Watch The Stone Killer

The Stone Killer is a 1973 crime thriller starring Charles Bronson, Martin Balsam, and Jack Colvin. Directed by Michael Winner, the movie follows detective Lou Torrey (Bronson) as he investigates a string of mysterious murders that seem to be connected to a group of rogue cops. The movie begins with a high-speed car chase through the streets of Los Angeles, which sets the tone for the fast-paced, action-packed scenes that follow. Torrey is a tough cop who is willing to do whatever it takes to solve the case. He is assisted by a by-the-book partner, Sergeant Tony Calcagni (Balsam), who provides the perfect foil to Torrey's brusque and uncompromising demeanor.

As Torrey delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of corruption that implicates some of his fellow officers. The murders appear to be the work of a vigilante who is targeting known criminals, but Torrey suspects that something more sinister is going on. He uncovers a plot involving a group of cops who are using their positions to carry out their own brand of justice.

The Stone Killer is a gritty, realistic portrayal of police work in the early 1970s. The movie was made at a time when the public's trust in law enforcement was waning, and it reflects the cynicism and disillusionment of the era. The cinematography is dark and moody, with lots of shadow and contrast, which adds to the film's atmosphere of corruption and deceit.

Bronson is in top form as Torrey, portraying the character with his trademark intensity and rugged charm. Balsam is equally impressive as the more subdued Calcagni, who provides a nice counterpoint to Torrey's explosive personality. Colvin also stands out in his role as a crooked cop who is one step ahead of Torrey at every turn.

One of the strengths of The Stone Killer is its depiction of Los Angeles as a character in its own right. The city is portrayed as a sprawling, chaotic metropolis of smog, traffic, and crime. The movie was filmed on location in L.A., and the filmmakers make excellent use of the city's diverse neighborhoods and landscapes.

The action scenes in The Stone Killer are well-executed and exciting. There are car chases, shootouts, and hand-to-hand combat sequences that keep the viewer engaged throughout. The violence is realistic and brutal, which adds to the sense of danger and suspense.

Another aspect of The Stone Killer that stands out is its portrayal of race relations in the 1970s. The movie takes place during a time of great social upheaval, and the tension between different ethnic groups is palpable. The filmmakers do not shy away from depicting the racial slurs and stereotypes that were common during that era.

Overall, The Stone Killer is a well-crafted crime thriller that still holds up today. It is a product of its time, but its themes of corruption and justice are timeless. The movie is a must-see for fans of Charles Bronson and 1970s crime films.

The Stone Killer is a 1973 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.