The French Connection

Available for over a year

An American crime classic. Paul Gambaccini on the story behind 1971's winner for Best Picture. An early example of the new wave in American films, The French Connection went on to win 5 Oscars. It set both its leading man (Gene Hackman) and its young director (William Friedkin) off on what were to become glittering careers. It was the first R-rated movie to win the Best Picture Oscar and one of the earliest to show the newly complete World Trade Towers. Producer: Paul Kobrak First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2016.