Second sequel to Dirty Harry has Harry (Clint Eastwood) trying to stop a terrorist group. But due to departmental quotas, Harry's been forced to take on a female cop (Tyne Daly) as his new partner. This doesn't sit well with everyone's favorite politically incorrect cop. But the new partner proves herself and the two surprisingly work well together. I loved the chemistry between Eastwood and Daly. This is my favorite of all the sequels in this series. It has a lot of humor, a good pace, and solid action. It also has the best script outside of the first movie. This was a good series. If you're new to Dirty Harry, definitely watch them in order because the '80s ones, while not bad, don't have the same appeal as the first three.
157 Reviews
Dirty Harry, A Female Partner & Lots of Humour
seymourblack-18 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The shootouts, chases and explosions in this, the third "Dirty Harry film", are enough to satisfy any action movie fan but what makes "The Enforcer" different to its predecessors is its humour. A number of sharp one-liners and the outrageous methods employed by Detective Inspector Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) provide a lot of laughs but additionally, his interactions with his new female partner and his incompetent superiors create a whole series of other situations which are also great fun to watch.
Harry, of course, is a walking anachronism and a male chauvinist and these qualities often get him into trouble. He does, however, have a recognised talent for dealing with some very challenging cases in a particularly forceful way and it's this ability that frequently enables him to extricate himself from the difficulties that his behaviour leads him into.
When Callahan and his partner Detective Inspector Frank DiGiorgio (John Mitchum) arrive at a liquor store robbery where the gunmen have taken hostages and demanded a car, Callahan simply gets into his police vehicle and drives it at great speed through the store-front windows before shooting and killing all the robbers. His quick, simple and effective way of dealing with this dangerous situation isn't appreciated by his superiors who promptly transfer him from the homicide division to the personnel department.
In his new role, Callahan takes part in a series of interviews with candidates who are being considered for promotion to inspector and openly shows his disgust at the imposition of quotas to ensure that a requisite number of women are appointed to these posts. In one interview with a candidate called Kate Moore (Tyne Daly), his questions reveal that she's spent all her career doing office work and has no experience in the field and has never even made an arrest. Callahan's scepticism about promoting people with no proof of their competence in the field leads to him being branded a Neanderthal and his concern about their safety on the streets is also summarily dismissed.
After DiGiorgio is killed attempting to arrest a group of terrorists who are in the process of stealing rocket launchers, explosives and a variety of other weapons from a munitions warehouse, Callahan is reassigned to homicide with a new partner, Detective Inspector Kate Moore. The way in which this unlikely partnership tracks down the terrorists who try to hold the city of San Francisco to ransom, surprisingly leads to them becoming friends before their mission reaches its action-packed climax at Alcatraz Island.
It's interesting that in "Magnum Force" Callahan's attitude to vigilantism changed because of what happened in that story and similarly, in "The Enforcer", his experience of working with a woman who showed her competence and bravery, leads to a certain softening of his attitude to the idea of women working in the homicide division. With his eyes narrowed and his teeth clenched, Clint Eastwood again does a good job of showing Callahan's disdain for various types of people but it's in his scenes with Tyne Daly that he shows greater subtlety as Callahan's new partner gradually starts to win his respect and friendship.
Harry, of course, is a walking anachronism and a male chauvinist and these qualities often get him into trouble. He does, however, have a recognised talent for dealing with some very challenging cases in a particularly forceful way and it's this ability that frequently enables him to extricate himself from the difficulties that his behaviour leads him into.
When Callahan and his partner Detective Inspector Frank DiGiorgio (John Mitchum) arrive at a liquor store robbery where the gunmen have taken hostages and demanded a car, Callahan simply gets into his police vehicle and drives it at great speed through the store-front windows before shooting and killing all the robbers. His quick, simple and effective way of dealing with this dangerous situation isn't appreciated by his superiors who promptly transfer him from the homicide division to the personnel department.
In his new role, Callahan takes part in a series of interviews with candidates who are being considered for promotion to inspector and openly shows his disgust at the imposition of quotas to ensure that a requisite number of women are appointed to these posts. In one interview with a candidate called Kate Moore (Tyne Daly), his questions reveal that she's spent all her career doing office work and has no experience in the field and has never even made an arrest. Callahan's scepticism about promoting people with no proof of their competence in the field leads to him being branded a Neanderthal and his concern about their safety on the streets is also summarily dismissed.
After DiGiorgio is killed attempting to arrest a group of terrorists who are in the process of stealing rocket launchers, explosives and a variety of other weapons from a munitions warehouse, Callahan is reassigned to homicide with a new partner, Detective Inspector Kate Moore. The way in which this unlikely partnership tracks down the terrorists who try to hold the city of San Francisco to ransom, surprisingly leads to them becoming friends before their mission reaches its action-packed climax at Alcatraz Island.
It's interesting that in "Magnum Force" Callahan's attitude to vigilantism changed because of what happened in that story and similarly, in "The Enforcer", his experience of working with a woman who showed her competence and bravery, leads to a certain softening of his attitude to the idea of women working in the homicide division. With his eyes narrowed and his teeth clenched, Clint Eastwood again does a good job of showing Callahan's disdain for various types of people but it's in his scenes with Tyne Daly that he shows greater subtlety as Callahan's new partner gradually starts to win his respect and friendship.
Keeps "Dirty Harry" Alive and Well
jhclues7 July 2002
In this third chapter from the Book of Dirty Harry Callahan, there's plenty of action as Harry breaks in a new partner and goes after a ruthless bunch, some self-proclaimed revolutionaries who are nothing more than common criminals, in `The Enforcer,' directed by James Fargo, and starring Clint Eastwood and Tyne Daly. And beyond the action, it's a film that manages to make a valid statement about bureaucratic nonsense, as well as the lack of common sense employed by those ensconced in the budding agenda of `political correctness,' who put an emphasis on image over purpose and results. Mostly, though, it gives the audience a chance to share vicariously in the triumph of good over evil, as Harry once again metes out justice in his own inimitable way.
After taking charge and cleaning up a hostage situation in a way that only `Dirty Harry' can, Harry (Eastwood) is assigned to a desk job in personnel. But when his partner, Frank DiGiorgio (John Mitchum) goes down on the job during the robbery of a munitions warehouse, Harry is back on the street, but with a new partner, Kate Moore (Daly), one of the first female inspectors in the country. And Harry puts her through her paces as they attempt to track down this particularly volatile gang, who seemingly put little value on human life as they cut their swath through the city of San Francisco and pursue their own `for the people' agenda, which in reality means they want to get their hands on as much cash as possible, and plan to hold the city hostage to do it. But they had better think again; because when they took down Frank, they inadvertently provoked the ire of Inspector Callahan himself, who does not take kindly to their sort to begin with.
James Fargo is in the director's chair for this one, and he comports himself well, recapturing all of the attitudes and elements that made the first two `Dirty Harry' films so successful. Fargo sets a good pace and keeps the story on at least an equal footing with the action, which keeps this one involving. Giving Harry a female partner puts some added interest into the mix as well, in light of the fact that this film was made in an era in which women were just beginning to emerge in such positions, on the screen or otherwise. `Cagney and Lacey,' for instance, was still some five or six years away, and Kathleen Turner's `V.I. Warshawski' wouldn't make an appearance until 1991. Initially, the film takes something of a patronizing attitude toward her, but Harry treats her as an equal from the beginning, and in the end, Inspector Moore emerges as a strong character, gender aside. Most importantly, that is not the focus of the filmmakers here, and the fact that Moore is a woman is little more in the overall scheme of things than a footnote in cinematic history; Moore is just another character in the `Dirty Harry' saga, and she's a good one (especially when compared to Harry's partner, Al Quan-- played by Evan C. Kim-- in `The Dead Pool'). And credit Fargo with insuring that it all blends together naturally within the context of the story, as well as the fact that he keeps the relationship between Callahan and Moore on task, and allows it to develop quite credibly. All in all, it's a good, collaborative effort from all concerned.
What really gives this one that ring of authenticity, however, is that Clint Eastwood is in top form, and even in his third outing as Harry seems more immersed in the character than ever. And, in the final analysis, story aside, it's the `Dirty Harry' character that makes these films so popular and successful. Creating a cinematic icon is no easy task, and that's precisely what Eastwood has done with Harry; and it's gratifying to see that he is willing to give that 110% at this stage of the game, in order to maintain the credibility of the character and the films, as well. A lesser actor would have taken this kind of success to the bank by now, while possibly allowing the character to slip into caricature rather than being concerned with keeping it real and convincing. It demonstrates what a pro Eastwood is, and why he commands the kind of respect afforded him within the industry.
Taking on the role of Kate Moore had to be a challenge for Tyne Daly, and happily, she succeeds quite well with it. She makes her character convincing by allowing her to develop in a `real time' manner; she doesn't just jump in there, full blown and ready to take on hardened criminals. Initially, she displays some intimidation in Harry's presence, which gives their relationship some realism from the beginning. After all, Harry IS an intimidating guy; add to that the fact that this is a new job for Moore, which in reality would create a level of discomfort for anyone, anywhere. And Daly has tapped into all of that with her portrayal of Moore, making her a very believable character, and one of the most memorable from among the five `Dirty Harry' films.
