Serpico is a 1973 English language film based on the true story of New York City policeman Frank Serpico. Serpico eventually went undercover to expose the corruption of his fellow officers, after being pushed to the brink at first by their distrust and later by the threats and intimidation they leveled against him.

Plot:

Serpico is a 1973 English language film based on the true story of New York City policeman Frank Serpico. Serpico eventually went undercover to expose the corruption of his fellow officers, after being pushed to the brink at first by their distrust and later by the threats and intimidation they leveled against him.

Production:

The real-life Frank Serpico wished to be present during the filming of the movie based on his life. Initially he was permitted to stay but was eventually dismissed from the filming as director Sidney Lumet was worried that his presence would make the actors (particularly lead actor Al Pacino) self-conscious.

The story was filmed in the streets of New York City. Frank Serpico's former residence at 5-7 Minetta St. between Perry and Greenwich in Manhattan's Greenwich Village was used in the movie. A total of 105 different locations in four of the five boroughs of New York City were used. No filming took place in Staten Island.

Prior to any work on the movie, producer Martin Bregman had lunch with biographical book author Peter Maas to discuss a film adaptation. Waldo Salt, a screenwriter, began to write the script which director Sidney Lumet deemed to be too long. Another screenwriter, Norman Wexler , did the structural work followed by play lines. Screenwriter Sidney Kingsley also wrote and did structural work on the script.

Director John G. Avildsen was originally slated to direct the movie, but was demoted to assistant director due to differences with producer Bregman. Sidney Lumet took the helm as director just before filming.

Woodie King Jr., originally cast as a hoodlum, was replaced after suffering a broken leg while filming a chase scene for this movie. He returned to the set two months later to play Leslie's friend Larry in the party scene.

The movie was adapted by Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler from the biographical book of the same title written by Peter Maas. It was directed by Sidney Lumet. The original music theme has been composed by Mikis Theodorakis and its Greek name is Dromoi Palaioi.

It was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Al Pacino) and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.

Serpico is considered by many to be a classic film. Pacino's performance in the movie is widely considered as one of his best. His role as Frank Serpico is ranked at #40 on the American Film Institutes "100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains" list. The film is also ranked at #84 on the American Film Institutes "100 Years... 100 Cheers: America's Most Inspiring Movies" list.

Serpico was made into a 1976 television series starring David Birney. There was also a movie made in the same year, called Serpico The Deadly Game also starring Birney.