“The action sequences are brilliant, done without trickery in real locations (including a great car chase which spawned a thousand imitations) to lend an extraordinary sense of immediacy to the shenanigans and gunfights.” – Tom Milne, Time Out
“Stars like McQueen, Bogart, Wayne or Newman aren’t primarily actors, but presences. Yates understands the McQueen image and works within it. He winds up with about the best action movie of recent years.” – Roger Ebert
In the role that made him a superstar, Steve McQueen plays Lt. Frank Bullitt, a hard-bitten detective assigned to protect a key witness in a Congressional investigation. When the witness is murdered, Bullitt follows a trail of lies and corruption that leads to the halls of power in Washington. McQueen performed his own stunts, including the legendary high-speed Ford Mustang chase through San Francisco—one of the most famous car chases ever filmed.
Awards & Nominations
1969 Academy Awards - Winner, Best Film Editing
1970 BAFTA Awards - Nominee, Best Sound
Vroom, Screech | July 31–August 27, 2026
For the season of road trips and action-adventure blockbusters, we offer a series of movies that celebrate and complicate the car chase. Featuring iconic automotive set-pieces, impressive stunt work, and serious car psychology, this slate crosses multiple lanes.
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