Question 1

What real-life NYPD tactic inspired the Santa Claus scene in the film?

Accepted Answer

The Santa Claus stakeout scene is based on a tactic used by real detectives Eddie Egan and Sonny Grosso, who dressed as Santa to avoid suspicion from drug dealers in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Question 2

How did the filmmakers manage traffic for the famous car chase without proper permits?

Accepted Answer

The car chase was filmed without permits, with traffic controlled by assistant directors and off-duty NYPD officers, who cleared about five blocks in each direction and manipulated traffic signals.

Question 3

What was the significance of the straw hat tossed onto the car's rear window shelf?

Accepted Answer

The straw hat was a universal signal in the NYPD at the time to indicate that undercover cops were in the car and on duty.

Question 4

Which real-life detectives appear in the movie, and what roles do they play?

Accepted Answer

Eddie Egan appears as the detectives' supervisor, and Sonny Grosso plays Klein, the BNDD Special Agent and Mulderig's partner.

Question 5

What unusual interrogation method did the real detectives use, as depicted in the film?

Accepted Answer

Real detectives Eddie Egan and Sonny Grosso used a 'good cop/bad cop' technique where Egan would yell odd questions like 'Did you ever pick your feet in Poughkeepsie?' to rattle suspects.

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