The supporting cast includes Harry Guardino (Lt. Bressler), Bradford Dillman (Capt. McKay), DeVeren Bookwalter (Bobby Maxwell), John Crawford (The Mayor), Samantha Doane (Wanda) and Albert Popwell as `Big' Ed Mustapha (look for Popwell in the original `Dirty Harry' as the Bank Robber; in `Magnum Force' as pimp J.J. Wilson; and again in `Sudden Impact' as one of Harry's partners, Horace). A well made and entertaining film, `The Enforcer' keeps the `Dirty Harry' series alive, well and on solid ground; in retrospect, it seems a shame now that Eastwood waited seven years to make the next installment, `Sudden Impact,' as with the dreadful `The Dead Pool' in 1988, it all ended with barely a whimper. The first four, however, more than make up for it-- and that's the magic of the movies. 8/10.
After taking charge and cleaning up a hostage situation in a way that only `Dirty Harry' can, Harry (Eastwood) is assigned to a desk job in personnel. But when his partner, Frank DiGiorgio (John Mitchum) goes down on the job during the robbery of a munitions warehouse, Harry is back on the street, but with a new partner, Kate Moore (Daly), one of the first female inspectors in the country. And Harry puts her through her paces as they attempt to track down this particularly volatile gang, who seemingly put little value on human life as they cut their swath through the city of San Francisco and pursue their own `for the people' agenda, which in reality means they want to get their hands on as much cash as possible, and plan to hold the city hostage to do it. But they had better think again; because when they took down Frank, they inadvertently provoked the ire of Inspector Callahan himself, who does not take kindly to their sort to begin with.
James Fargo is in the director's chair for this one, and he comports himself well, recapturing all of the attitudes and elements that made the first two `Dirty Harry' films so successful. Fargo sets a good pace and keeps the story on at least an equal footing with the action, which keeps this one involving. Giving Harry a female partner puts some added interest into the mix as well, in light of the fact that this film was made in an era in which women were just beginning to emerge in such positions, on the screen or otherwise. `Cagney and Lacey,' for instance, was still some five or six years away, and Kathleen Turner's `V.I. Warshawski' wouldn't make an appearance until 1991. Initially, the film takes something of a patronizing attitude toward her, but Harry treats her as an equal from the beginning, and in the end, Inspector Moore emerges as a strong character, gender aside. Most importantly, that is not the focus of the filmmakers here, and the fact that Moore is a woman is little more in the overall scheme of things than a footnote in cinematic history; Moore is just another character in the `Dirty Harry' saga, and she's a good one (especially when compared to Harry's partner, Al Quan-- played by Evan C. Kim-- in `The Dead Pool'). And credit Fargo with insuring that it all blends together naturally within the context of the story, as well as the fact that he keeps the relationship between Callahan and Moore on task, and allows it to develop quite credibly. All in all, it's a good, collaborative effort from all concerned.
What really gives this one that ring of authenticity, however, is that Clint Eastwood is in top form, and even in his third outing as Harry seems more immersed in the character than ever. And, in the final analysis, story aside, it's the `Dirty Harry' character that makes these films so popular and successful. Creating a cinematic icon is no easy task, and that's precisely what Eastwood has done with Harry; and it's gratifying to see that he is willing to give that 110% at this stage of the game, in order to maintain the credibility of the character and the films, as well. A lesser actor would have taken this kind of success to the bank by now, while possibly allowing the character to slip into caricature rather than being concerned with keeping it real and convincing. It demonstrates what a pro Eastwood is, and why he commands the kind of respect afforded him within the industry.
Taking on the role of Kate Moore had to be a challenge for Tyne Daly, and happily, she succeeds quite well with it. She makes her character convincing by allowing her to develop in a `real time' manner; she doesn't just jump in there, full blown and ready to take on hardened criminals. Initially, she displays some intimidation in Harry's presence, which gives their relationship some realism from the beginning. After all, Harry IS an intimidating guy; add to that the fact that this is a new job for Moore, which in reality would create a level of discomfort for anyone, anywhere. And Daly has tapped into all of that with her portrayal of Moore, making her a very believable character, and one of the most memorable from among the five `Dirty Harry' films.
The supporting cast includes Harry Guardino (Lt. Bressler), Bradford Dillman (Capt. McKay), DeVeren Bookwalter (Bobby Maxwell), John Crawford (The Mayor), Samantha Doane (Wanda) and Albert Popwell as `Big' Ed Mustapha (look for Popwell in the original `Dirty Harry' as the Bank Robber; in `Magnum Force' as pimp J.J. Wilson; and again in `Sudden Impact' as one of Harry's partners, Horace). A well made and entertaining film, `The Enforcer' keeps the `Dirty Harry' series alive, well and on solid ground; in retrospect, it seems a shame now that Eastwood waited seven years to make the next installment, `Sudden Impact,' as with the dreadful `The Dead Pool' in 1988, it all ended with barely a whimper. The first four, however, more than make up for it-- and that's the magic of the movies. 8/10.
What can Dirty Harry not take on?
lost-in-limbo5 September 2008
For me the sequels to "Dirty Harry" never came close topping the original, but I thoroughly enjoyed and think highly of them anyway... well maybe with the exception of "The Dead Pool". Each one seemed to add its own distinguishable touch to the typical formula. The third film (and probably the cheapest, as it looks like it) of the series 'The Enforcer' seemed to have that swinging and carefree vibe of the times, with the biting reality and stark realisations (heavily implemented in the first two) taking a backseat for forceful (if crass) humour. However the violence is still gritty, mean, explosive and openly displayed. Director James Fargo ('Forced Vengeance', 'Every Which Way But Loose', 'Caravans' and 'A Game for Vultures') has appeared in some of Eastwood's early films as assistant director, and here he paces it well-enough and let's the foundation play out more like an expansive low-key action fling filled with the constant buddy routines (as Harry is paired up with a young green-horn female detective fidgety played by Tyne Daly. Who does bring an authentic and potent side to her role) that are credibly developed, long-winded build-ups finishing off with brute force and the quick-witted response. Harry also has got a catch-phrase
just 'marvellous'.
Eastwood laconically pulls it off with dominant ease and certain authority of truly delving into this character (as now there's more to that monomaniacal search for one's own justice), as his hands out punishment (against a bunch of terrorists who call themselves 'The People's Revolutionary') and has time to let fly what he really thinks. Copping the cynical barbs are amusing support performances by Harry Guardino, John Crawford and Bradford Dillman. The bad guys here aren't overly memorable, but the DeVeren Bookwalter bestows a steely glance and has a quietly dangerous psychotic air to him. Showing up again, but in another different character is the wonderful Albert Popwell.
I never tire of the San Francisco locations (where most of the films are shot), and the camera superbly details the on-screen action and striking background features. What I like about the ending of these earlier 'Dirty Harry' films, was how they weren't afraid to end on such an powerful note involving something represented visually to express the mindset, as the camera slowly zooms out and the harrowing score cues in. On the point about the music. I would say I was a little put off by the racy and bouncy jazz score arrangement of composer Jerry Fielding (who by-the-way has done some magnificent scores for films of Sam Peckinpah, Michael Winner and Clint Eastwood) just didn't have the stinging, sombre and self-reflecting quality of Lalo Schifrin's efforts. That's not to say it was bad or felt out of place, because it didn't with the feel that this one opted for. But a darker or more subtle take could've done it wonders since Fielding has chalked up some jarringly bold pieces in other films.
The script has some political context (home-grown terrorism, political correctness and equal-gender opportunity), but always stays true to the story than trying to undermine or overdo it. While it should be predictable, it does keep one step ahead and offers a surprise or two.
An up-to-par sequel.
Eastwood laconically pulls it off with dominant ease and certain authority of truly delving into this character (as now there's more to that monomaniacal search for one's own justice), as his hands out punishment (against a bunch of terrorists who call themselves 'The People's Revolutionary') and has time to let fly what he really thinks. Copping the cynical barbs are amusing support performances by Harry Guardino, John Crawford and Bradford Dillman. The bad guys here aren't overly memorable, but the DeVeren Bookwalter bestows a steely glance and has a quietly dangerous psychotic air to him. Showing up again, but in another different character is the wonderful Albert Popwell.
I never tire of the San Francisco locations (where most of the films are shot), and the camera superbly details the on-screen action and striking background features. What I like about the ending of these earlier 'Dirty Harry' films, was how they weren't afraid to end on such an powerful note involving something represented visually to express the mindset, as the camera slowly zooms out and the harrowing score cues in. On the point about the music. I would say I was a little put off by the racy and bouncy jazz score arrangement of composer Jerry Fielding (who by-the-way has done some magnificent scores for films of Sam Peckinpah, Michael Winner and Clint Eastwood) just didn't have the stinging, sombre and self-reflecting quality of Lalo Schifrin's efforts. That's not to say it was bad or felt out of place, because it didn't with the feel that this one opted for. But a darker or more subtle take could've done it wonders since Fielding has chalked up some jarringly bold pieces in other films.
The script has some political context (home-grown terrorism, political correctness and equal-gender opportunity), but always stays true to the story than trying to undermine or overdo it. While it should be predictable, it does keep one step ahead and offers a surprise or two.
An up-to-par sequel.
