La Loi et la Pagaille

Carroll O'Connor and Ernest Borgnine were two of the biggest stars in 1974. Even though Borgnine was ever-enshrined as Lt. Commander Quinton McHale, on his hugely successful TV sitcom, McHale's Navy (1962-1966), since then, he had been more prevalent and busy, with his successful film career up to this point, with huge film hits like the Dirty Dozen (1967), the Wild Bunch (1969), and the Poseidon Adventure (1972). O'Connor was, of course, enjoying the success of his hugely popular TV sitcom, All in the Family (1971-1979), that was beginning its season five, when Law and Disorder (1974), was released in theaters. This film utilized those popular aspects, that made these two guys famous, especially Archie's parenting/husband skills and McHale's ability, to lead miscreants into battle. They also are synonymous with comedy, so Law and Disorder (1974), immediately establishes itself as a comedy-drama, about two New York City guys, Cy, the hair-stylist (Borgnine) and Willie, the cabdriver (O'Connor).

Ann Wedgeworth plays O'Connor's wife, Sally. Karen Black plays Gloria, who works with Cy at the hair salon. She's nuts in this movie. Unfortunately, her character felt a little bit over-the-top, but if crazy is what the director, Ivan Passer wanted, he got that successfully. Alan Arbus has a small role in the film too. He's most famous for being Dr. Sydney Freeman on the highly successful TV-Sitcom, M*A*S*H (1972-1983). He plays a psychologist in Law and Disorder (1974), which is, almost, the same occupation as Dr. Freeman, already in his reoccurring, third season on M*A*S*H (1972-1983). Law and Disorder (1974), is a dark-comedy, with a hodgepodge of interesting characters, not really attempting to get you to like them, so don't look for anything, like character appreciation or vicarious inspiration. They are just trying to live their lives in the urban streets of 1970s New York.

After a slew of clever robberies, home-invasions, as well as, an old trench-coat flasher, the people of this New York City neighborhood, ask to join the civilian-led, Police Auxiliary Force, in order to help enforce the laws. Alan Arbus' Dr. Richter, has to teach a class-lecture on rape, to the new Police Auxiliary Force recruits. It's a comedy crime-drama, with a lot of 1970s street-talk. Being as it is the early 1970s, with a story about out-of-control, street crime, Law and Disorder (1974), does have sign-of-the-times humor and situations, that may be too intense for some sensitive, 21st century viewers. It is after all, rated-R for a reason, so keep the kids out of the room when watching this film. As Cy and Willie get their squad together, the film begins to resemble Police Academy (1984), which makes both men think, they may have made a huge mistake with this idea. But, despite that, they push along. The film starts to turn a little dramatic and dark in the last third of the story, with an ending I wasn't expecting.

PMTM Grade: 6.7 (C-) = 7 IMDB.

This is truly one of the best serio- comedies I have ever see! The edited version shown rarely on TV does not do this film justice. If you haven't seen the un-edited version, you're missing an outstanding film. I have been looking for this film for over 20 years, but no luck. I would love to see it again, but it is on "moratorium."

It's a weird thing about this comedy-drama. I first saw it as a kid back in 1975 where it played almost constantly on HBO and was one of the first movies I ever recall seeing on cable TV. At the time I thought it was damn funny and ever since it became somewhat of a lost film until Anchor Bay released it to DVD several years ago. I couldn't wait to see it again. But when I finally revisited it on disc, I'd found that much of the magic had gone and I didn't think it held up quite as well. It's worth watching for sure if you're a fan of Carroll O'Connor or Ernest Borgnine, but still stacks up as kind of a slightly lost opportunity.

In this movie, O'Connor is a cab driver (and doing his usual Archie Bunker routine even though I think he was trying to prove he wasn't typecast) and Borgnine is his longtime best friend and a struggling hairdresser who owns his own salon (how's that for bizarre casting?). Karen Black is cast as Ernie's ditzy and belligerent employee, the best hair stylist he's able to find. Dwelling with their heads just barely above water in a typical '70s crime-infested New York City, the men become fed up with it all and decide to become auxiliary cops in order to help straighten the neighborhood out from the wrath of drug dealers, burglars and street scum. They get more than they bargained for in the end, which is the best part of the film, and a very strong climax.

While this team-up would seem to be a sure-fire winning combination and set-up, the "story" as it's presented is practically non-existent and all over the place, which is kind of a shame. Golden moments and funnies do show up in odd places, but these share the screen time with all sorts of plot holes and different, undeveloped ideas. Worth a watch anyway if you can see it, but this could have been a lot better. **1/2 out of ****

Given the talent of the two stars of this film (who incidentally happen to be among my favorite actors), I was surprised at how much I really disliked this movie. I will admit that the cinematogrophy was great, really capturing the New York City of the mid-seventies. However, the lack of plot really disappointed me. The film goes nowhere fast, it was all that I could do to keep awake until the end. My brother picked up the DVD at K-Mart for $2.95, but it wasn't even worth that low price. If you must insist on seeing this piece of garbage, however, I recommend the DVD purchase (at the aforementioned low price), as it would be easier to fling like a Frisbee than the VHS version!

-Den Corleone

Having not seen this film for over 20 years, and remembering how great it was as a kid seeing it on cable, I was very happy (and surprised!) to see it released on DVD and picked it up immediately. I discovered it was a lot funnier when I was a kid, although making up for that was watching two great stars like Carroll and Ernest, as well as all the NYC locations, as I've always been a fan of NYC films, my hometown.

One interesting thing is, this being a motion picture, Carroll O'Connor is upstaged in every scene by movie star Ernest Borgnine. And not that Carroll is bad, not at all, he's actually decent, and the two actors make a good pair with some good chemistry (a re-pairing in a future film would have been great even!). But on the silver screen Carroll doesn't have the immense presence he has on the tube as Archie Bunker, and Ernest is clearly the "leader" here.

The two head an auxiliary police force to battle the crime in their neighborhood. It's obvious a pre-Rudy Giuliani New York City, NYC being quite legendary in the 70's for it's high crime and smut. NYC isn't cast in the best light, but then again, in 1974 it just wasn't in the best light yet. (Thanks Rudy for all you've done!) Like "Cooley High," it's a bit odd to see such a downbeat ending in a comedy, but it's still a good viewing.

If you like NYC films, and want to see two old pros do their thing and take the young'uns to school, "Law and Disorder" is a good DVD buy, before it goes out of print.