Watch Freebie and the Bean

Freebie and the Bean is a 1974 action-comedy film starring James Caan and Alan Arkin as two reckless police detectives in San Francisco. The movie opens with a high-speed car chase sequence involving a crook named Red Meyers (played by Jack Kruschen) whom Detectives Freebie (James Caan) and Bean (Alan Arkin) are pursuing. Despite their efforts, Red manages to slip away, but Freebie and Bean are left with a trashed car and a hefty bill.

The two detectives are known for being wild and unpredictable, and their antics often get them in trouble with their superiors. Freebie is the more aggressive of the two, often resorting to violence to get what he wants, while Bean is more laid back and easy-going, preferring to use his charm and wit to diffuse situations.

Their captain (played by Alex Rocco) assigns them to protect a witness in a major case involving a notorious mob boss named Red Meyers. The witness is a nervous accountant named Dr. Meyers (played by Mike Kellin) who has agreed to testify against Red in exchange for immunity. Freebie and Bean are tasked with keeping him safe until the trial, but their careless approach to police work proves to be a challenge.

Freebie and Bean's antics escalate as they struggle to keep Dr. Meyers out of trouble. They follow his every move, even going as far as breaking into apartments and stealing food to monitor his safety. Along the way, they bicker and argue, but also show a great deal of loyalty and friendship towards each other. Their partnership is tested when they both become attracted to the same woman, Mildred (played by Loretta Swit), who is a nurse assigned to take care of Dr. Meyers.

As the trial draws near, Red Meyers becomes increasingly agitated, and his henchmen start to target Freebie and Bean. The movie climaxes in a wild and chaotic shootout scene, as Freebie and Bean attempt to protect Dr. Meyers and bring Red to justice.

Freebie and the Bean was a box office success upon its release, and it is now regarded as a cult classic. The film is known for its over-the-top action sequences, as well as the chemistry between Caan and Arkin. It was also notable for its realistic portrayal of police work, as the characters often break protocol and engage in questionable tactics to get results.

The film's humor is often criticized for being crude and insensitive, especially towards women and minorities. However, it is important to note that the movie was made in a different time, and was not meant to be taken too seriously. It is a product of its era, and serves as a snapshot of a bygone era in filmmaking.

Overall, Freebie and the Bean is a fun and entertaining movie that will appeal to fans of action-comedy films. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, and the wild and unpredictable nature of their characters makes for an exciting ride.

Freebie and the Bean is a 1974 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.