THE NEW CENTURIONS (1972)

The Burgomaster · April 27, 2009, 02:21:22 PM

I just bought this DVD. It is part of the "Martini Movies" collection.

This really isn't a bad movie, but it isn't good either. I posted it here in the "bad" section because the two major characters are both cliche cops and the movie is pretty predictable from beginning to end. But it does have a very "watchable" quality.

George C. Scott - The streetwise, grizzled veteran cop . . . dedicated to the force, but facing retirement (see what I mean about cliche?)

Stacy Keach - The rookie copy . . . dedicated to his job . . . his wife can't cope . . . marriage problems ensue (see what I mean about cliche?)

Note that most of the "streetwalking" hookers are black (including Isabel "Weezie Jefferson" Sanford), but there is an apparently higher-classed call girl who is white . . . hmmmm . . .

This is worth watching just for the cast. In addition to George C. Scott, Stacy Keach, and Isabel Sanford, keep your eyes peeled for: Rosalind Cash, Ed Lauter, Erik Estrada, Dolph Sweet, Jane Alexander, Scott Wilson, Clifton James, Carol Speed, James Sikking, Anne Ramsey(!!!!), and several others you might recognize. Directed by Richard Fleischer of 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, FANTASTIC VOYAGE, and THE BOSTON STRANGLER fame (although, his best years were behind him when he made THE NEW CENTURIONS . . . other than one or two bright spots, like MR. MAJESTYK, he was basically a hack for the rest of his career).

trekgeezer · April 29, 2009, 09:38:55 AM

I remember this movie, but not much of what is was about. It does make me think and about Stacy Keach. He was kind of a big deal when he started out back in the 70's, but now he is pretty much relegated to small parts in SciFi originals and guest starring on TV shows

A bit of trivia about Stacy for those who weren't aware. His name is actually Walter Stacy Keach Jr., his father is also an actor and best known as Clarence Birdseye in series of commercials for Birdseye frozen foods.

The Burgomaster · April 30, 2009, 05:52:14 AM

Quote from: Trekgeezer on April 29, 2009, 09:38:55 AM
I remember this movie, but not much of what is was about. It does make me think and about Stacy Keach. He was kind of a big deal when he started out back in the 70's, but now he is pretty much relegated to small parts in SciFi originals and guest starring on TV shows

And he's also playing Nixon in the stage version of FROST/NIXON!

BoyScoutKevin · May 19, 2009, 06:14:32 PM

Wasn't this Joseph Wambaugh's first novel, and the first one made into a film? I don't think much of the film versions of his novels, except for "The Onion Field," but (IMHO) read both his fiction and non-fiction police procedurals. He seemingly gets it right. Of course, he was a member of the L.A.P.D. for several years, before he became a writer.

As I said I don't think much of most of the film versions of his novels, but I'd recommend the TV anthology "Police Story," with which he was involved. If only for all the different actors who appeared in it.

RCMerchant · May 19, 2009, 06:24:02 PM

When I think of Stacy Keach best-Mike Hammer! He was a very beleivable Hammer. They shoulda done an R-rated movie with Keach as Hammer...coulda been classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owW5faoxvD4

Does anybody remember when he got busted for coke? Not surprising....he turned into a lizard in UP IN SMOKE! with Cheech and Chong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmuFTF-z32U

Neville · May 20, 2009, 12:52:33 PM

LOL... For me Keach will always be Mike Hammer, too. They were showing that TV series on TV when I was too young to understand what was going on, and I'd love to watch a few episodes now, to see if time has been kind to it.

As for the movie, I think it is a pretty good one. It seems so unoriginal now, after so many TV cop shows, starting from "Hill street blues", have been using a similar narrative, but it's still very entertaining a very well crafted. Richard Fleischer was always an underrated director, and he did very well with this material.

The Burgomaster · May 20, 2009, 03:14:30 PM

Does anyone remember Stacy Keach's short-lived TV series CARIBE? It was on in the mid 1970s and I don't think it even survived for 1 full season.

trekgeezer · May 21, 2009, 08:58:12 AM

My wife thinks the only reason I was so fond of Keach's Mike Hammer was all the girls in push-up bras.

The Burgomaster · May 21, 2009, 04:13:04 PM

Quote from: Trekgeezer on May 21, 2009, 08:58:12 AM
My wife thinks the only reason I was so fond of Keach's Mike Hammer was all the girls in push-up bras.

Hmmm . . . I don't see any evidence of you disputing your wife's analysis . . .