Latest News About Hackman as Popeye Doyle in The French Connection (1971)

Updated 2026-06-18 14:18

iconic performance of Popeye Doyle propel his stardom, winning him an Oscar in Best Actor. William Friedkin's direction adapted from Robin Moore's book follows two NYC narcotics detectives as they trail a heroin-smuggling ring; its iconic car chase is often described as a landmark moment in film. Hackman has spoken about the intensity required for the role. It remains foundational in crime thriller cinema.

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Gene Hackman recalls ‘The French Connection’ 50 years later: ‘A moment in a checkered career of hits, misses’

It’s the heart-stopping moment when a bashed-in Pontiac LeMans hurtles beneath NYC’s elevated subway at 90 miles an hour, dodging traffic and pedestrians in a wild race to keep up with a hijacked N train rumbling overhead. That five-minute sequence — a crash course in ‘70s guerrilla filmmaking — is now regarded by many to be the best movie car chase of all time.

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Gene Hackman recalls 'The French Connection' 50 years later

It’s the heart-stopping moment when a bashed-in Pontiac LeMans hurtles beneath NYC’s elevated subway at 90 miles an hour, dodging traffic and pedestrians in a wild race to keep up with a hijacked N train rumbling overhead. That five-minute sequence — a crash course in ‘70s guerrilla filmmaking — is now regarded by many to be the best movie car chase of all time.

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