Enjoyable on its own. Not quite a Harry movie, but a Clint movie
bamptonj6 November 2001
I think many fans have mixed feelings about THE ENFORCER. It represents both a departure from and an adherence to the familiar Harry tradition. However, despite its many shortcomings, it excludes a great 70s feel.
Fans of the first two installments will still delight in Harry's struggles with bureaucracy in the department, and to this end Bradford Dillman is a valuable addition to the series as the new Chief. Once again, Clint has some killer dialogue but while for the most part he is as stern as in his previous performances, some of his lines are offered just a little too sparingly and nonchalantly.
The villains – this time a group of mere misfits who kidnap the Mayor of San Francisco for a ransom of five million dollars – just aren't as menacing as the crooks in DIRTY HARRY and MAGNUM FORCE. There's no mystique surrounding their identity and their performances are particularly flat and nondescript (even to the point where their plot points may wash over you and you momentarily lose your place.)
The script begins very promisingly with Harry being assigned a female partner. The relationship that develops between the two - as Harry is forced to deal with his subconscious sexist prejudice – leads to some surprising comical moments, and this addition to the dynamic of the usual animosity between Harry and his partners comes across very well.
The soundtrack is overwhelmingly orchestral giving THE ENFORCER a Hollywood music make-over instead of the usual gritty and upbeat Lalo Schrifin score which was used to full effect earlier. The chase scene in which Harry ends up in the Church builds up some tension and only serves thereby to remind the viewer of a hitherto absence of the moody jazz that was so prevalent in the original.
The original Dirty Harry's success was not due to any specific formula but rather was the result of a film full of subtleties. These subtleties included a perfect music score, a balanced tension between Harry and his partners, Harry's contempt for the red tape of police bureaucracy, and the sinister nature of the villain(s). Together, these dynamics made the original two movies stronger than the sum of their parts: THE ENFORCER is simply not as magical. This is a great pity. For the next Harry outing would see an older, greyer, and wrinklier Clint - and the series could only ever descend into some sort of parody.
Fans of the first two installments will still delight in Harry's struggles with bureaucracy in the department, and to this end Bradford Dillman is a valuable addition to the series as the new Chief. Once again, Clint has some killer dialogue but while for the most part he is as stern as in his previous performances, some of his lines are offered just a little too sparingly and nonchalantly.
The villains – this time a group of mere misfits who kidnap the Mayor of San Francisco for a ransom of five million dollars – just aren't as menacing as the crooks in DIRTY HARRY and MAGNUM FORCE. There's no mystique surrounding their identity and their performances are particularly flat and nondescript (even to the point where their plot points may wash over you and you momentarily lose your place.)
The script begins very promisingly with Harry being assigned a female partner. The relationship that develops between the two - as Harry is forced to deal with his subconscious sexist prejudice – leads to some surprising comical moments, and this addition to the dynamic of the usual animosity between Harry and his partners comes across very well.
The soundtrack is overwhelmingly orchestral giving THE ENFORCER a Hollywood music make-over instead of the usual gritty and upbeat Lalo Schrifin score which was used to full effect earlier. The chase scene in which Harry ends up in the Church builds up some tension and only serves thereby to remind the viewer of a hitherto absence of the moody jazz that was so prevalent in the original.
The original Dirty Harry's success was not due to any specific formula but rather was the result of a film full of subtleties. These subtleties included a perfect music score, a balanced tension between Harry and his partners, Harry's contempt for the red tape of police bureaucracy, and the sinister nature of the villain(s). Together, these dynamics made the original two movies stronger than the sum of their parts: THE ENFORCER is simply not as magical. This is a great pity. For the next Harry outing would see an older, greyer, and wrinklier Clint - and the series could only ever descend into some sort of parody.
Tough cop Harry Callahan is called on once again and he goes after nasty terrorists
ma-cortes15 June 2009
This is the third entry in Harry Callahan's popular series , the first is the classic ¨Dirty Harry ¨(1971) by Don Siegel , the second is ¨Magnum Force¨ by Ted Post . This time has a female partner ( Tyne Daly ) who is assigned when his ordinary pal ( John Mitchum ) is wounded . And they try to track down some dangerous terrorists ( Michael Cavanagh , Veren , among others ). Then the terrorists hijack the Mayor ( John Crawford ) of City San Francisco . As always , two-fisted Callahan , the tall and taciturn inspector utilizing his Magnum 44 pistol kills the baddies. Rock-hard cop Harry abuses the murderer's civil rights , however facing his superiors , a captain(Bradford Dillman) and a Lieutenant ( Harry Guardino ) . Rule-breaking Callahan strides grimly throughout San Francisco in pursuit the murderous , including an exciting final on Island-prison of Alcatraz.
Formula thriller plenty of action , crisply edition , tension, suspenseful and lots of violence . Appropriate and atmospheric musical score by Jerry Fielding . Less effective than ¨Dirty Harry¨ but still gripping and stirring . Colorful and adequate cinematography , reflecting splendidly the streets of San Francisco , habitual scenario of the series . The motion picture is professionally directed by James Fargo who also made other vehicles for Eastwod ( Every which way but loose ) and for Chuck Norris ( Forced vengeance ) . Followed by ¨Sudden impact¨ with Sandra Locke and ¨Dead pool¨ with Liam Neeson . Rating : Good, 6,5 . Well worth seeing for Clint Eastwood fans and Harry Callahan's followers . It's a cool companion to Dirty Harry classic, an amusing film with several scenes that'll have you on the edge of your seat.
Formula thriller plenty of action , crisply edition , tension, suspenseful and lots of violence . Appropriate and atmospheric musical score by Jerry Fielding . Less effective than ¨Dirty Harry¨ but still gripping and stirring . Colorful and adequate cinematography , reflecting splendidly the streets of San Francisco , habitual scenario of the series . The motion picture is professionally directed by James Fargo who also made other vehicles for Eastwod ( Every which way but loose ) and for Chuck Norris ( Forced vengeance ) . Followed by ¨Sudden impact¨ with Sandra Locke and ¨Dead pool¨ with Liam Neeson . Rating : Good, 6,5 . Well worth seeing for Clint Eastwood fans and Harry Callahan's followers . It's a cool companion to Dirty Harry classic, an amusing film with several scenes that'll have you on the edge of your seat.
A competent action but a noticeable lack of depth and subtlety
Nazi_Fighter_David2 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Harry Callahan quickly establishes his action-not-words by driving his car through a liquor store window to free the owners, who are being held as hostages
Demoted to the personnel department, he scorns bureaucracy in general and in particular the Mayor's policy of attracting women into the force, but he is saddled with one, Kate Moore (Tyne Daly) as his by now obligatory 'minority' partner
Insp. Callahan finds black militants are not his enemies but his allies: when 'Big' Ed Mustapha (Albert Popwell), the black leader, is arrested to boost the Mayor's prestige, Harry actually resigns this time and continues his pursuit of the revolutionaries as a loner His female aide risks her own job to he1p him and eventually they chase a prime suspect through the seamy 'massage parlor' underworld of the city and kill a leading gang member, who has disguised, herself as a nun And discovering that the Mayor is being held captive on Alcatraz Island, they make for an abandoned fortress for the final shootout
The film is a step backwards in style and content from the previous two Harry seems to have reverted to his first incarnation: 'What kind of a department are we running when we're more concerned with the rights of the criminals than of the people we're supposed to be protecting?' and displays unusual brutality in roughing up a man who feigns heart attacks instead of paying his restaurant bills
Advertised as the 'dirtiest Harry of them all,' it is also the weakest Without the experience of Siegel or Milius to help him, Eastwood took a gamble on James Fargo, his assistant director on some of his previous films and the result was competent action but a noticeable lack of depth and subtlety
Insp. Callahan finds black militants are not his enemies but his allies: when 'Big' Ed Mustapha (Albert Popwell), the black leader, is arrested to boost the Mayor's prestige, Harry actually resigns this time and continues his pursuit of the revolutionaries as a loner His female aide risks her own job to he1p him and eventually they chase a prime suspect through the seamy 'massage parlor' underworld of the city and kill a leading gang member, who has disguised, herself as a nun And discovering that the Mayor is being held captive on Alcatraz Island, they make for an abandoned fortress for the final shootout
The film is a step backwards in style and content from the previous two Harry seems to have reverted to his first incarnation: 'What kind of a department are we running when we're more concerned with the rights of the criminals than of the people we're supposed to be protecting?' and displays unusual brutality in roughing up a man who feigns heart attacks instead of paying his restaurant bills
Advertised as the 'dirtiest Harry of them all,' it is also the weakest Without the experience of Siegel or Milius to help him, Eastwood took a gamble on James Fargo, his assistant director on some of his previous films and the result was competent action but a noticeable lack of depth and subtlety
Marvellous.
