Madigan
film by Siegel [1968]
Madigan, American crime thriller film, released in 1968, that was based on Richard Dougherty’s novel The Commissioner (1962). It was one of several successful crime films directed by Don Siegel, winning recognition for its gritty script, taut pacing, and verisimilitude. In the film’s opening scene, New York City police detective Dan Madigan (played by Richard Widmark) and his partner, Rocco Bonaro (Harry Guardino), break into the Spanish Harlem apartment of Barney Benesch (Steve Ihnat), a murder suspect. When the detectives become distracted by his nude girlfriend, Benesch escapes with their guns. Castigated by their outraged police commissioner, Anthony Russell (Henry ...(100 of 319 words)