“Surely one of the most exciting -- and brutal -- movies ever made...This is slam-bang, suspenseful, sardonically funny, furious-paced melodrama culminating in the justly famous chase sequence” - Los Angeles TImes
Featuring one of cinema’s most iconic and breathtaking car chases, this neo-noir thriller swept the 1971 Oscars, garnered huge box office receipts, and announced a gritty new style of American crime film. Gene Hackman plays the truly unlikeable New York city detective Popeye Doyle. who along with his partner Buddy Russo (Roy Scheider), launches a deadly pursuit to bust up a narcotics smuggling ring. 35mm screenings generously supported by Mimi and Scott Manzler.
Awards & Nominations
1972 Academy Awards, Winner - Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, 1972 Academy
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