The Poughkeepsie Shuffle: Tracing 'The French Connection'
01:45 am - 02:40 am, Friday, August 21 on BBC Four (9)
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About this Broadcast
Critic Mark Kermode examines the making of classic thriller The French Connection, beginning with the history behind the 1960s drug bust that inspired the film. Featuring contributions from William Friedkin, stars Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider, and former New York police officer Sonny Grosso. First broadcast 15 January 2000
subtitles
16x9
Documentary
News/Current Affairs
Cast & Crew
Mark Kermode
(Presenter)
William Friedkin
(Guest)
Gene Hackman
(Guest)
Roy Scheider
(Guest)
Sonny Grosso
(Guest)
Russell Leven
(Director)
More Information
Did You Know..
Mark Kermode
(Presenter)
William Friedkin
(Guest)
Gene Hackman
(Guest)
Born:
January 30, 1930
in
California
Best Known For:
The French Connection, The Mexican, Enemy of the State... too many to mention.
Early-life:
Born Eugene Allen Hackman on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, after which his family moved around frequently before finally settling in Danville, Illinois. He has a brother called Richard. After his parents divorced, Hackman left home aged 16 to join the US Marine Corps where he served as a field radio operator. His mother died in 1962, as a result of a house fire she accidently started while smoking.
Career:
After making the decision to get into acting in 1956, Hackman joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California (where incidentally, he struck up a friendship with Dustin Hoffman). After performances in several off-Broadway plays, Hackman's first movie was Lilith alongside Warren Beatty, who then cast him in his breakthrough film, Bonnie and Clyde. Hackman was soon in demand, showcasing his talents in everything from comedy (in Young Frankenstein) to villainy (as Lex Luthor in Superman). He's also won two Oscars - Best Actor for The French Connection, and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven. He retired from acting in 2004 to concentrate on writing novels.
Quote:
'It really costs me a lot emotionally to watch myself on-screen. I think of myself, and feel like I'm quite young, and then I look at this old man with the baggy chins and the tired eyes and the receding hairline and all that.'
Trivia:
Hackman has written a number of historical novels with undersea archaeologist Daniel Lenihan.
Roy Scheider
(Guest)
Sonny Grosso
(Guest)
Russell Leven
(Director)
