“The most ambitious, realistic, thorough and scrupulous feature yet released by a major studio on the subject of cops and corruption.” - Jay Scott, Globe and Mail
“After the film starts to turn itself over in your mind, it becomes a much deeper piece, a film about how difficult it is to go straight in a crooked world without hurting people you love.” - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Saturday, July 27, 3:00 p.m. & Wednesday, July 31, 6:00 p.m. | SERPICO walked so that PRINCE OF THE CITY could run. In Lumet’s epic and ambitious film, Danny Ciello (Treat Williams, in a remarkable performance that recognized the otherwise unappreciated depth of his talent) is a dedicated narcotics detective in New York City. Torn between loyalty to his fellow officers and a nagging awareness of the systemic corruption within the department, Ciello agrees to become an informant for federal prosecutors investigating the NYPD. Exposing widespread misconduct and implicated colleagues, close friends, and mentors, Ciello grapples with guilt and the consequences of his choices. Nominated for a Best Adapted Screenplay Academy Award, and co-written by Lumet and Jay Presson Allen (CABARET, MARNIE), PRINCE OF THE CITY is exceptional, a classic Lumet story of justice, honor, and moral code. Presented in 16mm with a print provided by the archives of The Film Society of Montreal. Version presented is the TV edit, which excludes profanity but includes nineteen additional minutes not seen in the theatrical cut.
Awards & Nominations
Nominee - Best Adapted Screenplay, Academy Awards
Nominee - Best Motion Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama (Treat Williams), Academy Awards
Winner - Best Director, New York Film Critics Circle Awards
Nominee - Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Jerry Orbach)
Sidney Lumet Centennial: Sidney Lumet (1924–2011) was a director driven by stories of morality. Corrupt systems vs. brave protagonists, the worst of men pitted against the best, honesty in the face of hypocrisy—Lumet’s filmography reflects his dedication to championing what is true and what is just in this harsh world. To celebrate his centennial, we present 12 films by the Oscar-winning filmmaker, June 1–August 21. View full series.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu