The Friends of Eddie Coyle

1973

The Friends of Eddie Coyle

Critics Consensus

The Friends of Eddie Coyle sees Robert Mitchum in transformative late-career mode in a gritty and credible character study.

100%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 27

88%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,418

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Movie Info

Based on the best-selling novel by George V. Higgins, The Friends of Eddie Coyle chronicles the last days of a weary Boston-based weapons dealer. Eddie Coyle (Robert Mitchum) doesn't want to serve a life sentence in prison, so he becomes an informant for both the police and the treasury department. Coyle is likewise unwilling to give up his lifestyle, thus he continues his illegal gun-running operation for the underworld. The mob becomes aware that Eddie is squealing to the cops, so they send his best friend, Dillon (Peter Boyle), to rub him out. Dillon compassionately takes Eddie out on the town, treating him to dinner and a hockey game...then drives to a deserted field to carry out his orders. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Cast

Robert Mitchum
as Eddie 'Fingers' Coyle
Peter Boyle
as Dillon
Richard Jordan
as Dave Foley
Steven Keats
as Jackie Brown
Alex Rocco
as Scalise
Joe Santos
as Artie Van
Mitchell Ryan
as Waters
Helena Carroll
as Sheila Coyle
Peter MacLean
as Partridge
Kevin O'Morrison
as Manager of 2nd Bank
Carolyn Pickman
as Nancy
Marvin Lichterman
as Vemon
James Tolkan
as The Man's Contact Man
Matthew Cowles
as Pete
Margaret Ladd
as Andrea
Jane House
as Wanda
Michael McCleery
as The Kid
Alan Koss
as Phil
Dennis McMullen
as Webber
Judith Ogden Cabot
as Mrs. Partridge
Jan Egleson
as Pale Kid
Jack Kehoe
as The Beard
Robert Anthony
as Moran
Gustave Johnson
as Ames
Ted Maynard
as Sauter
Rick Azulay
Sheldon Feldner
as Ferris
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Critic Reviews for The Friends of Eddie Coyle

All Critics (27) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (27)

View All Critic Reviews (27)

Audience Reviews for The Friends of Eddie Coyle

  • Jul 17, 2014
    Eddie Fingers finally set free after being beaten around the bush (to save him from serving several years of prison life) by a cunning ATF agent. "Everybody ought to listen to his mother." Okay.
    familiar s Super Reviewer
  • Jun 09, 2014
    Above average mid period Mitchum drama. Very dated in look now but that adds to the feeling of the story. Excellent cast of character actors, most of whom were just starting out at the time.
    jay n Super Reviewer
  • Jun 06, 2014
    Robert Mitchum is absolutely perfect as an aged associate of nefarious characters who tries to stay out of jail while also avoiding getting killed. Sobre seventies at its best.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Mar 11, 2012
    "The Friends of Eddie Coyle" is one of the better crime dramas to emerge from the 1970s. There's a fine collection of 'tough guy' performances from the cast, which includes the likes of Robert Mitchum, Peter Boyle, Richard Jordan, Alex Rocco and Steve Keats, who has the film's most interesting character and best performance. Peter Yates employs the same kind of gritty direction that he used in "Bullitt," which makes several scenarios tenser and more personal, such as the train station stakeout, the rifle exchange near the woods and the bank heist.
    Stephen E Super Reviewer
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