The Connection (1961): Cast & Plot
The Connection is a 1961 drama directed by Shirley Clarke, starring William Redfield as Jim Dunn, Carl Lee and Roscoe Lee Browne. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 50m (110 min)
- Director
- Shirley Clarke
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Connection About?
The premise of The Connection without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
The title card says the footage is compiled by cameraman J.J. Burden for filmmaker Jim Dunn, who vanished. Leish, a heroin addict, shows his apartment where other addicts—many current or former jazz musicians—await Cowboy, their dealer. As tension builds, the men grow increasingly nervous while the camera keeps rolling, spiraling toward chaos.
The Connection Cast & Characters
William Redfield leads the cast as Jim Dunn, with Carl Lee as Cowboy and Roscoe Lee Browne as J. J. Burden (as Roscoe Brown). Directed by Shirley Clarke; 14 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Shirley Clarke
- William Redfield as Jim Dunn
- Carl Lee as Cowboy
- Roscoe Lee Browne as J. J. Burden (as Roscoe Brown)
- Warren Finnerty as Leach
Also Starring in The Connection
· 10 more- Barbara Winchester Sister Salvation
- Garry Goodrow Ernie
- Linda Veras Siren
- Henry Proach Harry
- Jim Anderson Sam
- Jackie McLean Sax Player
- Jerome Raphael Solly
- Freddie Redd Piano Player
- Larry Richie Drummer
- Michael Mattos Bass Player
More from Shirley Clarke
More films directed by Shirley Clarke: Portrait of Jason (re-release), Ornette: Made in America (1985), Ornette: Made in America and Tongues.
The Connection Plot Summary
What happens in The Connection from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
A title card announces that the film is a found footage project assembled by J. J. Burden working for the acclaimed documentary filmmaker Jim Dunn, who has disappeared.
Leach, [Warren Finnerty], a heroin addict, introduces the audience to his apartment, where other addicts, a mix of current and former jazz musicians, are waiting for Cowboy, their drug connection, to appear. As the men grow increasingly nervous, waiting for their fix, some of them begin to address the camera directly. Although the director Jim Dunn asks the camera operator to turn off the camera, the operator continues to film him coaching the junkies to
act natural
Full summary
The whole story of The Connection, scene by scene
The Connection Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Connection.
How Well Do You Know The Connection?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is credited as the documentary filmmaker who has disappeared in the film?
The Connection Also Known As
5 alternative titles, including “La Conexión” and “O Promitheftis”.
- Also known as
-
- La Conexión
- O Promitheftis
- 커넥션
- Связной
- 药头
Seen The Connection?
The Connection FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Connection, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Connection?
The Connection runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).
When was The Connection released?
The Connection was released on May 3, 1961.
Who directed The Connection?
The Connection was directed by Shirley Clarke.
More films by Shirley Clarke Who is in the cast of The Connection?
The Connection stars William Redfield as Jim Dunn, Carl Lee as Cowboy and Roscoe Lee Browne as J. J. Burden (as Roscoe Brown), among 14 credited actors.
Does The Connection have a post-credit scene?
No. The Connection has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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