Law and Disorder

This movie is basically a slice-of-life drama about working class people trying to maintain some order when, as Hamlet said, "the time is out of joint". It's plotless and episodic, and the tone changes from broadly comic early on to utterly nightmarish by the end. It has tons of authentic New-York-in-the-'70's atmosphere (it would play well on a bill with TAKING OF PELHAM 123 or SERPICO), and was, of course, actually shot there. The racial tensions, the collapse of the system, the oddballs, the hopelessness -- they're all there. And the performances are quite good -- neither O'Connor nor Borgnine has ever been better.

If you know what to expect, you will probably enjoy it very much. There are a few negative reviews from people who were obviously expecting a straight comedy... that's not what this movie is.

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.

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.

Basically this was a film about a couple of blue collar NYC guys that are fed up with their city. They are great friends and organize an auxiliary police force. Getting caught up in this venture, they take this way too seriously and like to believe they are real cops. Gradually , they become out of control. This film had some of the funniest moments but out of nowhere, reality would hit. I liked the film and felt it was a very creative effort. Some wonderful scenes featuring Karen Black , in what may have been her best performance, as an over the top hairdresser. You also had an actor named J. Frank Lucas as a flasher who was funny. Perhaps the best character in the film was Gary Springer billed as the F.U. Kid. I am not making this up folks. It is right here on IMDb. The couple scenes Mr. Springer participated, were worth the price of admission, back in the day. In summation, I would say this is a dramady , with more emphasis on comedy than drama. Be prepared for some harsh moments and appreciate the great comic moments, of which there are many.

During the hiatus of "All in the Family", Carroll O'Connor starred in this feature film about a couple of New York guys who join the auxillary police force in order to clean up the neighborhood. I'll just say this film meanders quite a bit with many comic interludes of which some of the funniest involves Carroll's co-star Ernest Borgnine. Karen Black is also a hoot as Borgnine's not-so-helpful hairdressing assistant. The way it all ends is quite bittersweet. So on that note, I highly recommend Law and Disorder. P.S. This review is dedicated to the late Ann Wedgeworth-playing O'Connor's wife here-who passed a few months ago.