Fuzz (1972)

Beantown Beat

This attempt to make one of Ed McBain's 87th Precinct books into an irreverent, cross-talking ensemble piece ala M*A*S*H* is actually pretty good. Some of the background characters may put you in mind of open-mic night with the local improv troupe, but all the stars put in solid turns. The tone is fairly comic, but screenwriter Evan Hunter still manages to really capture the flavor of the books. (That's a joke.) June 26, 2008

Of Interest...

This movie was made after 100 RIFLES and it is my understanding that Raquel Welch couldn't stand Burt Reynolds and made sure they had no actual scenes together. Based on an Ed McBain 87th Precinct novel it caused a controversy when it first appeared on tv as nuts were imitating the bum burning arsonist. March 31, 2008

Classic Fuzz

This is a classic movie in its genre. If you spent any time in Boston or worked in the justice system in the 60's, you should enjoy this one immensely. January 19, 2007

Action in Beantown

A lot of action and a lot of humor is well represented in this movie about the Boston Police Department trying to solve a crime network led by a "deaf" man played by Yul Brynner. The portrayal of Boston police officers is typical of real Boston police officers where one would find a non-English speaker trying to communicate with a desk sergeant as the precinct was undergoing repainting - apple green? - and wet paint splattering all over desks and paperwork as two sarcastic painters hamper the duties of officers who later get into trouble with theft.

Burt Reynolds stars as Steve "Fuzz" Carella who leads the case. Raquel Welch stars as Eileen McHenry who, also, was involved in the case. The amazing thing is that you never see Reynolds and Welch together since, in reality, Welch disliked Reynolds because of some derogatory comment he made that offended her, so while at the precinct or on the case you always saw them separately.

One of the best scenes was the phone tapping complete with Italian-speakers and a suspicious caller who didn't want to discuss anything over the phone. It was in this scene when a telephone man made a racial slur that resulted in him getting punched in another room which you don't see, although the door is open.

A very good movie that is worth watching.
August 23, 2005

Early FUZZ feature -a Sleeper setting pace for TV cop shows!

FUZZ is a forgotten classic.Reynolds is just one of the stars, not the only one in this fun movie. Sets the pace for the early TV cop shows to come. Welch is beautiful and all the cast are wonderful.Edited for TV, the original feature movie had Detectives Skerrit and Welch in a sleeping bag scene in a park as man and wife, as they wait for a crook to show up. She says,"wow, is that your gun?" Another scene when a telephone man is putting in a tap for a black detective and says to him."Yeah, you are a pretty good Ni....,unlike so many others I have known." That is a shocker , especially at the time of the release..the black detective follows the phone man off camera and and you hear a smack, and knockout blow.And Brynner as the main thug boss and Detective chief Jack Weston are both suprises. Fast moving with lots of things going on and one of my all time favorites that was originally slammed when originally released. If you haven't seen it, you are in for a treat!(--and be sure to keep your eye on the painters!) October 18, 2000

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