Police Lieutenant Lon McQ investigates the killing of his best friend and uncovers corrupt elements of the police department dealing in confiscated drugs.
Stunts
That ridiculous beach chase with the Trans Am—practical car carnage.
Acting
Wayne's genuinely vulnerable moments, rare and surprising.
Director
John Sturges
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Wayne turned down Dirty Harry to make this instead, then spent years regretting it. The irony is thick enough to cut.
This film essentially killed Wayne's attempts at modern cop roles—audiences wanted him in the saddle, not a turtleneck.
US
