The film is based on Robin Moore’s book , detailing the real-life exploits of NYPD detectives Eddie Egan and Sonny Grosso. A Masterclass in Grittiness The French Connection (1971): 20 Things You Never Knew!
The story follows New York City narcotics detectives (Gene Hackman) and Buddy "Cloudy" Russo (Roy Scheider) as they stumble upon a massive heroin smuggling ring originating in Marseille, France.
The ring is led by the suave Alain Charnier (Fernando Rey), a stark contrast to the unrefined, obsessive Doyle.