William Friedkin discusses how he cast Gene Hackman in The French Connection.

[@amyh3873]

Love hearing Friedkin talk about the French connection. Imagine what it was like for him going from unknown to the toast of the town

[@LaRay82]

Excellent! Where was this?

[@walkfame]

it was at Roamans bookstore in Pasadena.

[@rossdiamondthief6627]

I absolutely love Gene Hackman in French Connection, but I would’ve love to see the alternate reality where Peter Boyle played Popeye Doyle.

[@DavidBowiesCock]

I love that jacket with those pants. It makes a statement and that statement is "most people wouldn't consider concealed carrying a Howitzer, but..."

[@nemo227]

Gleason would have been a good choice. Every journeyman actor will bring something special. Hackman was a very good choice.

[@misonoresoconto]

I simply cannot imagine Gleason running up and down those steps or chasing on foot a fast running suspect.

[@nemo227]

@@misonoresoconto Some big people are quite fast . . . but not for long distances. Paul Anderson, U.S. heavyweight Olympic lifter, was VERY quick. He weighed around 300 lbs. But I also couldn't see Gleason running at all.

[@curtisprice6257]

Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena