Le détraqué

This is probably the only decent film that Bert I. Gordon ever did in his career. The story film is full of tension as we see the protagonist, Geronimo Minelli, not only hunting down the bomber, but he must also try to save the life of the creepy rapist who witnessed his second bombing. Vince Edwards does a pretty good job playing Minelli and Chuck Connors is good as Dorn, the title bomber. Connors really shows how much he really wants to get back at the people he feels has wronged him, and goes about his "work" with such cold, unemotional efficiency. However, Neville Brand steals the film as the rapist. Brand showed why he was one of the more popular villains in film with his disturbing performance. Its a shame that this picture isn't shown on television anymore.

One of the more solid selections from the Bert I. Gordon roster, "The Mad Bomber" is the heartwarming tale of a man spiraling into insanity who decides that the sinful world needs to be punished through serial bombings. Chuck Connors plays this part well, but it's Neville Brand's show all the way as a pathetic scumbag rapist who holds the key to stopping the T.N.T maniac. Fairly terse low-budgeter is quite grueling at times, and deserves more substantial notoriety.

A flick likely to turn up on a local TV "Late, Late, Late Show", though possibly missing some of the more graphic moments. Still, worth a look and recommended.

5.5/10

Provocative film about the hunt for a lunatic on a rampage and the investigation leading to his apprehension. Despite the copious amount of graphic female nudity, it has the overall look of a 70's cop show or TV movie.

Chuck Connors (TV's The Rifleman) convincingly inhabits his role as the deranged bomber and Neville Brand has an interesting turn as a rapist who happens to witness him en route to one of the targets of his violence. The weak link in the cast is Vince Edwards, whose one-note performance as the obsessed police detective left me wanting more.

Give this one a shot and you may be pleasantly surprised!

The concept of a serial rapist being the only one who can identify a serial bomber is what drives this exploitation shocker towards B movie greatness. Neville Brand, despicable as he is, assaulting and killing to satisfy his twisted sexual fantasies, is easily eclipsed by Chuck Conners as the mad bomber, on a crusade to avenge his daughter's death. These two great evil performances are the core of this film. What prevents "The Police Connection" from being a flat out classic is head police investigator Vince Edwards, who sleep walks through the entire movie, providing zero charisma. He most definitely is no "Dirty Harry". If you can find an unedited version, get it. You will be amazed. - MERK

The Police Connection (1973)

*** (out of 4)

A Los Angeles cop (Vince Edwards) is trying to track down a mad bomber (Chuck Connors) but he hasn't any witness or evidence. This all changes when the bomber attacks a hospital at the same time a rapist (Neville Brand) attacks a woman. The cop figures if he can catch the rapist he can then find out who the bomber is.

Bert I. Gordon will always be remembered for his "big" movies like THE AMAZING COLOSSAL MAN, VILLAGE OF THE GIANTS and THE CYCLOPS but this film here is very far from them. In fact, I must say that this here is the best movie I've seen from Gordon and it's a real shame that he didn't continue making movies like this. If you know the director then you know he followed this up returning to his "big" roots with THE FOOD OF THE GODS and EMPIRE OF THE ANTS.

I was really shocked at how entertaining this film was and especially in its uncut form. Gordon made a career out of "safe" movies but that's certainly not the case here as it earns its R-rating. The violence is quite graphic at times but what really stands out is the sleaze factor. You've got all sorts of full frontal nudity as well as some kinky moments dealing with a subplot of the rapist. Not only do you have some great explosions that shows off the action but the rape scenes are also filmed quite well for this period.

The performances here are another major plus. Edwards is extremely good and believable as the cop who will stop at nothing to bring down the bomber. Brand gets the sleazy role as the rapist and he does an extremely effective job with it. His character is certainly lower than dirt and Brand's performance just makes you feel how dirty this guy is. I was also very impressed with Connors who was flawless in the role as the bomber. This guy has several mental issues and I thought the actor perfectly captured all of this.

The film, also known as THE MAD BOMBER, was apparently really cut down for its television and video release so you certainly want to make sure that you're watching the uncut version. The sleaze and action factor are quite high and that makes this Gordon's best picture.