The Connection (1961)
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Experimental director Shirley Clarke's first feature film is a no-compromise look at the dead-end world of drug addiction in Manhattan. Awaiting their next "connection", eight dopers sit in a bleak New York loft. The addicts agree to allow filmmaker William Redfield to shoot a documentary of their lifestyle--for a price. When their connection arrives, he suspects the filmmaker of being a narc and abruptly runs away. The film ends with Redfield agreeing to try some heroin himself in order to more thoroughly understand his "actors". While it appears totally improvised (especially a supposedly impromptu jam session with four musician junkies), The Connection was adapted from a play by Jack Gelber. Roscoe Lee Browne appears in the cast in one of his earliest movie roles. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast:
- Warren Finnerty - Leach
- Carl Lee - Cowboy
- Roscoe Lee Browne - J.J. Burden
- Freddie Redd - Piano Player
- Jackie McLean - Alto Sax
- Linda Véras - Siren
- Jerome Raphel - Solly
- Garry Goodrow - Ernie
- William Redfield - Jim Dunn
- Henry Proach - Harry
- James Anderson - Sam
- Giorgia Moll - Francesca Vanini
- Robert Blake
- Director(s):
- Shirley Clarke
- Writer(s):
- Jack Gelber
- Producer(s):
- Lewis M. Allen, Shirley Clarke
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