Fort Apache, the Bronx (DVD, 2000)

The story is a well paced, gritty cop drama that side steps the usual Hollywood treatment of the good cop in the bad city, in this case the South Bronx (the film drew heat for it's realistic locations and hellhole depiction of the area). This is straight forwarded NY story telling. Paul Newman (Hud, Cool Hand Luke) is Patrolman Murphy, a veteran cop almost ready for retirement. His partner is Corelli (Ken Wahl) a younger man who tries to dress for success. Together they patrol their 40 block area with a population of 70,000. The beat looks like one of the German cities that was bombed flat in WWII. Ed Asner is the new precinct captain, wanting to get everything shipshape.

In response to a pair of cop killings by a deranged hooker, Asner orders the cops to roust the ghetto, resulting in a riot. Because of some rock throwing and heckling, a couple of cops throw an innocent boy off the roof of a building. Newman witnesses this and wrestles with his conscience about it. I think if the filmmakers would have stuck with just those plot points they would have had an excellent movie, however, they added many additional situations to give Newman more things to do. These included stopping a jumper, delivering a baby, saving hostages, and there are lengthy courting scenes for both Newman and Wahl. These stock plot devices derail what could have been a compelling story.

Paul Newman does a genuine job, as usual, playing Murphy with an admirable restraint. He puts the dramatic emphasis where it's needed and stays low-key otherwise. Ken Wahl also does a good job as Officer Corelli, a flamboyant guy, giving the older cop unsolicited advice, often. The byplay between the two cops is very good and believable. Supporting players include Ed Asner (Precinct Commander), Rachel Ticotin (Murphy's girlfriend), Pam Grier (Angel Dust Hooker), and Danny Aiello (cop). All of these players do a good job, but Pam Grier is basically wasted in a few brief scenes portraying a prostitute who kills people while under the influence of drugs. Of course, these inexplicable things do happen in real life so in that respect it makes sense. However, the film, rather than trying to play it straight with all the ambiguities of real life, puts in all these stock situations for Newman to react to thereby watering down the impact of the main story. I blame the writers and the director for not streamlining the screenplay, which has too many clichés.

Directed by Daniel Petrie, who mainly did TV, Fort Apache, the Bronx has serviceable visuals, particularly effective when showing the devastated landscape of the South Bronx. The cinematography is workmanlike but nothing special. If you don't mind an average film with a sad ending, Fort Apache, the Bronx might be for you.

Great classic Paul Newman film! Growing up in the Bronx takes me back to the good old days. New is funny, serious in this film. You don't see any movies of this caliber anymore. I can relate to this film as I am one of NY'S Finest which makes this movie more interesting. This movie is very close to the real things that go on which civilians are not aware of. So this movie is the closest thing as being ON THE JOB. Hope this helps and I am sure you will enjoy. In the old days the 44th Pct. was considered Ft. Apache.

TOTAL RIPOFF. Took my $$$ and never sent the item. Never returned an email inquiring on the whereabouts of the item. Had to appeal to paypal to get $$ back. BUYER BEWARE!!!! DO NOT BUY FROM THIS SELLER!!!!

This is another good action police drama movie! It has Paul Newman, Ed Asner, Pam Grier and Danny Aiello in it. Classic old school NYPD.

This has always been one of my favorite movies,because I grew up in the Bronx and lived just a few blocks from where most of the movie was filmed. The movie is not funny but true about that environment in the late 70's and the early 80's before crack hit and made it worse.

rcieved proptly,transaction and delivery were great i would by again.no problems and no waiting..good comunacation

I bought it because I like this film. It also helped me fill up my Paul Newman collection. Mr. Newman was one of my all time favorite actors. He gave so much and asked so little.
Art

SINCE HIS PASSING PAUL NEWMAN ONCE AGAIN DID A MASTERFUL JOB IN THIS MOVIE ONE OF MANY MOVIES WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS ONE OF THE BEST ACTORS OF HIS TIME

I bought this dvd due to the fact that I like to collect old movies and show them when I get together with some friends and talk about old times. This movie is in excellent condition What out for me i'll be buying more movies from you
Thank You
vmaldo1017

This is one of the all-time, great cop flicks ever made. Paul Newman is a star! A very true depiction of life in the Bronx. I knew a NYPD burglary detective who was there when the real thing happened. Though the movie is a dramatization and was loosly based on the real incident, it's still a classic.

ANY FAN OF THE HISTORY OF THE BRONX, THIS IS A MUST SEE. JUST THE SCENES OF THE AREA'S OF FILMING ALONE ARE WORTH THE PRICE OF THE MOVIE. ONCE AGAIN GREAT MOVIE.