Dirty Harry Movie Review (1971) – Do I feel luck? Well do ya, punk?

I’m ready for a stylish cop film but which one fits that description I hear you say, well there really is only one, time for my Dirty Harry movie review. Directed by Don Siegel and starring Clint Eastwood this film would go on to define and inspire an era of cop films.

  • Dirty Harry (1971)
  • Action / Thriller
  • Directed By Don Siegel
  • Story By Harry Julian Fink ; R.M. Fink
  • Music By Lalo Schifrin
  • Starring Clint Eastwood ; Andy Robinson ;  Harry Guardino ; Reni Santoni ; John Vernon
Dirty Harry movie review

Plot

Clint Eastwood plays Homicide Inspector Harry Callahan aka “Dirty Harry” who works for the San Francisco Police Department.

The film starts with a murder of a young woman who is swimming in her rooftop pool. She is shot by a psychotic serial killer calling himself “Scorpio” (Andy Robinson) from a nearby rooftop using a high-powered rifle.

A ransom note is found demanding $100,000 and the penalty for the city not paying! Each day their don’t pay will result in another death starting with a Catholic priest.

Next Harry goes to a dinner for a spot of lunch where he observes a bank robbery across the street. He is forced to intervene and we hear one of the most famous movie lines…

“I know what you’re thinking: Did he fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I’ve kinda lost track myself. But being this is a 44 Magnum the most powerful handgun in the world and would blow your head clean off, you’ve got to ask yourself one question:

Do I feel luck? Well do ya, punk?

But back to the main plot and things are starting to escalate with the killing of a young black boy. When Harry is sent to deliver the ransom but all does not go well. He has a race against time in order to save the next victim.

Harry knows who the killer is but proving it is another thing. We are heading for an epic showdown between the two.


Conclusion: Dirty Harry Movie Review

dirty harry movie review

Clint Eastwood is superb as Harry and so is Andy Robinson as the killer Scorpio and they share some truly great scenes. In fact there are so many memorable scenes and lines I could list here.

Let’s not forget the brilliant score which is provided by the great Lalo Schifrin which really helps bring the tension to the movie.

Dirty Harry was highly controversial on release over issues such as police brutality to name just one. Despite this Dirty Harry was a massive box office hit.

Quite simply this is one of my favourite films, which is full of lines you will be quoting for years! (Maybe that’s just me!)

The movie looks great, as it should being a great and classic film, nothing to worry about here.

Dirty Harry is available now on Blu-ray from Amazon.

The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.

dirty harry movie review

Popcorn Cinema Movie Rating: Dirty Harry (1971)

MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE

BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT

POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED


Dirty Harry (1971) Film Trailer

I’ ll you with the Dirty Harry trailer, and no that has not been restored…


Final ThoughtDirty Harry (1971)

That concludes my Dirty Harry movie review. A truly outstanding film that you should add to your must see list. Please leave a comment either under this review or over on social media. We would love to hear the views of fellow film buffs.

Popcorn Cinema Show’s recommended movies will feature each week so don’t forget to check back for the next one. If you enjoyed my Dirty Harry review, take a look at the sequel Magnum Force review.

You can follow Popcorn Cinema Show across social media, simply click on the relevant icon on the side bar.

What Do You Think?
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
Summary: Dirty Harry (1971) Blu-ray Review
dirty harry movie review

Movie title: Dirty Harry (1971)

Movie description: Clint Eastwood is Dirty Harry

Duration: 102 mins

Director(s): Don Siegel

Actor(s): Clint Eastwood, Andy Robinson

Genre: Action

  • Movie Rating
  • Blu-ray Rating
5

Summary

Eastwood oozes style as Inspector Harry Callahan in this movie classic!

Menu