Harry takes the law into his own hands. Harry wielding a revolver Magnum 44 ( in fact, as is titled the second entry, Magnum force) returns his unorthodox means ; facing off ominous murderous that is threatening the city of San Francisco. Harry in troubles as habitual with his chiefs (Harry Guardino , John Larch) and the District Prosecutor (Josef Sommer) because his methods lead abuse the criminal's civil rights and a pile of death in clod blood along his wake. Harry pursues the revenge-obsessed murderer and encounters he has more problems with him than he expected. Rule-breaking Callahan strides grimly throughout San Francisco in pursuit the murderous , including an exciting final on a school bus . Whatever your reservations about Harry's expeditious methods we know he'll always vanquish , shooting in cold blood with his pistol .

    Formula thriller plenty of action , crisply edition , tension, suspenseful and lots of violence . Clint Eastwood's good performance as two-fisted Harry Callahan , the tall and taciturn inspector who utilizing his Magnum 44 pistol kills baddies and , as always , he says some original phrases . Well written by Harry and Rita Fink ; it packs intrigue , violence, action-filled and is a really effective film . It turns out to be interesting and plenty of vivid action , suspense and thrills. Good secondary cast gives effective performance as John Larch , Harry Guardino , Josef Sommer as the prosecutor and John Vernon as the Mayor. Good use of locations filmed in Panavision and Technicolor , by cameraman Bruce Surtees , son of prestigious photographer Robert Surtees , reflecting splendidly the streets of San Francisco , ordinary scenario of the series . Adequate and atmospheric musical score by usual Lalo Schifrin , including a classic jazzy leitmotif . Taut and expert direction by Don Siegel who formerly directed him in ¨Coogan's bluff¨ and subsequently in ¨Escape from Alcatraz¨ and well financed by the usual, Robert Daley as executive producer from Malpaso Company . Followed by ¨Magnum Force¨ by Ted Post with Robert Urich and David Soul , ¨The enforcer¨ 1976, by James Fargo with Tyne Daly, Harry Guardino, ¨Sudden impact¨1983, Eastwood with Sandra Locke , Pat Ingle and ¨Dead pool¨ 1988, by Buddy Van Horn with Liam Neeson and Jim Carrey . This formula thriller will appeal to Harry Callahan series enthusiasts , because of the tension, unstopped action , exciting edition , chills abound in this original entry . Well worth seeing for Clint Eastwood fans and it's a cool companion for the action genre followers . An entertaining and amusing film , mounted for its maximum impact and with several scenes that'll have you on the edge of your seat
    9MovieAddict2016

    One of "The" films of the 1970s

    Don Siegel's "Dirty Harry" was arguably the start of the serial killer/cop genre inherent in so many mainstream American movies released today. Setting the stage for countless rip-offs and sequels, "Dirty Harry" was one of the true first of its kind--not only in regards to its genre influence but also in terms of its content. (Full frontal nudity, heavy vigilante-style violence and strong language.) It is, in fact, one of the quintessential 1970s films--capturing the very essence of the typical gritty '70s film style we're all familiar with. If "Midnight Cowboy" began the trend, "Dirty Harry" extends it.

    Clint Eastwood delivers one of his finest performances as the titular "Dirty" Harry Callahan. He's got just the right amount of cocky cynacism and inset sense of self-justice and importance to make the character realistic and likable, despite his flaws.

    The plot almost seems routine now, but back in '71 it was controversial stuff: Harry is a tough cop trying to track down a mad serial killer in San Francisco, who is murdering victims in an effort to receive ransom money. When he kidnaps a young girl, Harry makes it his mission to disobey direct orders and take on the killer by himself.

    It's easy to point at this now and say, "I've seen this already." In many cases film classics can only be graded well for nostalgic purposes, because their imitators have improved upon the original material.

    Not here. The original really does still remain (one of) the best.

    Siegel would later follow up "Dirty Harry" with another examination of criminals and cops, and would also team up again with Clint Eastwood. This is probably his best film, which is saying a lot. Its reputation precedes it, but in this case, the strength of the film itself really is deserving of its popularity. The final speech is awesome stuff.
    george.schmidt

    The best of the Dirtiest

    DIRTY HARRY (1971) **** Clint Eastwood, Harry Guardino, Andy Robinson, John Vernon. Eastwood made cinematic lore out of laconic San Francisco renegade cop Harry Callahan known more for his intolerence of the bureaucratic legal system and his firm belief in justice through violent means necessitated by righting wrongs. In the first of the series he's faced with a psycho serial killer named Scorpio (grinning looney toon Robinson) just begging to be noticed. Directed by Eastwood's long-time mentor Don Siegal the film acts as a parable of the system strangle-holding society and still remains an indictment of how bad things still are. Classic Clint.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      After Clint Eastwood and Don Siegel came on-board the project, they hired Dean Riesner to work on the script. In his first re-write, the bank robbery scene ends with Harry not pointing the gun at the robber, but placing it against his own temple. He pulls the trigger, laughs, and then walks away. Eastwood and Siegel both felt this was too extreme, even for Harry Callahan.
    • Goofs
      Some considerable time after the first shooting, the police have arrived and Callaghan has climbed up to the roof from where the shooting took place. Yet when he looks down to the rooftop swimming pool, the blood in the pool is still only in one small area, instead of having been dispersed in the water.
    • Quotes

      Harry Callahan: Uh uh. I know what you're thinking. "Did he fire six shots or only five?" Well to tell you the truth in all this excitement I kinda lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world and would blow your head clean off, you've gotta ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, punk?

    • Crazy credits
      During the opening credits, the word "Dirty" in the title is in red as opposed to the rest of the credits' yellow.
    • Alternate versions
      As with all of the "Dirty Harry"-films this one also had some cuts for violent content in the initial Swedish release. Among trimmed scenes were Scorpio pulling Harry's knife out of his leg, and the scene where Scorpio pays a man to beat him up, which was cut by almost 40 seconds.
    • Connections
      Edited into Tough Guise: Violence, Media & the Crisis in Masculinity (1999)
    • Soundtracks
      Row, Row, Row Your Boat
      (uncredited)

      Written by Traditional

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    • How long is Dirty Harry?Powered by Alexa
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    • I've heard Harry only fires five shots in the bank robbery scene. Is this accurate?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 23, 1971 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Facebook
      • Official Site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Harry el sucio
    • Filming locations
      • Holiday Inn Select Downtown Hotel - 750 Kearny Street, San Francisco, California, USA(pool murder opening scene, now Hilton San Francisco Financial District)
    • Production company
      • The Malpaso Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $4,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $35,988,495
    • Gross worldwide
      • $35,989,439
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 42 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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