Screening in tribute to Gene Hackman, who passed away this year at the age of 95, and won his first Oscar as Best Actor for his role as "Popeye" Doyle. William Friedkin’s gritty 1971 classic is the paradigmatic rip-roaring chase film, complete with New York City street and subway pursuits, drug smugglers, corrupt cops, and one good guy, Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle (Hackman) – based on true-life detective Eddie Egan – who makes his own rules. Realistic, fast-paced and uncommonly smart, THE FRENCH CONNECTION is bolstered by stellar performances by Hackman and Roy Scheider.
