The new centurions

"The New Centurions" is a 1972 American crime drama film directed by John Schlesinger and starring George C. Scott, Stacy Keach, and Jane Alexander.

The film is based on the 1968 novel of the same name by Joseph Wambaugh, who was a police officer in Los Angeles at the time. The story follows three rookie police officers, Andy Renko (Stacy Keach), John Harris (George C. Scott), and Norm Maldonado (Scott Wilson), as they navigate the challenges of their new careers on the Los Angeles Police Department.

The film explores the gritty and often brutal realities of police work, including corruption, violence, and the psychological toll it takes on the officers. The title "The New Centurions" refers to the idea that police officers are modern-day centurions, protecting and serving their community, but also struggling with the moral implications of their work.

The film received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of police work and its exploration of the complexities of the human condition. George C. Scott's performance as John Harris, a veteran officer who becomes a mentor to the three rookies, was particularly praised.

"The New Centurions" is considered a classic of the police procedural genre and has been influential in shaping the way police work is portrayed in film and television. It is often cited as one of the greatest police movies of all time, and its themes and characters continue to resonate with audiences today.