Pjtaylor-96-13804428 April 2020
There's a definite drop in quality between 'The Enforcer (1976)' and the previous in its series, with a general lack of deeper themes cementing it as a distinctly on-the-surface affair. Having said that, though, it's still an entertaining detective-drama that makes the most out of its squinting star and his huge cannon. The major hook of the piece is that Harry has to work with a female partner, brought into the fray by the mayor's attempts to reduce (but not remove) the disparity between sexes in the SFPD. Being a 1970s movie, its gender politics are, naturally, somewhat retrograde. Thankfully, though, the piece ultimately lands on the right message - even if it stumbles a lot in the process. It does posit that 'stylish' hiring quotas are a negative thing but, again, it is a 1970s movie. The narrative is fairly generic, but it does pull off a couple of tropes surprisingly well. It has several exciting action scenes and is typically enjoyable. In the end, it's better than the sum of its parts. 7/10
The dirtiest Harry of them all
chvylvr804 April 2003
This movie continues the tradition of Clint Eastwood making great movies. The Enforcer is not the best of the Dirty Harry films, but it isn't the worst of them either. (The Dead Pool is). Don't get me wrong, they are all great flicks and I enjoy all of them but there is a best to worst order to these movies. The Enforcer is filled with Harry's dry humor and tough talking dialogue. 1976 San Francisco is filmed beautifully and provides a great background as in all the Dirty Harrys. The music is suitably funky. A bit dated, but funky. Tyne Daly does a good job as Harry's spunky new partner. Tyne Daly wasn't bad lookin' in 1976 either. I'm sure Tyne misses those days. Bottom Line: Must have this movie to complete the Dirty Harry collection. It's a good tough-cop movie on it's own but I suggest getting all these films. Get the box set on DVD.
A must for crime thriller fans
Leofwine_draca7 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Another solid entry in the DIRTY HARRY series and another hugely entertaining thriller of a film. The plot here is as simple as simple can be: Harry goes up against a religious cult bent on destruction, with lots of shoot-outs, action and typical '70s hard-knuckle violence along the way. Eastwood once again makes the film his own as the iconic, laconic cop who takes no prisoners and accepts no rubbish from anybody, and he is given some particularly good comic interplay in the sequences with his new, female partner, whom he initially hates before growing to respect. He also gets lots of great one-liners – the "seven point suppository" line being my favourite. Tyne Daly (CAGNEY & LACEY) is also surprisingly excellent as the rookie cop.
The bad guys are typical hippy-style psychos, the chiefs of staff (including Bradford Dillman's hard-headed Captain McKay) are idiots and everyone else just stands around watching the carnage unfold. Scenes to watch out for are the hostage negotiation moment (Harry drives a car through the building) and the tense shoot-out at the end. This is edgy '70s fare, very violent and shocking in places, with lots of unexpected plot twists and cold, sudden death. A great movie and a must for crime fans.
The bad guys are typical hippy-style psychos, the chiefs of staff (including Bradford Dillman's hard-headed Captain McKay) are idiots and everyone else just stands around watching the carnage unfold. Scenes to watch out for are the hostage negotiation moment (Harry drives a car through the building) and the tense shoot-out at the end. This is edgy '70s fare, very violent and shocking in places, with lots of unexpected plot twists and cold, sudden death. A great movie and a must for crime fans.
Another Good Dirty Harry
gottogorunning13 August 2005
This film was to be Dirty Harry's last outing in the seventies (do not worry though, he had two comebacks in the eighties). It is easy to compare this film, with the two previous Dirty Harry movies, because there some things have (still) not changed. First of all, Harry (obviously) kept his cheeky mouth, which again provides the viewer with the necessary laughs and his boss with the necessary headaches. This is not the only thing that has stayed the same though. Again some of the scenes could have been shorter, thus (theoretically) making The Enforcer a much tighter package. A perfect example of that is the scene in which Harry chases a bad guy to the rooftop of a building. Not only could this scene have been shorter, but it could also have been much more exciting had there been adequate use of music and cinematography. There is however one upside to this installment in the Dirty Harry series, which is, that it is far more stable than it's predecessors. It is not a decent or good film film, but it gets very close, mainly because of the good acting and the fact that the film remained interesting for the despite it's downsides. Best Dirty Harry film until then. If you want to know if it is the best in the series, check my comment for Sudden Impact
Marvellous
slightlymad2229 March 2017
The Enforcer (1976)
Plot In A Paragraph: Dirty Harry (Clint) must foil a terrorist organization with the hep of his new rookie female partner (Tyne Daly)
With the commercial Success of Magnum Force, it was only a matter of time before we got a third Dirty Harry!! Despite showing a softer side, as he is seen to be grieving over partners deaths, Harry is still the bullheaded hard nosed detective we remember from Magnum Force and Dirty Harry. Tyne Daly does well in the first strong woman role in the franchise. Harry Guardino and John Mitchum return, Albert Popwell turns up playing a different character for a third time in the franchise.
It's weird, for some reason I always thought Clint directed this one. James Fargo does a good job of directing duties, the action scenes are well done and it's one of Clint's tightest movies. This is a bit lighter than the other two movies, and runs considerably shorter too. Jerry Fielding replaces Lalo Shifrin in scoring the movie. Once again, as usual, Clint is clearly doing his own stunts, and I believe it's the first time a Clint character uses the F word!!
The Enforcer went on to become Clint's biggest commercial hit at that point, grossing $46 million at the domestic box office to end 1976 the ninth highest grossing movie of the year.
Plot In A Paragraph: Dirty Harry (Clint) must foil a terrorist organization with the hep of his new rookie female partner (Tyne Daly)
With the commercial Success of Magnum Force, it was only a matter of time before we got a third Dirty Harry!! Despite showing a softer side, as he is seen to be grieving over partners deaths, Harry is still the bullheaded hard nosed detective we remember from Magnum Force and Dirty Harry. Tyne Daly does well in the first strong woman role in the franchise. Harry Guardino and John Mitchum return, Albert Popwell turns up playing a different character for a third time in the franchise.
It's weird, for some reason I always thought Clint directed this one. James Fargo does a good job of directing duties, the action scenes are well done and it's one of Clint's tightest movies. This is a bit lighter than the other two movies, and runs considerably shorter too. Jerry Fielding replaces Lalo Shifrin in scoring the movie. Once again, as usual, Clint is clearly doing his own stunts, and I believe it's the first time a Clint character uses the F word!!
The Enforcer went on to become Clint's biggest commercial hit at that point, grossing $46 million at the domestic box office to end 1976 the ninth highest grossing movie of the year.
OK, not quite "marvelous"
fleagles8 November 1999
Kindler, gentler Dirty Harry film which puts our bureaucracy-hating, crime-busting hero with a female partner played by Tyne Daly, who would later achieve fame on "Cagney & Lacey" and is currently seen on "Judging Amy." Thin plot, some classic Eastwood quotes, but the villains can't match Andy Robinson from "Dirty Harry" or David Soul from "Magnum Force." This might be the weakest Harry of the bunch.
Didn't do much for me.
poolandrews31 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
The Enforcer is set in San Francisco & starts as a terrorist organisation that calls themselves the People's Revolutionary Strike Force break into an arms warehouse & steal a load of rock launchers & various other weapons, homicide cop Frank DiGiorgio (John Mitchum) catches them in the act but is shot by the gang. DiGiorgio dies in hospital the next day & his partner 'Dirty' Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) is annoyed, very annoyed & together with his trusty Magnum sets out to bring the People's Revolutionary Strike Force down single handedly if necessary. Things get complicated though when he gets a new rookie female partner Inspector Kate Moore (Tyne Daly) & the People's Revolutionary Strike Force decide to kidnap the mayor (John Crawford) & hold him to ransom...
Directed by James Fargo this was the third entry in the popular Dirty Harry series of action flicks to star Clint Eastwood as the title character & I must admit The Enforcer didn't do a great deal for me. The fairly routine script by Stirling Silliphant & Dean Riesner which was apparently originally called 'Moving Target' takes itself pretty seriously & just isn't that good I'm afraid, it's well short on action & set-pieces, the story is dull & turns out to be nothing more than a simple kidnapping & as a whole it never got me going. The bad guy's are also underused here, they barely feature at all & after the first few minutes they completely disappear until near the end, the main bad guy Bobby Maxwell has to be one of the weakest on screen baddies ever, he doesn't get any decent lines, he doesn't get much of an opportunity to be evil & he puts up virtually no resistance at the end as Harry blows him away. The one aspect of the film I did like was Harry's partner, I did think The Enforcer was going to turn into a mismatched cop buddy buddy type flick as he is paired up with a woman but it doesn't quite work out that way & while there's mutual respect by the end it never falls into the established clichés. In a way The Enforcer could be described as the very first mismatched partner action flick but it doesn't follow the same path many other's would take after 48 Hrs. (1982) which is more suited to the accolade.
Director Fargo does alright but the film is pretty bland, a bit lifeless & the action scenes are low key to say the least. There's no car chases, very few shot outs, one fight & little in the way of anything spectacular or particularly memorable including a rushed ending. The Enforcer has a somewhat sedate pace & I just found myself losing interest at various points, the whole film just feels lacklustre & like no-one had any enthusiasm apart from Tyne Daly who is pretty good in this a full 6 years before her stint as New York cop Lacey in Cagney & Lacey (1982 - 1988).
Technically the film is alright, there's nothing here that stands out as being particularly good or bad although I really hated some of the 70's style jazz music that played in the background especially during the scene when Harry chases the black dude. Actually shot in San Francisco & on Alcatraz this definitely has a somewhat gritty 70's feel to it. The acting is OK but nothing special.
