"The French Connection" is based on Robin Moore's 1969 book of the same name. Both films tell the story of NYPD detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle, in pursuit of french heroin smugglers.

Although he inhabits the role as if he weren't even acting, Gene Hackman had one major problem with Popeye Doyle that he didn't want to perform.

A lot of cinephiles like to think of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle as the quintessential Gene Hackman performance, but the truth is, before The French Connection, Hackman had a very different career.

A multiple Oscar winning film that is 'one of all-time best' and bagged five of the coveted awards is on TV tonight ...