When Tough Guys Ruled the Cinema- Episode 13: Seven Ups

When New York is invested with crime and all that is left is not to stop it completely, but prevent it from exacerbating, Buddy Manuchi, (played by Roy Schieder,“Jaws,” “The French Connection“), a tough-as-nails New York City police investigator, is assigned to start a private taskforce known as “The Seven-Ups.”

Taking down criminals that, if convicted, will face a maximum of seven years in prison, Manuchi is out for revenge after the death of his partner. After receiving information from informant Vito Lucia, played by Tony Lo Bianco (“Boiling Point,” “La Chance”), Manuchi has the fuel to begin his crusade.

Playing a cool, but rowdy cop with an intense personality Schieder seems to be in perfect character throughout this film – at times calm, cool and collected.

However, his fuse often tends to be a short one. When he shows his anger, he not only displays his eloquent skills as a devoted actor, but he makes your head spin. Highly charismatic, he holds your attention throughout the flick, leading you to trust his motives as a good man who wants to avenge his partner – one who will seemingly go to any extreme to get his answers.

The major car chase scene in the film is a perfect example of a ride that will have your heart go up to your throat and leave your adrenaline pumping. Like the ones in “Bullitt” and “The French Connection,” this scene involves the screeching tires and an unexpected and shocking ending that will have you jump from your seat. The scene itself is incredibly unique, as the stuntman involved in the chase could have been killed if any mistakes during the end of it were not executed properly. That alone tells you that this film is authentic and that nothing unorganic was involved with shooting that particular scene.

This is just one reason why this film is a pure treasure and instant classic. It does not have the action that “Bullitt” and “The French Connection” have, but it does have the excitement that will keep you interested as you anxiously await its climax. It is not often that you watch a motion picture in which you want revenge just as badly as the main character – that is how much influence this movie will have on the audience. “The Seven-Ups” is a film that should definitely be seen. It might even cost you seven years in prison if not watched.

Don’t tell Manuchi that though.