The New Centurions

1972
R
1h 43m

IMDb RATING

7.0/10

3.5K

YOUR RATING

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Action Crime Drama Thriller

Family man Roy Fehler joins the L.A.P.D. to make ends meet while finishing law school and is indoctrinated by seasoned veteran Kilvinski. As time goes on, Roy loses his ambitions and family ... Read allFamily man Roy Fehler joins the L.A.P.D. to make ends meet while finishing law school and is indoctrinated by seasoned veteran Kilvinski. As time goes on, Roy loses his ambitions and family as police work becomes his entire life.Family man Roy Fehler joins the L.A.P.D. to make ends meet while finishing law school and is indoctrinated by seasoned veteran Kilvinski. As time goes on, Roy loses his ambitions and family as police work becomes his entire life.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.0/10

3.5K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
According to Ed Lauter, the casting director refused to see him for the role of Galloway. Lauter made a plea to George C. Scott, who then demanded that Lauter be cast.

Goofs
Both Fahler and Kilvinski make a grievous error (not to mention violating both LAPD policy and procedure) by not handcuffing the truck driver when they arrest him. That is the first thing that should have been done before placing him in the back seat of the patrol car, especially given his belligerence about being pulled over and issued a traffic ticket, which then he refused to sign.

Quotes
Kilvinski: There are people out there who would rip that badge off your shirt and stick it up your ass just to say they did it.

Connections
Featured in Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003)

User reviews40

Review

Featured review

8/10

The earthy cop film that led to "Police Story".

I recently bought the Season One DVD set for "Police Story"--the cop show from the 70s that was inspired by Joseph Wambaugh's film "The New Centurions". So far, I've really enjoyed "Police Story"--and am sad that only the first season is on DVD. So, in consolation, I decided to at least see "The New Centurions".

Like "Police Story", "The New Centurions" does not whitewash police work. The language is very earthy, to say the least--especially since it didn't need to worry about television audiences and was rated R. It shows the interesting side as well as the downside--and all through the perspective of a rookie cop, Fehler (Stacy Keach), as you follow his through the years. There is a HUGE price to pay for loving a job like this--as his marriage falls apart and he pretty much gives his life for the department.

I have noticed that other reviewers talk about Fehler's partner, Kilvinski (George C. Scott). He was a HUGE presence in the film, though he's only in about half the film. Apart from that, Fehler had other partners and a variety of experiences that all pushed him almost over the edge. Dealing with drinking, PTSD and more is what makes this cop film quite unusual--and well worth your time. Exceptionally well made and a film that revels in NOT being like cop films of the 30s, 40s and 50s!! Exceptional acting and writing make this a standout film.