Question 1

What real-life NYPD detective inspired the main character in Prince of the City?

Accepted Answer

The character Daniel Ciello is based on real-life NYPD Narcotics Detective Robert Leuci, whose testimony helped indict 52 corrupt detectives. Leuci later became a novelist.

Question 2

Why did director Sidney Lumet want to make Prince of the City?

Accepted Answer

Lumet wanted to direct it because he felt it would be a more accurate portrayal of police than Serpico (1973).

Question 3

How did Akira Kurosawa compliment the filmmaking in Prince of the City?

Accepted Answer

Akira Kurosawa complimented director Sidney Lumet on the beauty of the camerawork, noting an elemental connection between story and techniques, such as phasing out background lighting to make characters stand out.

Question 4

Which major Hollywood film shares the distinction of being shot in all five New York City boroughs?

Accepted Answer

Along with The Godfather (1972), Prince of the City is the only major Hollywood movie shot in all five NYC boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan.

Question 5

What was unusual about the film's budget that angered the studio?

Accepted Answer

The film was budgeted at $10 million, but Lumet completed it for under $9 million, creating a major book-keeping problem that made the studio furious.

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Prince of the City

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