The Choirboys (1977)

60% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
43% of users liked it
(569 ratings)

Loosely based on former policeman Joseph Wambaugh's humorous novel, The Choirboys determinedly explores the stunted interior lives of a large crew of callous, bigoted L.A. policemen. These men get together to lend one another emotional support. However, the means they choose for this do not enhance… More Loosely based on former policeman Joseph Wambaugh's humorous novel, The Choirboys determinedly explores the stunted interior lives of a large crew of callous, bigoted L.A. policemen. These men get together to lend one another emotional support. However, the means they choose for this do not enhance their sensitivity or their judgement. When one of them has a really bad day, he asks his buddies to come to "choir practice," and they get together for alcoholic benders of fairly epic proportions. When one of them accidentally shoots a homosexual teen cruising a city park, everyone (including higher-ups) gets called on to help with the cover-up. The Choirboys, which was a critical and box-office failure, had an impressive cast list, including such well-known performers as Blair Brown, James Woods, Randy Quaid, Lou Gossett Jr., Perry King and Charles Durning. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 59 min.
Directed By: Robert Aldrich
Written By: Joseph Wambaugh, Christopher Knopf
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 23, 1977 Wide
Studio: MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Super cool.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
This is not one of Aldrich's better films.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
A chaotic and fairly unlikable adaptation.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

xGary X

Unbelievably offensive 70s "comedy" that seems to think that racism and police brutality is hilarious. The decent cast (all at a very early stage in their careers) would probably be less ashamed of appearing in hardcore bestial porn.

Cast

            Charles Durning as Whalen

            Louis Gossett Jr as Motts

            Perry King as Slate

            Clyde Kusatsu as Tanaguchi

            Stephen Macht as Van Moot

            Tim McIntire as Roscoe Rules

            Randy Quaid as Proust

            Chuck Sacci as Sartino

            Don Stroud as Lyles

            James Woods as bloomguard

            Burt Young as Scuzzi

            Robert Webber as Riggs

            Jeanie Bell as Fanny Forbes

            Blair Brown as Kimberly Miles

            Michele Carey as Ora Lee Tingle

            Charles Haid as Yanov

            Barbara Rhoades as "No Balls" Hadley

            Jim Davis as Capt. Drobeck

            Phyllis Davis as Foxy/Gina

            Jack de Leon as Luther Quigley

            George DiCenzo as Lt. Grimsley

            David Spielberg as Lt. Finque

            Vic Tayback as Pete Zoony

            Michael Wills as Blaney

            Susan Batson as Sabrina

            Claire Brennan as Carolina Moon

            Joe Kapp as Hod carrier

            Dimitri Logothetis as Card player

            Louise Lorimer as Fox

            Maria O'Brien as Carrier 2's wife

            Cheryl Smith as Tammy

            John Steadman as Odello

            Lomax Study as Businessman

            Bill Walker as Tilden

            Suzanne Zenor as Blonde

            Bob Minor as Hod carrier 2

            Loni Kaye Harkless as Secretary

            Ben Young as Vice officer

            Claire Brennen
            
            Robert Aldrich
            
            Tim Macintire
            
See full cast