“The French Connection” Trivia!

Matthew Jackson at Mental Floss posted 14 Fascinating Facts About The French Connection.  Reading some of these facts it becomes clear that The French Connection was a longshot to be made let alone win five Academy Awards including Best Picture.  Here are three of my favorite facts and my thoughts.  Check ’em out and then click over for all the facts and details!

THE FRENCH CONNECTION WAS TURNED DOWN BY ALMOST EVERY STUDIO.  (Dick Zanuck at 20th Century Fox said he’d bankroll the film if it could be done for 1.5 million. Luckily for film fans, it could be. – Craig)

GENE HACKMAN WAS NOT THE FIRST CHOICE FOR POPEYE DOYLE.  (The film’s director, William Friedkin, wanted Jackie Gleason (?) or Jimmy Breslin (??) for the lead.  Another star considered was Rod Taylor.  Ultimately it came down to take Hackman as the lead or risk losing the movie.  Friedkin agreed to Hackman. – Craig)

FERNANDO REY WAS CAST BECAUSE OF A MIXUP. (Friedkin told the casting director  “let’s get that French guy that was in Belle de Jour…”  The casting director thought Friedkin was talking about Fernando Rey — but he wasn’t!  Friedkin signed Rey, sight unseen and it wasn’t until they met on the set that Friedkin realized the mistake and it was too late to make a change! – Craig)