Brannigan

This action-packed, British thriller from 1975 not only boasts dry dialogue, incredible stunts and panoramic views of 1970s London – it also boasts John ‘Duke’ Wayne in the title role – the only English film he ever made! When veteran Chicago detective Lt. Brannigan (yes, Wayne) is dispatched to London to bring back a notorious gangster, he gets a lot more than he bargained for… and it’s nothing of the pleasant kind!

Most top American stars (and make no bones about it in this case) seem to have been persuaded at least at one time in their careers to come to good Old Blighty and star in a film. We have no exception when it comes to the towering 'Duke' himself - that is, of course, the great John Wayne. Here we witness 'the king of Westerns' playing an ageing (Wayne was in his late 60's at the time of filming) Chicago detective sent on a mission to London by his boss (a tiny part for Ralph Meeker) in order to help extradite big-wig mobster Ben Larkin (John Vernon). From the brief pre-amble in Chicago we get a pretty good idea as to what kind of 'no holds barred’ that ‘sonafabitch’ Brannigan is. By the way, before he flies out, Brannigan is also informed that Larkin has put a contract out on him!

In London, we see Larkin and his ever faithful, extremely slippery lawyer Mel Fields (Mel Ferrer) walking the streets of Westminster discussing Larkin’s future: he rather likes London (possibly not now he wouldn't) but Mel informs him that he has no option but to get out of London and beyond the United States down to South America due to U.S. extradition laws. Meanwhile, Brannigan has arrived at Heathrow to be greeted by Detective Sergeant Jennifer Thatcher (Judy Geeson) who is to be the big fella’s escort. Things move at a nice pace here (one thing that could be said of most of Hickox’ films) and Larkin is soon kidnapped by British crooks ‘Charlie-the-handle’ and Drexel (James Booth and Del Henney respectively) while having a sauna at the R.A.C. Club. The victim is then held to ransom - the swines even chop his finger off to prove they mean business. Brannigan meets Thatcher’s boss Commander Swann (the indomitable Richard Attenborough) at the posh Garrick Club (apparently it was Dickie who got permission to film at the club thanks to his being a long standing member). In some amusing scenes, Swann soon realises that he is going to clash big time with the ‘yank' about the difference in policing methods: Brannigan carries a gun whereas London was known in the U.S. as 'the city without guns'. Gun carrying is not the only difference here: when cultivated Swann tries to impress Brannigan by ordering Dover sole and a bottle of expensive wine, Brannigan, on the other hand, seems to favour Cowboy-style fodder (eggs, bacon and beans) and a boilermaker cocktail (beer with a shot of whisky) – much to the embarrassment of Swann!

After the gastronomic faux pas, we see Brannigan hot on the trail of the kidnappers, which in turn leads to an almighty punch-up at the Lamb Tavern in glorious old Leadenhall Market. Not to forget that deadly assassin Gorman (Daniel Pilon), driving around in his souped-up E-type jag, is also hot on the trail of Brannigan. The bomb planted in the toilet/ bathroom of the house where Brannigan is staying tells us that the location is in fact the Royal Albert Hall. Of course, it isn't.
This really is non-stop action all the way – we get a terrifying car chase culminating at a rising Tower Bridge - Wayne apparently trashed three cars over a three-day period, so we are informed by a truly 'scared witless' Stuart Bevan - his companion in the front seat. We even find out what it means to ‘pull a Murphy’ in busy Piccadilly Circus of all places. The cast is terrific, director Hickox was the perfect choice for this adventure and the electrifying soundtrack by composer Dominic Frontiere's hits the mark only too well!


Special features:
Audio commentary 2017 / ‚A Duke Out of Water’ (2023, 37 mins): reminiscences from the people who made Brannigan / Veteran stuntman Frank Henson on Brannigan (2021, 4 mins) / ‚Take It to the Bridge’ (1905-1956, 23 mins): historical glimpses of the Thames, Tower Bridge and other Brannigan locations / ‚A Policeman’s Lot’ (1896-1973, 35 mins): a copper’s clutch of films concerning crimefighters and crooks / The Guardian Interview: Richard Attenborough (1983, 88 mins, audio only) / An extensive selection of location photographs, featuring cast and crew/ Original trailer / Illustrated booklet (first pressing only)