The Sixties, with all of its commendable trumpeting of tolerance, restraint and free love was always going to be too good to last. Sooner or later there’s always a rebound and in Hollywood few movies represented that rebound better than 1971′s Dirty Harry. Peace, love and understanding proved to be no match for the most powerful handgun in the world and an actor who, at that time, was best known for playing a different kind of cowboy.
1971 was an incredibly violent year for movies.
Dirty Harry was released 45 years ago on December 22. The film was a byproduct of the era while reflecting on the public's demand for law and order.
Harry Callahan is a man of few words. He is not the type of person who shows his emotions easily. I think it helps him do his job well. When you are chasing criminals day in and day out it's important that you have a certain hardened look about you. But when he is not performing his duty Harry is a very understanding and caring sort of a fellow. Most people never get to see that side of Harry's personality. Which is a tragedy if you ask me.
As the self appointed PR manager for Harry I feel that it is my duty to show to you his sensitive side. To speak the words that were never said. Below is a quote from an eyewitness who recounted Harry's conversation with a bank robber.
I loved Dirty Harry and i loved his gun. 'Did I fire 5 shots or 6?' I can watch that first movie over and over just for those lines.