Boasting incredible stunts, powerful punch-ups, dry dialogue and panoramic views of 1970s London shot by cinematographer Gerry Fisher (The Go-Between, Highlander, The Exorcist III), as well as a superb supporting cast including Judy Geeson and Mel Ferrer, Douglas Hickox’s 1975 feature Brannigan still stands tall as an explosive, action-packed, highly entertaining and peculiarly British excursion for the legendary John Wayne.
Veteran Chicago detective Jim Brannigan (John Wayne, The Searchers) is dispatched to London to bring back notorious gangster Ben Larkin (John Vernon, Dirty Harry), and is assured that the whole operation will run smoothly. However, when things don’t go to plan, Brannigan finds himself in the crosshairs of Larkin’s thugs. Reluctantly teaming up with by-the-book Commander Swann of Scotland Yard (Richard Attenborough, The Great Escape), but determined to recapture Larkin no matter what, Brannigan tears through London, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. And yes, the motorcycle courier that Wayne throws into the River Thames is none other than Baldrick himself, young Tony Robinson.
Brannigan will be released on UK Blu-ray on 21 August 2023 by the BFI at the RRP of £19.99.
BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Audio commentary by Steve Mitchell and critic Nathaniel Thompson (2017)
- A Duke Out of Water (2023, 37 mins): reminiscences from the people who made Brannigan
- Frank Henson on Brannigan (2021, 4 mins): the veteran stuntman looks back on doubling the Duke
- Take It to the Bridge (1905-1956, 23 mins): historical glimpses of the Thames, Tower Bridge and other Brannigan locations
- A Policeman’s Lot (1896-1973, 35 mins): a copper’s clutch of films concerning crimefighters and crooks, proceeding from the very earliest days of cinema towards the Brannigan era
- The Guardian Interview: Richard Attenborough (1983, 88 mins, audio only): the award-winning actor and director, and John Wayne’s Brannigan co-star, reflects upon his illustrious career
- An extensive selection of location photographs, featuring cast and crew
- Original trailer
- First pressing only: illustrated booklet with a new essay by Johnny Mains, a John Wayne biography by John Oliver, notes on the special features and film credits
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