Cast
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George Kennedy
as Bumper Morgan
Alex Rocco
as Det. Charley Bronski
Glynn Turman
as Edwin Beall
Verna Bloom
as Moody Larkin
Michael Margotta
as Frank Zugarelli
Seth Allen
as Piskor
John Steadman
as Wimpey
Rick Hurst
as Det. Harriman
Bart Burns
as Randy
Ji-Tu Cumbuka
as Leroy 'Tank' Whittier
Walter Barnes
as Personnel Officer
Marc Alaimo
as The Dutchman
Eric Christmas
as Joel Stebbins
Britt Leach
as Programmer
Hoke Howell
as Coggins
Crew
Director
- J. Lee Thompson
Writer
- Albert Ruben
Producer
- Joel Rogosin
- John Furia
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Blue Knight examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director J. Lee Thompson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1975, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Blue Knight took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 75 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2039 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 48 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1975, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Blue Knight shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Carrie, which focuses more on action than character development, The Blue Knight offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Get Christie Love! and Nurse explore similar territory, The Blue Knight stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 9, 1975
- Runtime: 1h 15m
