Freebie and the Bean (1974)

62% of users liked it
(1,336 ratings)

Freebie (James Caan) and the Bean (Alan Arkin) are a pair of San Francisco cops. Red Meyers (Jack Kruschen) is the mobster whom Freebie and the Bean would like to see behind bars -- or, failing that, six feet under. Nothing stands in the way of the cops' pursuit of Meyers, meaning that private… More Freebie (James Caan) and the Bean (Alan Arkin) are a pair of San Francisco cops. Red Meyers (Jack Kruschen) is the mobster whom Freebie and the Bean would like to see behind bars -- or, failing that, six feet under. Nothing stands in the way of the cops' pursuit of Meyers, meaning that private property is given quite a going-over in this picture. The film's most memorable scene finds Freebie and the Bean crashing their car into a poor schnook's living room. TV favorites Loretta Swit and Valerie Harper play the only female roles worth mentioning. The racist and sexist humor in Freebie and the Bean may not go over as well today as it did in the politically incorrect early '70s. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 54 min.
Directed By: Chuck Bail, Richard Rush
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 25, 1974 Wide
On DVD: Jan 11, 2011
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Critic Reviews

Chris Laverty, Clothes on Film
The best darn movie of the seventies you've never seen.
Phil Hall, Film Threat
Back in 1974, this type of frenetic crud was considered to be popular entertainment.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
Caan and Arkin have great chemistry and the vehicle stunts are spectacular in this entertaining, very 1970s buddy-cop movie.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Ken S

Thoroughly awesome, the first real buddy cop film is also one of the best. Totally ridiculous and full of shenanigans.
Tim S

I don't really know if Freebie and the Bean classifies as the first buddy cop film, but if it is, it's the best one I've ever seen. It's hard to believe that a comedy like this starring Alan Arkin and James Caan as a duo was ever made, but it was. The dialogue… More
I don't really know if Freebie and the Bean classifies as the first buddy cop film, but if it is, it's the best one I've ever seen. It's hard to believe that a comedy like this starring Alan Arkin and James Caan as a duo was ever made, but it was. The dialogue feels fresh and must have been adlibbed. The caper isn't much of a caper but that isn't really the point. The point is following these two lunatics around in their daily lives from one catastrophe to the next and enjoying every minute of it. The Warner Archive put this out not too long ago with a terrific picture but only the trailer as an extra. I hope this gets some special edition love sometime soon as it's a terrific little gem.
Anthony L

It?s a classic, it?s one of the best buddy/cop movies ever, the formula has often been copied but has never been bettered. Arkin and Caan are brilliant together. Release it on DVD damn it!!