Badge 373

source: Badge 373

Trailer—Badge 373

Badge 373

I've rated over 2,600 films on Netflix, and this is the film I always think of as the WORST film I've ever seen. Ludicrous action scenes, idiotic dialogue, illogical story, laughable acting (even Robert Duvall wasn't taking this seriously). The story layers on melodrama in an attempt to give the characters motivation for their absurd actions, but it's not close to believable. They even cast Eddie Egan (the real life inspiration for the main character) in a minor role to give the film some credibility. They tried to cash in on the success of French Connection, but misfired on all cylinders. I don't know what film the previous reviewer saw, but this one is on the Top Ten Turkey list, all time.

Based on the true story of officer Eddie Egan,, who also has a small part in this movie,, I found it to be urban gritty, and to the point,, after he get's suspended from the force for causing the death of a bad guy,, he takes up bartending part time.. he later find out that his partner was viciously gunned down,, now he must take action 'Dirty Harry" style,, he sets out on a mission with only one thing in mind,, get the man or men that killed his partner,, the bad guys are led by a character named "Sweet William" , and now the battle is on good vs. evil,, sure this isn't gonna win any awards by no stretch of the imagination and certainly pales compared to the French Connection,, but this is a movie worthwhile of you're time.

This is nowhere near as good as "The French Connection" by a long, long way. "Badge 373" is just business as usual, with nothing to commend it. Robert Duvall is given the lead for a change in his thinly-veiled portrayal of real life cop, Eddie Egan. Gene Hackman brought a great deal of depth and personality to his character of Popeye Doyle. Duvall wasn't able to do the same here. The plot is dull and predictable.

Not great by any means, but this sleeper, buoyed by a terrific performance by Robert Duvall, is very entertaining. Duvall is a suspended cop tracking down the killers of his partner. The quest leads him to a very sinister Puerto Rican mafioso (Henry Darrow) and more gunfire than you could imagine. The competent but mostly unimaginative direction is by Howard Koch (though he does stage a pretty exciting chase sequence involving a NYC transit bus). The supporting cast includes Verna Bloom as Duvall's long suffering girlfriend and Eddie Egan as his crusty yet benign superior. It's occasionally rousing, never really dull and fairly fast moving. The faux funk music, which is unbelievably intrusive is by J.J. Jackson.

At some stage during the movie, all cop "on the edge" dramas have to have the obligatory 'give me your badge and your gun' scene. - When Badge 373 started with this, I just knew I was in for a good time. Duvall is magnificent as Eddie Ryan - cop on a mission - and from the "Chocolate covered speedway" remark to the bus chase - he is simply the epitome of "TOUGH COP".

Possibly THE most neglected movie of the 70s, BADGE 373 is, simply, the greatest movie ever made!!! Witty dialogue, excellent action scenes, touching characterization and a shatting climax. Do what ever you can to see BADGE 373...unstoppable!!!

Badge 373 is an excellent movie that features Duvall at his best. He's better in this outing than he was in Let's Get Harry and Falling Down, which were also, arguably, some of Duvall's best works (that some could say were ruined by bad direction and a bad supporting cast). Not this time, though! The writing and direction are brilliant. The pace is a little bit too slow for an early 70s "cop" flick, but it's still above-average and a good find. Check it out and be amazed.