Dirty Harry

: For the 1953 nuclear test nicknamed "Dirty Harry", see Upshot-Knothole Harry http://www.ratical.org/radiation/KillingOurOwn/KOO3.html

Related Topics:
1953 - Nuclear test - Upshot-Knothole Harry

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: "Dirty Harry" is also the name of a song by virtual band Gorillaz.

Related Topics:
Dirty Harry - Virtual band - Gorillaz

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Dirty Harry is a 1971 film directed by Don Siegel and starring Clint Eastwood as the eponymous Harry Callahan, a San Francisco detective tracking Scorpio, a serial killer. Eastwood's iconic performance of the blunt-speaking, unorthodox detective set the style for a number of his subsequent roles, and the box-office success of the film led to the production of four sequels. The "alienated cop" motif was one subsequently imitated by a number of other films.

Related Topics:
1971 - Don Siegel - Clint Eastwood - San Francisco - Detective - Serial killer - Sequel

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The title role was originally intended for Frank Sinatra, but after he injured his hand in an accident, it was offered to John Wayne, Steve McQueen, and Paul Newman. It was finally accepted by Clint Eastwood.

Related Topics:
Frank Sinatra - John Wayne - Steve McQueen - Paul Newman - Clint Eastwood

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The Scorpio Killer, the film's antagonist (a confident, psychopathic killer) was based on the real-life Zodiac killer, who was killing people in San Francisco at that time. The Zodiac has never been caught. Audie Murphy was first approached to play the Scorpio Killer, but he died in a plane crash before his decision on the offer could be made. The part went to actor Andrew Robinson, whose portrayal was so chilling that after the film was released he reportedly received several death-threats and was forced to get an unlisted telephone number.

Related Topics:
Antagonist - Psychopath - Zodiac killer - San Francisco - Audie Murphy - Andrew Robinson

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It would be revealed that the fictional portrayal of the Scorpio killer in the film was in fact, a deranged Vietnam veteran who has been discharged under Section Eight. Another fact is that the character might be modeled after a real-life G.I. discharged because of sexual orientation - some would suggest the fictional Scorpio killer is openly gay.

Related Topics:
Vietnam - Section Eight - Gay

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The movie is popularly credited for being responsible for the famous line: "Do you feel lucky, punk?", although this is in fact a misquote. The actual quote from the beginning of the movie follows (the lines in the climatic scene were slightly different). To set it up, after quite a few shots have been fired, Dirty Harry is holding his .44 Magnum and standing over a criminal. The criminal's gun is but inches from his hand. Does he grab it, or ...

Related Topics:
Misquote - .44 Magnum

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:"Ah Ah, I know what you're thinking. 'Did he fire six shots or only five?' Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I've kinda lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk?"

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It appears that Harry fires all six shots during the final chase scene. However, shot four is a ricochet, hitting the wall then richocheting up into the ceiling. This fools the Scorpio Killer into thinking Harry's gun is empty and going for his gun.

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The final scene where Harry throws his badge in the river is a homage to a similar scene from 1952s' High Noon.

Related Topics:
1952 - High Noon

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