One of the classic films of the 1970’s, The French Connection, was partly filmed in East Harlem, on Randall’s Island. In the image below, you can see the Amtrack rail line on the right, and the Triborough viaduct on the left.

Released in 1971, "The French Connection" revolutionized the crime film genre with its raw portrayal of narcotics detectives Popeye Doyle and Cloudy Russo chasing a heroin smuggling ring. The film's significance lies in its technical brilliance and thrilling narrative and its unflinching depiction of a complex social issue.

"The French Connection" broke away from the romanticized portrayals of police work prevalent at the time. Director William Friedkin adopted a documentary-like style, showcasing the grimy underbelly of New York City and the relentless pursuit of justice by flawed yet determined characters. The iconic car chase sequence remains a testament to the film's innovative camerawork and editing, raising the bar for action filmmaking. Additionally, the film tackled the sensitive topic of drug addiction without shying away from its devastating consequences, sparking important conversations about social responsibility and individual struggles.

However, "The French Connection" also portrays the lead character’s brutally and ethically questionable methods as effective policing. By glorifying police brutality and the blatant disregard for law and police regulations, the film promotes the idea that certain authority figures exist above the law and its consequences.

Despite these criticisms, "The French Connection" remains a landmark film for its groundbreaking style, unflinching portrayal of social issues, and enduring impact on the crime genre. It continues to spark discussions about complex social issues, police conduct, and the representation of addiction and the networks that feed it.

Harlem, 1947