The Enforcer is an average 70's cop thriller, it doesn't really have enough action for modern audiences tastes & the story itself isn't anything to shout about either. It's OK but nothing special. The Enforcer was the third Dirty Harry film coming after Dirty Harry (1971) & Magnum Force (1973) & was itself followed by two sequels Sudden Impact (1983) & The Dead Pool (1989).
Directed by James Fargo this was the third entry in the popular Dirty Harry series of action flicks to star Clint Eastwood as the title character & I must admit The Enforcer didn't do a great deal for me. The fairly routine script by Stirling Silliphant & Dean Riesner which was apparently originally called 'Moving Target' takes itself pretty seriously & just isn't that good I'm afraid, it's well short on action & set-pieces, the story is dull & turns out to be nothing more than a simple kidnapping & as a whole it never got me going. The bad guy's are also underused here, they barely feature at all & after the first few minutes they completely disappear until near the end, the main bad guy Bobby Maxwell has to be one of the weakest on screen baddies ever, he doesn't get any decent lines, he doesn't get much of an opportunity to be evil & he puts up virtually no resistance at the end as Harry blows him away. The one aspect of the film I did like was Harry's partner, I did think The Enforcer was going to turn into a mismatched cop buddy buddy type flick as he is paired up with a woman but it doesn't quite work out that way & while there's mutual respect by the end it never falls into the established clichés. In a way The Enforcer could be described as the very first mismatched partner action flick but it doesn't follow the same path many other's would take after 48 Hrs. (1982) which is more suited to the accolade.
Director Fargo does alright but the film is pretty bland, a bit lifeless & the action scenes are low key to say the least. There's no car chases, very few shot outs, one fight & little in the way of anything spectacular or particularly memorable including a rushed ending. The Enforcer has a somewhat sedate pace & I just found myself losing interest at various points, the whole film just feels lacklustre & like no-one had any enthusiasm apart from Tyne Daly who is pretty good in this a full 6 years before her stint as New York cop Lacey in Cagney & Lacey (1982 - 1988).
Technically the film is alright, there's nothing here that stands out as being particularly good or bad although I really hated some of the 70's style jazz music that played in the background especially during the scene when Harry chases the black dude. Actually shot in San Francisco & on Alcatraz this definitely has a somewhat gritty 70's feel to it. The acting is OK but nothing special.
The Enforcer is an average 70's cop thriller, it doesn't really have enough action for modern audiences tastes & the story itself isn't anything to shout about either. It's OK but nothing special. The Enforcer was the third Dirty Harry film coming after Dirty Harry (1971) & Magnum Force (1973) & was itself followed by two sequels Sudden Impact (1983) & The Dead Pool (1989).
Another Winner for the Series
Michael_Elliott7 June 2015
The Enforcer (1976)
*** (out of 4)
The third film in the series finds Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) going up against a group of crazed Vietnam vets who take the Mayor hostage and demanding money for him before they not only kill him but blow up the city. With a new partner (Tyne Daly) at his side Harry must try and find out who the group is.
This here is quite as good as the previous film but it's certainly still a winner as everything that makes the series so memorable is on display here and considering it's the third film in the series, it's still rather impressive how fresh the lead character is as well as the story. I think it's fair to say that the story is "B" movie material but it's still very effective and it's certainly good enough to hold your attention from start to finish and of course there are a few twists thrown in as well.
This third film gives Harry a female partner, which allows for various sexist scenes that could only work in a film from this era. The different sex really adds quite a bit to the movie since it does get the laughs that you'd expect in certain scenes but it's also a refreshing take on the genre. By this time the Dirty Harry character was already iconic so the toughness of that character mixed well with the female officer here. It certainly doesn't hurt that Eastwood and Daly have so much chemistry together. The two of them are very effective in their roles with Eastwood clearly at ease playing this tough-as-nails cop who doesn't everything his way. The supporting cast also offers up good performances from Bradford Dillman, John Mitchum, Albert Popwell and Harry Guardino.
THE ENFORCER contains all the elements that made the first two films great entertainment. Of course you get a pretty simple story of good versus evil but what makes it so well here is how it's set up. The opening sequence is downright violent and the cold-blooded nature of this group just makes you hate them to the point where you can't wait to see Harry get revenge. The film also offers up some pretty exciting action sequences including one of the great foot chases ever captured. Add in the top-notch cinematography and the great jazz score and THE ENFORCER is another success.
*** (out of 4)
The third film in the series finds Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) going up against a group of crazed Vietnam vets who take the Mayor hostage and demanding money for him before they not only kill him but blow up the city. With a new partner (Tyne Daly) at his side Harry must try and find out who the group is.
This here is quite as good as the previous film but it's certainly still a winner as everything that makes the series so memorable is on display here and considering it's the third film in the series, it's still rather impressive how fresh the lead character is as well as the story. I think it's fair to say that the story is "B" movie material but it's still very effective and it's certainly good enough to hold your attention from start to finish and of course there are a few twists thrown in as well.
This third film gives Harry a female partner, which allows for various sexist scenes that could only work in a film from this era. The different sex really adds quite a bit to the movie since it does get the laughs that you'd expect in certain scenes but it's also a refreshing take on the genre. By this time the Dirty Harry character was already iconic so the toughness of that character mixed well with the female officer here. It certainly doesn't hurt that Eastwood and Daly have so much chemistry together. The two of them are very effective in their roles with Eastwood clearly at ease playing this tough-as-nails cop who doesn't everything his way. The supporting cast also offers up good performances from Bradford Dillman, John Mitchum, Albert Popwell and Harry Guardino.
THE ENFORCER contains all the elements that made the first two films great entertainment. Of course you get a pretty simple story of good versus evil but what makes it so well here is how it's set up. The opening sequence is downright violent and the cold-blooded nature of this group just makes you hate them to the point where you can't wait to see Harry get revenge. The film also offers up some pretty exciting action sequences including one of the great foot chases ever captured. Add in the top-notch cinematography and the great jazz score and THE ENFORCER is another success.
A step down but good all the same.
alexanderdavies-9938227 June 2017
I tend to agree with other fans of the "Dirty Harry" films that "The Enforcer" is nowhere near as good as the previous two. The villains in this film aren't as interesting or as menacing and John Mitchum being written out was a disappointment to me. It was good to see Harry Guardino again as Lieutenant Bressler and Bradford Dillman is excellent as the Police Chief. He and Clint Eastwood have some good verbal sparring. Tyne Daly is a convincing, gutsy cop. Also, the humour is a bit better than I expected. There are some good action set pieces but the gritty edge from "Dirty Harry" and "Magnum Force" is sorely missed.
Not as enjoyable as the first two, but
r96sk18 January 2022
Not as enjoyable as the first two, but 'The Enforcer' still entertains.
Clint Eastwood is again excellent in reprising the role of Harry Callahan, while the support cast is spearheaded by the likes of Tyne Daly and Harry Guardino. I don't really have much to say that's different from the 1971 and 1973 films, in that it's a fun flick that is paced well; even if, again, it is a drop from its two predecessors.
Clint Eastwood is again excellent in reprising the role of Harry Callahan, while the support cast is spearheaded by the likes of Tyne Daly and Harry Guardino. I don't really have much to say that's different from the 1971 and 1973 films, in that it's a fun flick that is paced well; even if, again, it is a drop from its two predecessors.
More Lighter in Tone, But Still Fun
abbazabakyleman-9883430 March 2020
This is often considered to be the weakest of the Dirty Harry series, but it does still manage to deliver action and violence. Having just completed The Outlaw Josey Wales, Clint Eastwood had plans to direct The Enforcer himself, but instead gave James Fargo a chance in the director's chair. Fargo had worked as an assistant director on many of Clint's previous films, as well as on Steven Spielberg's Duel and The Sugarland Express. Fargo was blown away at the opportunity, but kind of hesitant to take on the job because the movie was quickly rushed into production.
Fargo's account of the story really pay off in this third entry of the franchise: an entertaining rooftop chase, a shootout at the famous Alcatraz prison, and more character development of Harry Callahan. This time, he is reluctantly teamed with an eager beaver police Inspector Kate Moore (Tyne Daly) to nab a gang of ruthless militants terrorizing the city. The characters really shine through, we see a final portrayal of Harry's comic-relief, but tough-as-nails former partner Frank DiGorgio (played by John Mitchum) and the smarmy, no-nonsense Captain McKay (Bradford Dillman), who Harry strongly dislikes. Harry Guardino also reprises his role as Lt. Bressler from the first film, but his character isn't given much to do than serve as yes-man for McKay and trading zingers with Harry from his office. The script actually adds a lot of humor which was mostly absent from the first two films, including a man who fakes a heart attack in a restaurant to get a free meal and ambulance ride and a random scene where Callahan stumbles upon a porno movie crew shooting a stag film inside an apartment.
All in all, this is still an entertaining sequel, even if it does play like a TV movie with some healthy doses of R-rated violence and (surprisingly full-frontal) nudity.
