Vodcast: Kicking the Seat Presents the Cop Drama 'Serpico' (1973)

Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 30, 2023 - 11:36am

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on Ian Simmons’ Vodcast, KICKING THE SEAT, talking the 1973 Cop Drama classic, “Serpico” … it’s 50th Anniversary. Why was this particular anniversary film chosen? Because it was once parodied in MAD MAGAZINE as “Serpicool.”

Frank Serpico (Al Pacino) is a New York City cop in the 1960s/70s. Unlike all his colleagues, he refuses a share of the money that the cops routinely extort from local criminals. As he goes undercover, nobody wants to work with Serpico, and he’s in constant danger of being placed in life threatening positions by his “partners.” Nothing seems to get done even when he goes to the highest of authorities, but he still hopes that one day the truth will be known.

‘Serpico’ on KICKING THE SEAT
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com

KICKING THE SEAT is an Ian Simmons’ Joint covering the spectrum of film, both here and abroad. Pat McDonald joins him several times a year in the segment “There’s No Stalgia Like Nostalgia.” Click here for previous episodes.

KICKING THE SEAT Vodcast, “There’s No Stalgia Like Nostalgia” SERPICO (1973) …

Trailer, “Serpico” …

”Serpico” is available for digital download. See provider for access. Featuring Al Pacino, Tony Roberts, John Randolph, M. Emmet Walsh and Cornelia Sharp. Screenplay adapted by Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler. Directed by Sidney Lumet. Rated “R”. For Ian Simmon’s “Kicking the Seat” Vodcast page, click KICKING THE SEAT.