The French Connection (1971)

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.

William Friedkin

Ernest Tidyman Robin Moore William Friedkin

Al Fann Alan Weeks André Ernotte Ann Rebbot Arlene Farber Benny Marino Bill Hickman Eddie Egan Fernando Rey Frédéric de Pasquale Gene Hackman Harold Gary Irving Abrahams Marcel Bozzuffi Patrick McDermott Roy Scheider Sonny Grosso Tony Lo Bianco