"French Connection" is a 1971 crime thriller film directed by William Friedkin. It stars Gene Hackman as Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle, who is on a mission to intercept a large heroin shipment from France to New York City. The film is known for its gritty realism and intense action sequences, including a famous car chase. The screenplay, written by Ernest Tidyman, is based on the true story of a drug smuggling operation. "French Connection" received critical acclaim, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hackman. It remains a significant work in the genre of crime cinema.