Freebie and the Bean

Dir. Richard Rush. 1975, 113 mins. 35mm. With James Caan, Alan Arkin, Loretta Swit, Jack Kruschen. Taking full advantage of Caan’s versatile ability to play both a strapping intimidator and limber comedian, Freebie and the Bean is an early entry in the buddy comedy genre that partners him with Alan Arkin as squabbling San Francisco police detectives. While ostensibly in pursuit of mob boss Red Meyers (Kruschen), the real action takes place between the mismatched Freebie Waters (Caan) and Benito Vazquez (Arkin), who leave the city cowering in fear of their technically friendly fire and careering, crashing cars. Directed by Richard Rush (The Stuntman) and shot by László Kovács (Easy Rider, Close Encounters of the Third Kind), is full on, unbridled entertainment, riddled with hyperbolic chase sequences and viciously hilarious repartee.

Tickets: $15 ($11 seniors and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / free for children under 3 and Museum members at the Film Lover and Kids Premium levels and above). Order tickets online. (Members may contact [email protected] with questions regarding online reservations.)

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