Fargo's account of the story really pay off in this third entry of the franchise: an entertaining rooftop chase, a shootout at the famous Alcatraz prison, and more character development of Harry Callahan. This time, he is reluctantly teamed with an eager beaver police Inspector Kate Moore (Tyne Daly) to nab a gang of ruthless militants terrorizing the city. The characters really shine through, we see a final portrayal of Harry's comic-relief, but tough-as-nails former partner Frank DiGorgio (played by John Mitchum) and the smarmy, no-nonsense Captain McKay (Bradford Dillman), who Harry strongly dislikes. Harry Guardino also reprises his role as Lt. Bressler from the first film, but his character isn't given much to do than serve as yes-man for McKay and trading zingers with Harry from his office. The script actually adds a lot of humor which was mostly absent from the first two films, including a man who fakes a heart attack in a restaurant to get a free meal and ambulance ride and a random scene where Callahan stumbles upon a porno movie crew shooting a stag film inside an apartment.
All in all, this is still an entertaining sequel, even if it does play like a TV movie with some healthy doses of R-rated violence and (surprisingly full-frontal) nudity.
Another AWESOME Dirty Harry Action Cop Thriller With Comedy!!!!
lukem-5276010 September 2021
Tyne Daly is excellent as Kate Moore the new "Female" partner for our tough-as-hell hero Cop Harry Callahan (Eastwood) as they go up against a hippy terrorist group that have kidnapped the Mayor for a big ransom. That's the basic plot for this fun action Thriller & it's two main stars keep it constantly entertaining. Tyne Daly really is great as the headstrong rookie cop teamed up with Harry. Daly gives such a decent performance & comes accross funny, smart & fearless & is very attractive.
Of course the Cinema legend Eastwood is excellent back as No-nonsense Harry & seems to be having more fun here than the previous more serious films.
Now the opening sequence where a sexy hitchhiker gets two delivery men in their van to give her a lift to a ranch type old house up in the hot & sunny hills of San Francisco where the leader of this terrorist team (Deveran Bookwalter) is waiting to kill them both & does so in a scary cold blooded way is one hell of a fantastic opening moment that feels like a Slasher flick but unfortunately the rest of the movie doesn't match up to the scary suspenseful opening sequence & the villains become pretty cardboard & Cartoonish which is a such a shame after that creepy opening.
The music is excellent as usual & really puts you in that sense of time & place, 1970's.
There's plenty of action packed scenes & a solid cast of actors, one being the underrated Bradford Dillman (Piranha) as Harry's Asshole Captain.
I always love the fact Harry is a real man. A man that isn't afraid to stand up to anyone. If there's corruption then Harry will expose it & he will do what's Right even if it's against his Police Politics.
The Enforcer is filmed beautifully & really captured that sunny but windy San Francisco setting.
This is a fun Action Thriller but with comedy tossed in & isn't afraid to get brutal & bloody but it's a Shame the Terrorist team didn't really make a big impact as the bad guys especially after that suspenseful opening setup but hey the movie is still an enjoyable old school action cop film & Eastwood is great as usual.
Of course the Cinema legend Eastwood is excellent back as No-nonsense Harry & seems to be having more fun here than the previous more serious films.
Now the opening sequence where a sexy hitchhiker gets two delivery men in their van to give her a lift to a ranch type old house up in the hot & sunny hills of San Francisco where the leader of this terrorist team (Deveran Bookwalter) is waiting to kill them both & does so in a scary cold blooded way is one hell of a fantastic opening moment that feels like a Slasher flick but unfortunately the rest of the movie doesn't match up to the scary suspenseful opening sequence & the villains become pretty cardboard & Cartoonish which is a such a shame after that creepy opening.
The music is excellent as usual & really puts you in that sense of time & place, 1970's.
There's plenty of action packed scenes & a solid cast of actors, one being the underrated Bradford Dillman (Piranha) as Harry's Asshole Captain.
I always love the fact Harry is a real man. A man that isn't afraid to stand up to anyone. If there's corruption then Harry will expose it & he will do what's Right even if it's against his Police Politics.
The Enforcer is filmed beautifully & really captured that sunny but windy San Francisco setting.
This is a fun Action Thriller but with comedy tossed in & isn't afraid to get brutal & bloody but it's a Shame the Terrorist team didn't really make a big impact as the bad guys especially after that suspenseful opening setup but hey the movie is still an enjoyable old school action cop film & Eastwood is great as usual.
Marvelous!
bsmith555223 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
"The Enforcer" was the third of five Dirty Harry films starring Clint Eastwood. In this installment Harry loses not one but two more partners. This time he's up against a militant group called "The People's Revolutionary Strike Force", a group of disgruntled Viet Nam veterans led by Bobby Maxwell (DeVeran Bockwalter).
A sexy young thing, Miki (Jocelyn Jones) lures two gas workers to a remote cabin where Maxwell murders them and takes over their van. Meanwhile Harry and his partner DiGeorgio (John MItchum) come upon a liquor store hostage taking. Harry crashes his cruiser through the storefront and dispatches the bad guys with his .44 magnum (one of whom is Joe Spano of TV's "Hill Street Blues"). Harry's bosses Capt. McKay (Bradford Dillman) and a more sympathetic Lt. Bressler (Harry Guardino) are upset over the damage caused by Harry's actions.
McKay re-assigns Harry to Personnel (marvelous) where he is part of a board interviewing candidates to become Detective Inspectors, One of these is a young ambitious Kate Moore (Tyne Daly) whom Harry berates. Meanwhile Maxwell and his group take the stolen van to an armory to steal arms. After killing the guard at the gate, the gang proceeds to load up the weapons but are interrupted by DiGeorgio who places them under arrest but is stabbed from behind by Maxwell. DiGeorgio later dies and Cpt. McCay restores Harry to homicide and assigns him a new partner.....Inspector O'Toole (marvelous).
Harry is leery of his inexperienced new partner at first but gradually comes to learn that she is capable after all. They chase a suspected bomber all over San Francisco (nobody ever gets tired in these chases) before O'Toole discovers that she has been carrying a live bomb (marvelous).
Maxwell and his gang kidnap the Mayor (John Crawford) and spirit him off to the abandoned Alcatraz Prison. Harry and O'Toole go after them but first They have to find out where they have taken their hostage. McKay believes that a black organization called "Uhru" is responsible. Harry goes to the leader Mustapha (Albert Popwell) for information. He learns from him information which lead him to the kidnappers. McKay and company then arrive and arrest Mustapha and his followers but Harry later bails him out.
Harry and O'Toole then proceed to Alcatraz after Harry is almost killed in a church by Wanda (Samantha Deane) disguised as a nun. The priest, Father John (M.G. Kelly) has been sympathetic to the gang. Harry does battle with the gang dispatching several of them. O'Toole rescues the Mayor by shooting Buchinski (Robert Hoy) Maxwell's lieutenant. While guiding the Mayor to safety, she is shot by Maxwell while warning Harry of the danger.
Harry then goes after Maxwell, who has re-captured the Mayor and..........................
Tyne Daly would go on to a successful career in the TV series "Kate and Allie". Bockwalter makes a despicable villain especially since he murders the popular DiGeorgio who had been in the two previous films. Albert Popwell also appears in his third "Dirty Harry".
Marvelous!
Followed by two more sequels.
A sexy young thing, Miki (Jocelyn Jones) lures two gas workers to a remote cabin where Maxwell murders them and takes over their van. Meanwhile Harry and his partner DiGeorgio (John MItchum) come upon a liquor store hostage taking. Harry crashes his cruiser through the storefront and dispatches the bad guys with his .44 magnum (one of whom is Joe Spano of TV's "Hill Street Blues"). Harry's bosses Capt. McKay (Bradford Dillman) and a more sympathetic Lt. Bressler (Harry Guardino) are upset over the damage caused by Harry's actions.
McKay re-assigns Harry to Personnel (marvelous) where he is part of a board interviewing candidates to become Detective Inspectors, One of these is a young ambitious Kate Moore (Tyne Daly) whom Harry berates. Meanwhile Maxwell and his group take the stolen van to an armory to steal arms. After killing the guard at the gate, the gang proceeds to load up the weapons but are interrupted by DiGeorgio who places them under arrest but is stabbed from behind by Maxwell. DiGeorgio later dies and Cpt. McCay restores Harry to homicide and assigns him a new partner.....Inspector O'Toole (marvelous).
Harry is leery of his inexperienced new partner at first but gradually comes to learn that she is capable after all. They chase a suspected bomber all over San Francisco (nobody ever gets tired in these chases) before O'Toole discovers that she has been carrying a live bomb (marvelous).
Maxwell and his gang kidnap the Mayor (John Crawford) and spirit him off to the abandoned Alcatraz Prison. Harry and O'Toole go after them but first They have to find out where they have taken their hostage. McKay believes that a black organization called "Uhru" is responsible. Harry goes to the leader Mustapha (Albert Popwell) for information. He learns from him information which lead him to the kidnappers. McKay and company then arrive and arrest Mustapha and his followers but Harry later bails him out.
Harry and O'Toole then proceed to Alcatraz after Harry is almost killed in a church by Wanda (Samantha Deane) disguised as a nun. The priest, Father John (M.G. Kelly) has been sympathetic to the gang. Harry does battle with the gang dispatching several of them. O'Toole rescues the Mayor by shooting Buchinski (Robert Hoy) Maxwell's lieutenant. While guiding the Mayor to safety, she is shot by Maxwell while warning Harry of the danger.
Harry then goes after Maxwell, who has re-captured the Mayor and..........................
Tyne Daly would go on to a successful career in the TV series "Kate and Allie". Bockwalter makes a despicable villain especially since he murders the popular DiGeorgio who had been in the two previous films. Albert Popwell also appears in his third "Dirty Harry".
