Watch Brannigan
- PG
- 1975
- 1 hr 51 min
-
6.1 (6,571)
John Wayne stars in this action-packed crime-thriller as Lieutenant Jim Brannigan, a tough Chicago cop who finds himself embroiled in a cross-Atlantic adventure when he's dispatched to London to extradite notorious American gangster Ben Larkin (played by John Vernon). But Brannigan soon discovers that his mission won't be as easy as he thought. Larkin's connections extend deep into the city's criminal underworld, and the British authorities aren't exactly rolling out the red carpet for the visiting American police officer.
Teaming up with Scotland Yard inspector Swann (Richard Attenborough), Brannigan sets out to track down Larkin and bring him back to the USA to face justice. Along the way, he tangles with a host of colorful characters, from Larkin's tough-as-nails henchmen to a young woman named Jennifer (Judy Geeson), who becomes Brannigan's unlikely ally in the midst of the chaos.
As the chase heats up, Brannigan finds himself caught between two worlds: the wild, untamed streets of Chicago and the more refined, but no less dangerous, London of the 1970s. With thrilling car chases, explosive shootouts, and Wayne's trademark toughness and charm, Brannigan is a must-see for fans of classic action cinema.
Throughout the film, Wayne delivers a typically charismatic performance as Brannigan, a hard-nosed cop who's seen it all and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Attenborough shines as Swann, a more refined counterpart to Brannigan's streetwise swagger. The two actors have great chemistry together, with plenty of witty banter and grudging respect between their characters.
Judy Geeson adds a touch of romance to the proceedings as Jennifer, a young woman who gets caught up in the action when she unwittingly becomes a pawn in Larkin's game. Despite her initial reluctance to get involved, Jennifer proves herself to be a resourceful and brave ally to Brannigan, and Geeson brings depth and nuance to her performance.
The film's supporting cast includes a who's who of character actors, from Ralph Meeker as a detective who clashes with Brannigan to Daniel Pilon as an enforcer who gives the Chicago cop a run for his money. Fans of classic action movies will also appreciate the film's thrilling car chases and shootouts, which are expertly staged and keep the adrenaline pumping.
Beyond its surface-level thrills and excitement, Brannigan also offers a fascinating snapshot of two distinct cultures colliding. The film captures the gritty, hard-edged vibe of 1970s Chicago with its dingy streets and tough-talking cops, while also showcasing the more civilized, but no less dangerous, world of London's criminal underworld. The clash between these two worlds provides plenty of tension and drama, and adds an extra layer of depth to the film's story.
Ultimately, Brannigan is a classic action movie that delivers on all fronts. With a legendary leading man in John Wayne, a memorable supporting cast, and plenty of heart-pumping thrills, it's a must-see for fans of the genre. Whether you're in the mood for car chases, shootouts, or just a good old-fashioned tough-guy cop movie, Brannigan has got you covered.
Brannigan is a 1975 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 52.