McQ (1974)

User Rating:

5.8/10   

Director:

John Sturges

Writer:

Lawrence Roman (written by)

Release Date:

6 February 1974 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Drama | Crime

Tagline:

The cop no one can stop. Even the cops. [DVD]

Plot:

Police Lieutenant Lon McQ investigates the killing of his best friend and uncovers corrupt elements...

Plot Keywords:

Police | Drugs | Hitman | Detective | Private Detective

Cast

John Wayne	...	Det. Lt. Lon McQ
Eddie Albert	...	Capt. Ed Kosterman
Diana Muldaur	...	Lois Boyle
Colleen Dewhurst	...	Myra
Clu Gulager	...	Franklin Toms
David Huddleston	...	Edward M. 'Pinky' Farrow
Jim Watkins	...	J.C. Davis
Al Lettieri	...	Manny Santiago
Julie Adams	...	Elaine Forrester
Roger E. Mosley	...	Rosey
William Bryant	...	Sgt. Stan Boyle
Richard Kelton	...	Radical

Runtime:

111 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:M | West Germany:16 (nf) | Finland:K-16 | Norway:16 | Sweden:15 | USA:PG | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Aberdeen, Washington, USA

Company:

Batjac Productions

Trivia:

Although John Wayne claimed he made this movie because he regretted turning down Dirty Harry (1971), it has been suggested that he was never actually offered the earlier movie due to his age.

Goofs:

Continuity: At one point, the parting in Eddie Albert's hair changes from one side to the other and back again.

Quotes:

Manny Santiago: [speaking on a pay phone in the men's room] So, one less detective to worry about.
[McQ grabs him from behind and puts him in a headlock]
Det. Lt. Lon McQ: Yeah, one less detective to worry about! I got a message from Patty Samuels! He's sorry he blew it on McQ but he rang it up with Boyle!

Movie Connections:

Edited into La classe américaine (1993) (TV)

Why all the negatives?

I just saw McQ for the first time in a while and I still don't understand where all the harsh criticism comes from. Was John Wayne such an incredible actor that if he comes out with an ok effort it's looked at as crap? I'll admit this movie was not an academy award winner, but it really was quite enjoyable. I liked seeing Wayne in something different. He actually did a decent job as the tough cop who went up against drugs and corruption. In contrast to reviews I've read I really don't see as much sameness to some other movies of the time e.g. "Dirty Harry." It dealt with its own issues and had a fine supporting cast. As far as actioners go I think this one holds its own and turns out to be a pretty fun "Duker."