The first in the series of films in which Clint Eastwood, as Lieutenant Harry Callahan, a right wing, bad-tempered San Francisco policeman, not averse to bending the rules to get his man, redefined the laconic, close-mouthed hard man for the permissive 1970s. Here, the maniacal 'Scorpio Killer' is on the loose in San Francisco and Callahan disregards procedure in his efforts to track him down, using his trusty Magnum .44 to dispense his own brand of justice. The direction is taut, the locations striking and the electronic score jazzy. The film set a template for future cop thrillers to live up to. Perhaps surprisingly, the film was conceived as a vehicle for Frank Sinatra.
In a role originally turned down by John Wayne, Clint Eastwood as 'Dirty' Harry Callaghan became an American icon and a law unto himself. In a time of civil unrest whe... more >
In a role originally turned down by John Wayne, Clint Eastwood as 'Dirty' Harry Callaghan became an American icon and a law unto himself. In a time of civil unrest where the justice system seemed to fail ordinary citizens, Dirty Harry made short work of petty criminals who threatened the American institution. In this disturbing film, Clint Eastwood must catch a sniper who is killing people at random in San Francisco. But when he kidnaps a girl and the city is held to ransom, Dirty Harry is forced to act by his own instincts. Downright absorbing, Don Siegel's ground-breaking film raised a new hero whose ultimate reason was to challenge the disintegration of the American soul in this tough, atmospheric thriller.
Superb 70s action film. Clint at his coolest. more >
Superb 70s action film. Clint at his coolest. < less
JPU on 6th July 2000
Politically controversial in its day (is the hero a fascist?) Dirty Harry remains exciting and provocative viewing, and is the quintessential Clint Eastwood movie. In ... more >
Politically controversial in its day (is the hero a fascist?) Dirty Harry remains exciting and provocative viewing, and is the quintessential Clint Eastwood movie. In a career-making role, Eastwood redefined the laconic, close-mouthed hard man for the permissive 1970s, and created a commercial franchise to boot. But the film belongs as much to director Don Siegel and actor Andy Robinson as it does to Eastwood. Robinson, as crazed serial killer Scorpio, randomly stalking San Francisco for innocent prey, here established a blueprint for screen psychopaths that is still in evidence today. And Siegel, a veteran director, brought the experience, professionalism and stylistic touches that make Dirty Harry essential viewing thirty years on. The undercurrent of 'official' and 'psychopathic' brutality is jarring and, visually, Dirty Harry has a pace and impact that is far superior to its contemporaries or its sequels. The jazzy, electronic score (by Lalo Schifrin) and striking use of San Francsico locations add to the mix to make Dirty Harry the most significant and influential cop film of the last thirty years. It may raise ethical questions, but you'll have fun trying to answer them. < less
