Movie spotlight
Regan
Rough, tough and politically incorrect in the way that only the best 70's dramas can be, Regan was a pilot film for The Sweeney - one of the major television successes of the last fifty years. Featuring John Thaw as the irascible Detective Inspector Regan and Dennis Waterman as his loyal 'oppo' Detective Sergeant Carter, Regan was an immediate critical and ratings hit, resulting in four series of The Sweeney and two successful feature films. Jack Regan is a good copper, but his tough, intuitive style is becoming unfashionable in a Scotland Yard seeking a new image. When a policeman is mysteriously murdered, Regan breaks all the rules to find the killer - but he finds there are men in the Flying Squad prepared to break him.
Insights
Plot Summary
A gruff but dedicated detective, Jack Regan, investigates a series of seemingly unrelated murders plaguing the city. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power, forcing him to confront corruption and betrayal within his own department. With the body count rising, Regan races against time to expose the truth before he becomes the next victim.
Critical Reception
Regan, a made-for-television film that served as a pilot for the short-lived series 'The Blue Knight', received a mixed to positive reception. Critics noted its gritty portrayal of urban crime and George Kennedy's solid performance as the lead. However, some found the plot predictable and the pacing uneven, typical of television movies of the era.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its hard-boiled detective atmosphere.
George Kennedy's performance was often highlighted as a strength.
Criticized by some for a formulaic plot common in TV movies.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific made-for-TV film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Regan was originally conceived as a pilot for a television series based on Joseph Wambaugh's novel 'The Blue Knight', with George Kennedy reprising his role as Detective Harry "Blue" Callahan (a different character than Regan, though often confused).
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