Review of Fort Apache the Bronx

The inestimable Paul Newman gives one of his finest, most powerful and convincing performances to date in this shamefully neglected and under-appreciated police crime drama doozy as the weary and sardonic, but still honest, adamant and dedicated Officer Murphy, who works a tough and hellish beat in a down-trodden South Bronx neighborhood. Murphy's seamy and exacting routine includes trying to find the killer of two rookie cops, nabbing a purse snatcher, stopping suicidal transvestites from jumping off buildings, and delivering babies in rundown tenement projects. Daniel Petrie's taut, astute, unshowy direction, working from an episodic, but sharp, colorful and eventful script by Heywood Gould (who also co-wrote "Rolling Thunder"), expertly creates a credibly bleak and sordid atmosphere while adeptly keeping the busy narrative on a steady and absorbing course from startling start to thrilling finish. The uniformly sterling acting from an exceptional cast qualifies as another considerable asset, with especially praiseworthy work by Ken Wahl of TV's "Wiseguy" fame as Newman's likable eager beaver partner, Ed Asner as the gruff, no-nonsense new police captain, Rachel Ticotin as Newman's younger heroin addict nurse girlfriend, Danny Aiello as a cynical racist patrolman, Miguel ("Short Eyes") Pinero as a smooth drug dealer, Kathleen Beller as Wahl's sweet fiancé, Sully Buyar as the burnt-out, ineffectual old retiring captain, and, most impressive of all, an unforgettably scary and pathetic Pam Grier as a zonked-out murderous junkie whore. John Alcott's grainy, yet polished cinematography and Jonathan Tunick's earthy, funky score further enhance the overall rough, gritty and totally unglamorous urban realism. A very gripping and hard-hitting little gem that's wholly undeserving of its current sadly obscure status.