When New York detectives Popeye Doyle (Gene Hackman) and Buddy Russo (Roy Scheider) launch a deadly pursuit to bust up a narcotics smuggling ring, they discover a link to France. Based on a true story, this action-packed thriller, with its iconic chase scene, earned Oscars® in 1971 for Best Picture, Best Director (William Friedkin), Best Actor for Hackman, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing.