Eddie Egan, the real police detective who inspired the character Popeye Doyle, plays Doyle's superior in the movie.
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During the car crash scene, the Commanding Officer, Popeye, Detective Russo and the other cop are walking toward the accident. Close shot of Popeye, as he says, "I say we keep sitting on Boca", and they all stop walking. Immediate cut to long shot, and they are all still walking toward the accident. See more...
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Directed by William Friedkin, starring Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider (add more)
Eddie Egan, the real police detective who inspired the character Popeye Doyle, plays Doyle's superior in the movie.
The casting of Fernando Rey was an accident. William Friedkin had wanted to cast Francisco Rabal, whom he had seen in Belle de jour (1967), but at the time didn't know his name. Only after actor and director met did Friedkin realize Rey wasn't the actor he had wanted. Friedkin ended up keeping Rey after learning that Rabal spoke neither English nor French.
During the subway chase scene Hackman collides with another vehicle. This wasn't supposed to happen and the vehicle wasn't even supposed to be on the set. The crash looked cool, so it was kept.
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