Beyond the Law
United States • 1968
Director
Synopsis
Mailer's belief that we're all capable of being either police or criminals was the impetus for his second feature, which takes place over the course of one feverish night in a Manhattan police precinct and neighboring bar. The texture of the black-and-white stock and the intense depiction of the police lineup process lend the film a rugged, journalistic feel. In addition to Mailer, who cast himself as tough-guy Irish cop Francis Xavier Pope, Beyond the Law features Rip Torn and George Plimpton.
Synopsis
Mailer's belief that we're all capable of being either police or criminals was the impetus for his second feature, which takes place over the course of one feverish night in a Manhattan police precinct and neighboring bar. The texture of the black-and-white stock and the intense depiction of the police lineup process lend the film a rugged, journalistic feel. In addition to Mailer, who cast himself as tough-guy Irish cop Francis Xavier Pope, Beyond the Law features Rip Torn and George Plimpton.
Credits
Crew
DirectorNorman Mailer
WriterNorman Mailer
ComposerFrank Conroy
EditorJan Welt, Norman Mailer, Lana Jokel
ProducerNorman Mailer, Buzz Farber
Cast
Rip Tornas Popcorn
Norman Maileras Lt. Francis Xavier Pope
George Plimptonas Mayor
Mickey Knoxas Mickey Berk