Synopsis
Frank Serpico is an idealistic New York City cop who refuses to take bribes, unlike the rest of the force. His actions get Frank shunned by the other officers, and often placed in dangerous situations by his partners. When his superiors ignore Frank's accusations of corruption, he decides to go public with the allegations. Although this causes the Knapp Commission to investigate his claims, Frank has also placed a target on himself.
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Cast
- Al PacinoOfficer Frank Serpico
- John RandolphSidney Green
- Jack KehoeTom Keough
- Biff McGuireCaptain McClain
- Barbara Eda-YoungLaurie
- Cornelia SharpeLeslie Lane
- Tony RobertsBob Blair
- John MediciPasquale
- Allan RichD. A. Tauber
- Norman OrnellasRubello
Recommendations
- 100
Christian Science Monitor
A quintessential New York director made this quintessential New York movie in 1973, with Pacino at his best. - 90
Chicago Reader
A virtuoso performance by Al Pacino and some expert location work by Sidney Lumet add up to a tour de force genre piece. (Review of Original Release) - 90
The New York Times
It is galvanizing because of Al Pacino's splendid performance in the title role and because of the tremendous intensity that Mr. Lumet brings to this sort of subject. (Review of Original Release) - 80
The A.V. Club
Director Sidney Lumet (working from a screenplay by Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler) chooses not to press the superheroic aspect of his protagonist. Serpico is more street-level, tracing a decade of NYPD change--and refusal to change--through an episodic, often elliptical structure. - 80
TV Guide Magazine
When all is said and done, Pacino is the riveting presence that makes the movie work and it is difficult to imagine any other actor in the part. (Review of Original Release) - 80
Variety
Pacino dominates the entire film. His inner personal torment is vividly detailed. (Review of Original Release) - 80
Village Voice
Ought to look pretty dated. Instead, Sidney Lumet's biopic of Frank Serpico, the virtuous cop who exposed a network of graft in the NYPD, feels depressingly relevant.
