John Medici

Al Pacino's classic portrayal of Frank Serpico established him as one of today's most versatile actors. "Serpico" was based on the true story of a New York policeman who discovers that honesty is not expected to be part of his job. He endures scorn and mistreatment from his fellow cops while attempting to perform his job with integrity. The character of Serpico, combining the best elements of the Establishment and counter-culture, is a tour-de-force for Pacino. The film is a breathtaking suspense story and a fascinating character study as well as a memorable statement about government's inherent flaws.

It's 1954 - the era of live television. A hapless production assistant is given the formidable assignment to keep his movie star idol, the alcoholic womanizing Alan Swann, out of trouble long enough so Swann can appear on the popular network show, "King Kaiser's Comedy Hour." Oscar-winner Peter O'Toole ("Lawrence of Arabia," "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," "The Stuntman") received his seventh Oscar-nomination for his hilarious portrayal of the Errol Flynn-like Swann. Mark Linn-Baker (TV's "Perfect Strangers") plays the production assistant while Joseph Bologna ("Citizen Cohn," "The Woman in Red") gives an outstanding performance as the Syd Caesar-like King Kaiser. With Jessica Harper ("Pennies from Heaven") and Laine Kazan ("Beaches"). Directed by Richard Benjamin ("Mrs. Winterbourne," "Racing with the Moon").

Benjy is the junior writer on a top rated variety/comedy show in 1954. When the headliner, wants to throw Alan Swann, the guest, off the show, Benjy makes a pitch to save his childhood hero, and is made Swann's babysitter.

Al Pacino's classic portrayal of Frank Serpico established him as one of today's most versatile actors. SERPICO was based on the true story of a New York policeman who discovers that honesty is not expected to be part of his job. He endures scorn and mistreatment from his fellow cops while attempting to perform his job with integrity. The character of Serpico, combining the best elements of the Establishment and counter-culture, is a tour-de-force for Pacino. The film is a breathtaking suspense story and a fascinating character study as well as a memorable statement about government's inherent flaws.