The French Connection

In memory of Gene Hackman

New York narcotics officers Popeye Doyle (Gene Hackman) and Buddy Russo (Roy Scheider) pursue an international heroin smuggling ring. Their investigations lead them to Alain Charnier, a French drug lord who smuggles huge quantities of heroin into the USA. Using risky methods, including a truly iconic, spectacular car chase, Doyle attempts to intercept the shipment...

With THE FRENCH CONNECTION, director Friedkin has created a top-class action thriller based on true events - staged in the dark, wet, cold and unscrupulous atmosphere of New York in the 1970s and with a magnificent cast, including Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider and Fernando Rey, and excellently accompanied by the music of jazz trumpeter and bandleader Don Ellis.

A portrait of a hate-filled, disillusioned cop who, as a lone fighter, is prepared to do anything for the success of his police work. A classic.