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Sharky's Machine (1981)

Sharky's Machine (1981)
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A William Diehl novel was the source of the noirish nailbiter Sharky's Machine. Sharky (Burt Reynolds) is an undercover cop who fouls up an assignment and is kicked downstairs to the vice squad -- a rough-shod bunch of hellraisers who make life miserable. Soon, however, Sharky's life does a 180 when he encounters Dominoe (Rachel Ward) a prostitute seemingly in danger from her interaction with a number of very seedy thugs. To protect her, Sharky lines the high-rise apartment across from her residence with security cameras and surveillance equipment -- which only makes matters sticky as Sharky begins to fall in love with her. The film opened to a very warm critical reception (Janet Maslin observed that "Burt Reynolds establishes himself as yet another movie star who is as valuable behind the camera as he is in front of it"). It also features one of the most dangerous stunts on film, wherein the late stuntman Dar Robinson free falls from 16 stories off the ground. The "machine" of the title refers to Sharky's fellow cops, played by heavyweights Brian Keith, Charles Durning, Bernie Casey, and others. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Burt ReynoldsVittorio Gassman, (more)
Director(s):
Burt Reynolds
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Sharky's Machine

A William Diehl novel was the source of the noirish nailbiter Sharky's Machine. Sharky (Burt Reynolds) is an undercover cop who fouls up an assignment and is kicked downstairs to the vice squad -- a rough-shod bunch of hellraisers who make life miserable. Soon, however, Sharky's life does a 180 when he encounters Dominoe (Rachel Ward) a prostitute seemingly in danger from her interaction with a number of very seedy thugs. To protect her, Sharky lines the high-rise apartment across from her residence with security cameras and surveillance equipment -- which only makes matters sticky as Sharky begins to fall in love with her. The film opened to a very warm critical reception (Janet Maslin observed that "Burt Reynolds establishes himself as yet another movie star who is as valuable behind the camera as he is in front of it"). It also features one of the most dangerous stunts on film, wherein the late stuntman Dar Robinson free falls from 16 stories off the ground. The "machine" of the title refers to Sharky's fellow cops, played by heavyweights Brian Keith, Charles Durning, Bernie Casey, and others. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
122 mins

Complete Cast of Sharky's Machine


Director(s):
Burt Reynolds
Writer(s):
Gerald Di Pego
Producer(s):
Benjamin RosenbergHank Moonjean
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Profanity, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Brief Nudity, Violence)
Categories:
Action / AdventureMystery & Suspense
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews
 
Ben C.

Burt Reynolds stars and directs one of his best pictures about an eccentric, heroic cop demoted to the vice squad where he investigates a high priced call girl racket run by a mysterious gang. Strong supporting cast, dark & gloomy cinematography, cool jazz score. This film sets the standard for police dramas.

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Dan A.

Burt Reynolds leads a cast of the best character actors (you know, the actors that you recognize from other movies but can't name) through a wonderfully twisted plot that includes corrupt politicians, crooked cops, drug dealers, hookers, and a violence galore. Each of the characters are quickly developed and woven into a tapestry that would makes the most disfunctional of families look normal. I guarantee you'll end up watching this one over and over.

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John S.

A great cast, great acting, largely wastes on over-the-top violence. In Pauline Kael's terms, too little kiss-kiss, too much bang-bang! It was a special pleasure to see Vittorio Gassmann, even as an unbelievably bad baddy. But as a director, Burt is a great actor.

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