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Why was thriller The French Connection so effective?

Paul Gambaccini finds out about the first R-rated movie to win the Best Picture Oscar and an early example of the new wave in American Films. The French Connection won 5 Oscars and set both its leading man (Gene Hackman) and its young director (William Friedkin) on what were to become glittering careers.

First broadcast on And The Academy Award Goes To..., 20 February 2016.

Release date:

Duration:

5 minutes

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