Law and Disorder *** (1974, Carroll O’Connor, Ernest Borgnine, Ann Wedgeworth, Karen Black) – Classic Movie Review 11,887

Director Ivan Passer’s 1974 American comedy-drama film Law and Disorder stars Carroll O’Connor and Ernest Borgnine, with Ann Wedgeworth and Karen Black.

Borgnine and O’Connor excel as a couple of ageing New York citizens so worried about the 1970s city’s crime wave that they join the auxiliary police force, in a thoughtful vigilante comedy.

Incisive playing and an earnest script spiked with dark humour and tension make this a sharp look at crime and punishment.

The two strong star turns from the admirable veterans are augmented by scene-stealing cameos from the likes of Karen Black as a lippy hairdresser.

The cast are Carroll O’Connor as Willie, Ernest Borgnine as Cy, Ann Wedgeworth as Sally, Leslie Ackerman as Karen, Karen Black as Gloria, Jack Kehoe as Elliot, David Spielberg as Bobby, Joe Ragno as Pete, Pat Corley as Ken, Anita Dangler as Irene, Allan Arbus as Dr Richter, Lionel Pena as Chico, Rita Gam as Woman in Cab and Michael Medwin as Man in Cab.

Law and Disorder is directed by Ivan Passer, runs 101 minutes, is made by Memorial Enterprises, Leroy Street and Palomar Pictures, is released by Columbia Pictures, is written by Ivan Passer, William Richert and Tzvi Fishman (as Kenneth Harris Fishman), is shot by in widescreen Arthur J Ornitz, is produced by Ugo Fadsin, Fred C Caruso, Edgar J Scherick, Michael Zivian Albert Finney and William Richert, is scored Angelo Badalamenti (as Andy Badale).

Czech film director Ivan Passer (10 July 1933 – 9 January 2020) is known for directing American films such as Born to Win (1971), Silver Bears (1977), Cutter’s Way (1981) and Stalin (1992).

© Derek Winnert 2022 Classic Movie Review 11,887

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com