The Seven-Ups

The Seven-Ups (1973) is the sole directoral effort of Philip D'Antoni, producer of Bullitt and The French Connection. It's a typical '70s crime film, with the requisite grit, cynicism and violent action, plus the excellent Roy Scheider. All it's missing is a compelling story.

Buddy Manucci (Roy Scheider) is the head of the "Seven-Ups," an elite squad of cops devoted to tough undercover work. Manucci stumbles across an extortion ring, whose members masquerade as cops to kidnap crime bosses. After a member of Manucci's squad gets killed by the crooks, Manucci makes it personal - even though his bosses suspect him of complicity.

The Seven-Ups hangs all the expected tropes on its thin plot. Crudely unconventional cops, clueless bosses, sleazy crooks and nasty violence are all present and feel a bit familiar this time. Seven-Ups' action is the main attraction. This film centerpieces a corker of a car chase, more believable than the above-named films but no less exciting; the final stunt is jaw-dropping.

Roy Scheider essentially reprises his role from French Connection, a hardnosed cop with a chip on his shoulder. It's a good role though, which the tough-minded Scheider hits out of the park. Tony La Bianco's informant character is underused, and the rest of the cast (even Richard Lynch and Joe Spinell) makes little impression.

The Seven-Ups is a perfectly serviceable cop drama. Well-made though it is, the familiar twists and turns get old after awhile.