Marvelous!
Followed by two more sequels.
Sometime You Need Neanderthals In The Department
bkoganbing3 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
It might not be the best of the Dirty Harry films, but The Enforcer is my favorite one. This is the one where the sexist side of Inspector Harry Callahan is explored and challenged.
Clint Eastwood is now on some dead end assignment in the San Francisco PD because he's once again offended someone powerful. He's now reviewing applicants for promotion. But when a robbery occurs of an armory and some heavy duty weapons are stolen, the SFPD has to turn to Dirty Harry.
In this case something called the People's Liberation Strike Force with those weapons and explosives now start making demands on the city of San Francisco.
A lot of dead bodies pile up in this one, including John Mitchum in his third and final appearance in a Dirty Harry film. Mitchum was one of the detectives in the SFPD Homicide Squad and had a peripheral role in the first two films. Here he becomes Clint's partner and actually uncovers the hideout of the militants, but the leader gets the drop on him and kills him.
Harry Guardino returns as Eastwood's immediate superior, Guardino was absent from Magnum Force, he figured prominently as the constantly harassed superior. Bradford Dillman is an ambitious politically minded captain, who gets the liberal mayor, John Crawford's ear.
Tyne Daly gives the best performance, probably her best big screen role as the female partner Eastwood is assigned with. It's part of the new look the SFPD is being given. She's quite the inexperienced klutz at first, something Clint doesn't really need. In the end she really does redeem herself. And Clint loses a bit off the testosterone here.
The final shootout with the militants who've hidden out on deserted Alcatraz Island is the best climax of any of the Dirty Harry films. The Enforcer's got the best ending of any Dirty Harry film.
As you gather some punks chose to try their luck with Dirty Harry.
Clint Eastwood is now on some dead end assignment in the San Francisco PD because he's once again offended someone powerful. He's now reviewing applicants for promotion. But when a robbery occurs of an armory and some heavy duty weapons are stolen, the SFPD has to turn to Dirty Harry.
In this case something called the People's Liberation Strike Force with those weapons and explosives now start making demands on the city of San Francisco.
A lot of dead bodies pile up in this one, including John Mitchum in his third and final appearance in a Dirty Harry film. Mitchum was one of the detectives in the SFPD Homicide Squad and had a peripheral role in the first two films. Here he becomes Clint's partner and actually uncovers the hideout of the militants, but the leader gets the drop on him and kills him.
Harry Guardino returns as Eastwood's immediate superior, Guardino was absent from Magnum Force, he figured prominently as the constantly harassed superior. Bradford Dillman is an ambitious politically minded captain, who gets the liberal mayor, John Crawford's ear.
Tyne Daly gives the best performance, probably her best big screen role as the female partner Eastwood is assigned with. It's part of the new look the SFPD is being given. She's quite the inexperienced klutz at first, something Clint doesn't really need. In the end she really does redeem herself. And Clint loses a bit off the testosterone here.
The final shootout with the militants who've hidden out on deserted Alcatraz Island is the best climax of any of the Dirty Harry films. The Enforcer's got the best ending of any Dirty Harry film.
As you gather some punks chose to try their luck with Dirty Harry.
Not the best one
leavymusic-21 October 2021
It has moments, but compared to previous Harrys it is a little flabby and comedic in parts, it doesn't have the grit of the first two, acting is a bit forced and doesn't flow, kind of feels more like a TV movie, also the music didn't have the same dirty funk vibe of last.
So it sounds line a mess? Not at all, it's still a good watch and Eastlwood keeps it' special, without him it would have been a turkey & it simply doesn't command like the first two, but fans of the series still lap it up.
So it sounds line a mess? Not at all, it's still a good watch and Eastlwood keeps it' special, without him it would have been a turkey & it simply doesn't command like the first two, but fans of the series still lap it up.
The best sequel of the Dirty Harry series!
hnt_dnl22 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The original "Dirty Harry" film is a masterpiece of filmmaking, a bleak, spare morality tale and social commentary on the flawed justice system that introduced the iconic San Francisco detective to the ranks of the best cops portrayed on film and essentially re-defined the trajectory of Clint Eastwood's career. Yeah, Eastwood had already nailed the anti-heroic Western loner in the 60s, BUT in the 70s thanks to the role of Dirty Harry, he was able to tweak his cool, macho persona just enough to create a new, invigorating character.
Harry Callahan may actually be similar on the surface to Eastwood's "Man With No Name" Western hero, but there are definite subtleties that make Harry a more relatable type of hero. For example, in the first film, we find out that Harry is a widower in a very brief, yet immensely well-played scene when he is being treated by a longtime doctor friend for his wounds obtained in the film's early legendary "Do you feel lucky?" shootout. Anyone in Harry's situation could relate to such loss, however long ago it happened. It's nice little scenes like this that make Harry "one of us", and not just some otherworldly tough guy. Then there's Harry's legendary speech to the Mayor on how he feels about criminals. I imagine that's how a LOT of people actually feel, but Harry is that rare breed that's got the stones to voice his opinion! Harry speaks for the majority. The ending to "Dirty Harry" is still one of the most powerful ever put to celluloid. It was the real Best Picture of 1971, anyway you slice it!
Interestingly, most people actually like virtually all of the sequels (except perhaps for "The Dead Pool"), but you can't win them all! Still, for 3 out of 4 sequels to be good, that's something. In actuality, I think the majority opinion is that each sequel declines in quality from the prior film. I disagree. While I still think "Dirty Harry" is the best of all (obviously), I don't think the immediate sequel "Magnum Force" is the best sequel. I believe that honor actually goes to this film THE ENFORCER (1976). "Magnum Force", while somewhat watchable, is a bit too cold and detached and, really, the least relatable of the group of films, next to "The Dead Pool". Definitely not my favorite. As a sequel, I feel as if "The Enforcer" comes closest of all of them of deftly relaying the message of the Dirty Harry films, while being able to tell a different, yet compelling, story.
"The Enforcer" starts out with a scene of a sexy hitchhiker (70s blonde bombshell Jocelyn Jones sporting the "Daisy Duke" look even before the term was coined!) goading two gullible and horny gas company employees to a private location, where lay in wait is Bobby Maxwell (played with bug-eyed intensity by DeVeren Bookwalter), a disgruntled Vietnam vet and leader of the People's Revolutionary Strike Force. Maxwell kills the 2 men so he can confiscate their van to infiltrate a secure warehouse to steal advanced weapons so they can wreak havoc in the city, all the while leading up to a grander plan that involves kidnapping the Mayor to make a bold statement.
During the warehouse melee, Harry's partner DiGiorgio (commendably played by John Mitchum) is killed trying to stop the terrorist gang, but not before he is able to fatally injure one of them. Maxwell takes no chances and finishes off the injured party in a disturbing moment. So Harry is assigned a new partner Officer Kate Moore (winningly played by a very young Tyne Daly in a breakthrough role), who is immediately promoted to detective after having just passed an oral screening exam, of which Harry was one of the testers. The exam scene was my favorite of the film! Harry, being somewhat of a misogynist, reluctantly partners with Moore and their uneasy alliance is fun to watch throughout, as Eastwood and Daly display appealing yin-yang chemistry.
During their investigation into the war on the city, Harry's superiors, in particular the vain, media-schmoozing Captain McKay (convincingly played by Bradford Dillman) try to compel him to harass an infamous local group of black militants, let by Mustapha (persuasively played by Albert Popwell, a stalwart supporting player in the "Dirty Harry" franchise). The scenes between Harry and Mustapha are very compelling, as the two men, while they have similar viewpoints on the MAN and the corrupt, ill-operated justice system, Harry hasn't completely given up on it, while Mustapha is a total rebel.
But as the film progresses and Harry sees that his superiors are targeting the wrong group, even after he and Moore have gathered some feasible circumstantial evidence, he gets himself suspended. Soon after, the real terrorists kidnap the Mayor and McKay re-instates Harry as Harry and Moore pursue the terrorists in a pulse-pounding climax at the infamous Alcatraz prison (shot on location). The ending scene to this sequel, for me, really resonates and I have it as easily the second best one in all the films. I'm sure you can guess which ending I rank as Number 1!
Eastwood easily fits into his iconic role here carries the show with cool, calm precision. And Daly, in a groundbreaking role, plays my favorite partner to Harry Callahan. This role probably set the stage for her to become the Lacey half of "Cagney and Lacey", for which she would go onto to win FOUR Lead Actress in a Drama Series Emmys! Directed by James Fargo, I find "The Enforcer" to be a very provocative and fluid film that never stalls and tells a compelling story. Easily the best sequel to "Dirty Harry" for me!
Harry Callahan may actually be similar on the surface to Eastwood's "Man With No Name" Western hero, but there are definite subtleties that make Harry a more relatable type of hero. For example, in the first film, we find out that Harry is a widower in a very brief, yet immensely well-played scene when he is being treated by a longtime doctor friend for his wounds obtained in the film's early legendary "Do you feel lucky?" shootout. Anyone in Harry's situation could relate to such loss, however long ago it happened. It's nice little scenes like this that make Harry "one of us", and not just some otherworldly tough guy. Then there's Harry's legendary speech to the Mayor on how he feels about criminals. I imagine that's how a LOT of people actually feel, but Harry is that rare breed that's got the stones to voice his opinion! Harry speaks for the majority. The ending to "Dirty Harry" is still one of the most powerful ever put to celluloid. It was the real Best Picture of 1971, anyway you slice it!
