The French ConnectionNew York City detectives "Popeye" Doyle (Gene Hackman and Buddy Russo (Roy Scheider) hope to break a narcotics smuggling ring and ultimately uncover The French Connection. But when one of the criminals tries to kill Doyle, he begins a deadly pursuit that takes him far outside the city limits. Based on a true story, this action-filled Thriller, with its renowned chase scene, won five Acadamey Awards® in 1971, including Best Picture, Best Director (William Friedkin) and Best Actor for Hackman.French Connection IIGene Hackman reprises his Oscar® role as Popeye Doyle, the hard-nosed New York detective determined to break a French narcotics ring. Kidnapped by heroin kingpin Alain Charnier (Fernando Rey) in Marseilles, Doyle is mercilessly forced to become a junkie himself. Upon his release, Doyle must kick his habit and join forces with his French police counterpart (Bernard Fresson) to hunt down Charnier. Gritty action, riveting performances and a vividly realistic setting make French Connection II a powerful sequel to the brilliant original.