Brannigan (1975) – London Was Never More Exciting. The 1975 movie, finds Chicago cop Brannigan (John Wayne) in London, England. He’s been rushed over to arrest and bring back fugitive Ben Larkin. This is not John Wayne’s first movie as a police officer. He’d just done McQ in 1973, which hadn’t faired too well. Expectations were low for this one as well. And its lukewarm reception in the US was no surprise.
Thapson
But unlike McQ, which was shot in the United States, Brannigan is shot in London. For me, that makes all the difference and a treat to watch this movie.
Synopsis
After a quick introduction to him, Brannigan’s suddenly sent off to track down Ben Larkin, who’s escaped to London, England.
Things get lively the moment Brannigan lands in London, and met by his official contact: the quintessentially English Det. Sgt. Jennifer Thatcher (Judy Geeson).
He’s immediately followed by the arrival of a mysterious Mr. Gorman (Daniel Pilon) who’s in London for the “pleasure” of killing Brannigan. Watch for the goof in this scene.
Unfortunately for Brannigan, Larkin’s vanished from Scotland Yard’s radar in an elaborate plan to escape to South America. Brannigan’s got his work cut out for him as having to track Larkin down, while avoiding, unbeknownst to him, Gorman’s attempts to kill him.
Non-stop action in the streets of London follows Brannigan’s attempts to nab Larkin, ending in an exciting finale. Does he succeed? How does he tackle Gorman? Watch the movie for the answers.
Main Cast
John Wayne as Brannigan
Judy Geeson as Det. Sgt. Thatcher
Richard Attenborough as Commander Swann
Mel Ferrer as Fields
John Vernon as Larkin
Daniel Pilon as Gorman
My Take
The story itself is nothing new, but it’s John Wayne’s larger than life personality, and his interaction with the British (professional and personal) that really make the movie a fun watch.
Also, the cinematography is so good, one almost feels like you are back in 1970s London. In fact, it’s a delight to observe mid-70s London as it provides a breathtaking backdrop giving the movie its unique feel. One of the highlights is the iconic scene at the Tower of London.
Sir Richard Attenborough, with his British sensibilities, does a stellar job too as he tries to reign in the rampant Brannigan.
Having watched the movie when it came out in the 70s, I was very excited when I got the opportunity to see it again after almost five decades. I was not disappointed and was reminded why I liked it back then.
Brannigan Trivia
John Wayne was not in the best of health while shooting this movie, having recently recovered from pneumonia, and diagnosed with a heart ailment
Judy Geeson’s first memorable role was student Pamela Dare in “To Sir with Love” (1967) opposite Sidney Poitier
It was only due to the influence of member Sir Richard Attenborough, that cameras were allowed in the Garrick Club where Brannigan is asked to put on a tie before entering
This is only the second movie in which John Wayne played a “Dirty Harry” style cop
Despite “failing” in the United States, Quentin Tarantino is a fan of this movie
Both Vernon James and Daniel Pilon are Canadian born
Not Trivia, but a goof: Gorman’s not asked to take off his sunglasses on presenting his passport – a strange oversight
HD Retro Trailers / YouTube
Final Words
I loved “Brannigan” as a kid, despite not being a John Wayne fan. With his inimitable swagger, he was fantastic as a cop. The contrast between him, Sir Richard Attenborough, Scotland Yard, and the British system are priceless.
The other big star after John Wayne, in this movie, is the City of London. Many movies have captured the unique sights and sounds of London, but Brannigan seems to do it better.
If you’re an Anglophile, but enjoy all-American style action, this movie has it. John Vernon, Mel Ferrer, Daniel Pilon, and the citizens of London deserve credit for their contribution.
That Quentin Tarantino is a fan of this movie, you know it was ahead of its time. A wonderful movie if you’re in the mood for John Wayne without cowboy hat and horse, but a penchant for getting things done his way.
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