Interestingly, most people actually like virtually all of the sequels (except perhaps for "The Dead Pool"), but you can't win them all! Still, for 3 out of 4 sequels to be good, that's something. In actuality, I think the majority opinion is that each sequel declines in quality from the prior film. I disagree. While I still think "Dirty Harry" is the best of all (obviously), I don't think the immediate sequel "Magnum Force" is the best sequel. I believe that honor actually goes to this film THE ENFORCER (1976). "Magnum Force", while somewhat watchable, is a bit too cold and detached and, really, the least relatable of the group of films, next to "The Dead Pool". Definitely not my favorite. As a sequel, I feel as if "The Enforcer" comes closest of all of them of deftly relaying the message of the Dirty Harry films, while being able to tell a different, yet compelling, story.
"The Enforcer" starts out with a scene of a sexy hitchhiker (70s blonde bombshell Jocelyn Jones sporting the "Daisy Duke" look even before the term was coined!) goading two gullible and horny gas company employees to a private location, where lay in wait is Bobby Maxwell (played with bug-eyed intensity by DeVeren Bookwalter), a disgruntled Vietnam vet and leader of the People's Revolutionary Strike Force. Maxwell kills the 2 men so he can confiscate their van to infiltrate a secure warehouse to steal advanced weapons so they can wreak havoc in the city, all the while leading up to a grander plan that involves kidnapping the Mayor to make a bold statement.
During the warehouse melee, Harry's partner DiGiorgio (commendably played by John Mitchum) is killed trying to stop the terrorist gang, but not before he is able to fatally injure one of them. Maxwell takes no chances and finishes off the injured party in a disturbing moment. So Harry is assigned a new partner Officer Kate Moore (winningly played by a very young Tyne Daly in a breakthrough role), who is immediately promoted to detective after having just passed an oral screening exam, of which Harry was one of the testers. The exam scene was my favorite of the film! Harry, being somewhat of a misogynist, reluctantly partners with Moore and their uneasy alliance is fun to watch throughout, as Eastwood and Daly display appealing yin-yang chemistry.
During their investigation into the war on the city, Harry's superiors, in particular the vain, media-schmoozing Captain McKay (convincingly played by Bradford Dillman) try to compel him to harass an infamous local group of black militants, let by Mustapha (persuasively played by Albert Popwell, a stalwart supporting player in the "Dirty Harry" franchise). The scenes between Harry and Mustapha are very compelling, as the two men, while they have similar viewpoints on the MAN and the corrupt, ill-operated justice system, Harry hasn't completely given up on it, while Mustapha is a total rebel.
But as the film progresses and Harry sees that his superiors are targeting the wrong group, even after he and Moore have gathered some feasible circumstantial evidence, he gets himself suspended. Soon after, the real terrorists kidnap the Mayor and McKay re-instates Harry as Harry and Moore pursue the terrorists in a pulse-pounding climax at the infamous Alcatraz prison (shot on location). The ending scene to this sequel, for me, really resonates and I have it as easily the second best one in all the films. I'm sure you can guess which ending I rank as Number 1!
Eastwood easily fits into his iconic role here carries the show with cool, calm precision. And Daly, in a groundbreaking role, plays my favorite partner to Harry Callahan. This role probably set the stage for her to become the Lacey half of "Cagney and Lacey", for which she would go onto to win FOUR Lead Actress in a Drama Series Emmys! Directed by James Fargo, I find "The Enforcer" to be a very provocative and fluid film that never stalls and tells a compelling story. Easily the best sequel to "Dirty Harry" for me!
Here's a seven-point suppository!
hitchcockthelegend7 June 2019
The Enforcer is directed by James Fargo and collectively written by Harry Julian Fink, Rita M. Fink, Stirling Silliphant, Dean Riesner, Gail Morgan Hickman and S.W. Schurr. It stars Clint Eastwood, Tyne Daly, Harry Guardino, Bradford Dillman, DeVeren Bookwalter and John Mitchum. Music is by Jerry Fielding and cinematography by Charles W. Short.
Dirty Harry Callahan is tasked with foiling a terrorist organization made up of supposed revolutionaries. However, when he's partnered by a rookie female cop he's far from best pleased and feels sure she's out of her depth.
This is the third entry of what would eventually become five Clint Eastwood starring Dirty Harry films. Sensing the need to inject a bit of freshness to what was obviously going to be a safe "no nonsense cop" formula, the makers introduce a nifty complexity to Callahan's world by pairing him up with a female cop - one that's fresh out of school. So with Callahan's propensity for being irked about partners in general, and his suspected misogyny dangled by his superiors, this is a forward thinking turn of events by the writers.
From a narrative stand point director Fargo (for his feature film debut) doesn't deviate from what made the previous two films a success. Pacing is steady so that this allows dramatic character interplays to breathe, and forceful action sequences bounce into the fray at various junctures. This is not however detrimental to the story, which zips along and is punctured by customary Dirty Harry humour. The relationship between Harry and Kate (passable but not quite a great casting choice) builds through various stages, from begrudging mentor and pupil beginnings, to something that actually ends up rather touching.
Sadly this "Dirty Harry" film lacks great villainy, the People's Revolutionary Strike Force come off as a mixed bunch of psychos and confused hippies, with not enough screen time for their leader (Bookwalter) to impact greatly on proceedings. Be that as it may, there's enough for Callahan to chew on, with the gruff straight talking cop surrounded by the usual moronic bureaucrats and handy allies (the always great Albert Popwell in a customary appearance). Where it stands with fans of the Dirty Harry series as a whole is unclear? for The Enforcer appears to now be fondly remembered more the decades have passed. But it certainly is no dead loss and a strong 7/10 rating I feel is fully justified.
Dirty Harry Callahan is tasked with foiling a terrorist organization made up of supposed revolutionaries. However, when he's partnered by a rookie female cop he's far from best pleased and feels sure she's out of her depth.
This is the third entry of what would eventually become five Clint Eastwood starring Dirty Harry films. Sensing the need to inject a bit of freshness to what was obviously going to be a safe "no nonsense cop" formula, the makers introduce a nifty complexity to Callahan's world by pairing him up with a female cop - one that's fresh out of school. So with Callahan's propensity for being irked about partners in general, and his suspected misogyny dangled by his superiors, this is a forward thinking turn of events by the writers.
From a narrative stand point director Fargo (for his feature film debut) doesn't deviate from what made the previous two films a success. Pacing is steady so that this allows dramatic character interplays to breathe, and forceful action sequences bounce into the fray at various junctures. This is not however detrimental to the story, which zips along and is punctured by customary Dirty Harry humour. The relationship between Harry and Kate (passable but not quite a great casting choice) builds through various stages, from begrudging mentor and pupil beginnings, to something that actually ends up rather touching.
Sadly this "Dirty Harry" film lacks great villainy, the People's Revolutionary Strike Force come off as a mixed bunch of psychos and confused hippies, with not enough screen time for their leader (Bookwalter) to impact greatly on proceedings. Be that as it may, there's enough for Callahan to chew on, with the gruff straight talking cop surrounded by the usual moronic bureaucrats and handy allies (the always great Albert Popwell in a customary appearance). Where it stands with fans of the Dirty Harry series as a whole is unclear? for The Enforcer appears to now be fondly remembered more the decades have passed. But it certainly is no dead loss and a strong 7/10 rating I feel is fully justified.
Weak third entry in the Dirty Harry series.
BA_Harrison22 August 2013
The Enforcer sees tough San Francisco cop Harry Callahan less than enthralled to be partnered with inexperienced female inspector Kate Moore (Tyne Daly), who he considers to be far from suitable for the job. However, rather predictably, as the pair proceed to track down a gang of heavily armed terrorists, Moore proves her worth and Callahan's feelings towards the woman gradually change.
The dilution of Harry Callahan's fascist persona continues in this, the third in Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry series, in which anti-hero Harry learns that his prejudices against women are unwarranted. The silly 'battle of the sexes' plot provides the film with some lame moments of humour at the expense of Daly, before giving her the opportunity to show what she is really capable of under pressure, ultimately sacrificing her life to save her partner.
Naff female equality issues aside, The Enforcer also suffers from tepid direction from James Fargo (apart from the nudity and violence, this feels very much like a made for TV movie), stereotypical comic-book bad guys, and horrible, generic 'jazzy' music (although a Lalo Schifrin score would have been way too stylish for this!).
The dilution of Harry Callahan's fascist persona continues in this, the third in Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry series, in which anti-hero Harry learns that his prejudices against women are unwarranted. The silly 'battle of the sexes' plot provides the film with some lame moments of humour at the expense of Daly, before giving her the opportunity to show what she is really capable of under pressure, ultimately sacrificing her life to save her partner.
Naff female equality issues aside, The Enforcer also suffers from tepid direction from James Fargo (apart from the nudity and violence, this feels very much like a made for TV movie), stereotypical comic-book bad guys, and horrible, generic 'jazzy' music (although a Lalo Schifrin score would have been way too stylish for this!).
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