Popeye Doyle

Popeye Doyle

Cover

Country	USA
Directed by	Peter Levin
Release Date	1986
Studio	20th Century Fox Television
Distributor	NBC Television

Main Cast
Character	Actor
Popeye Doyle	Ed O'Neill
Det. Parese	Matthew Laurance
Auram Bardas / The Weasel	Nicholas Kadi
Itan Kellerman	George de la Peña

Popeye Doyle is a rather obscure sequel to The French Connection and French Connection II. Made for television it was originally intended as a pilot for a television series about the further adventures of New York City Police Detective James "Popeye" Doyle. Written and produced by Richard Di Lello (who was credited for the story of the 1988 film Colors) and with Eddie Egan as technical adviser, the series was never purchased, but oremiered on NBC as a television movie in September of 1986. Ed O'Neill took over the role of Popeye and did good work, however, he chose to play the character in a lighter vein instead of the heavy and intense portrayal that made Gene Hackman famous. Unfortunately, the movie has not been released on VHS or DVD, but can be seen occasionally late at night on the Fox Movie Channel. This film was also the first screen role for veteran actor J.K. Simmons, who has a few lines as a uniformed police officer.

The following weapons were used in the film Popeye Doyle:

Smith & Wesson Model 36

Popeye Doyle (Ed O'Neill) carries a round butt Smith & Wesson Model 36 in an ankle holster, like in French Connection II (he carried a Colt Detective Special in The French Connection).

Smith & Wesson Model 36 - .38 Special

A good shot of the front of the S&W 36, showing off the five shots in the cylinder.

Popeye Doyle reloads while he has a chance.

Doyle's S&W 36 in his ankle holster.

Smith & Wesson Model 27

Doyle's partner, Det. Parese (Matthew Laurance) carries a Smith & Wesson Model 27. In reality, the Model 27 was not on the NYPD's approved carry list.

Smith & Wesson Model 27 with 4" barrel - .357 Magnum

Det. Parese (Matthew Laurence) with his Smith & Wesson Model 27.

A quick glimpse of Parese's S&W 27 during the opening chase of the deli bandits.

A glimpse of Parese's gun as he and Doyle are ambushed. Note the target sights.

Browning BDA

Auram Bardas / The Weasel (Nicholas Kadi) uses a Browning BDA towards the end of the movie.

Browning BDA 9x19mm, 9x21mm IMI

The Weasel pulls his BDA out of the mop bucket.

The Weasel fires on Doyle and Kellerman.

The Weasel takes a nurse hostage to escape Doyle and Kellerman

A nice moonlit shot of the Browning BDA.

1911A1 Government

Mossad agent Itan Kellerman (George de la Peña) carries what appears to be be a military issue Model 1911A1 Government complete with the Parkerized finish. "Deli Bandit #2" (Phil Neilson) also carries an M1911A1.

World War II issued Colt M1911A1 Pistol - .45 ACP

Kellerman preps his M1911A1 with scope.

A lot of nice beauty shots of the M1911A1 in this film.

Kellerman aims his M1911A1.

Doyle slips Kellerman another M1911A1 after his original was presumably confiscated by the police.

Walther P38

Auram Bardas / The Weasel (Nicholas Kadi) weapon of choice for half the film is a suppressed Walther P38.

Walther P38 WWII dated with black grips - 9x19mm

The Weasel waits with his suppressed P38 in Doyle's apartment.

The business end of The Weasel's P38.

Uzi

An Uzi Submachine gun is used by Marta Spinoza (Alexandra Innes) who comes after Doyle and Parese. (Alexandra Innes is credited as "Marta Rodriguez," but "Marta Spinoza" is the only "Marta" mentioned in the film.)