Question 1

What unusual challenge did Peter Boyle face while playing a bartender, and how was it solved?

Accepted Answer

Peter Boyle found it very difficult to draw a glass of tap beer for his role. Director Peter Yates arranged for a correctly-filled glass to be available below the camera line, and Boyle switched glasses unseen by the camera.

Question 2

How did Robert Mitchum prepare for his Boston accent in the film?

Accepted Answer

Robert Mitchum spoke regularly to four local policemen in order to master his Boston accent for his role as Eddie Coyle.

Question 3

What real-life connection did Alex Rocco have to the film's Boston setting?

Accepted Answer

Alex Rocco, who plays bank robber Scalise, was a former member of the notorious Winter Hill Gang in Boston. He also introduced Robert Mitchum to Howie Winter, the gang's second boss, to help Mitchum research his role.

Question 4

Why was Steven Keats cast in the film according to the director?

Accepted Answer

Director Peter Yates cast Steven Keats because Yates thought Keats looked like Mick Jagger.

Question 5

What literary connection links this film to the 2012 movie 'Killing Them Softly'?

Accepted Answer

This film is based on a George V. Higgins novel, and Higgins also wrote 'Cogan's Trade', which 'Killing Them Softly' is based on. The character Dillon appears in both, played by Peter Boyle here and Sam Shepard in the later film.

The Friends of Eddie Coyle

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