The Connection is currently streaming on The Criterion Channel

The Connection (1962)DramaRating 54/100

Shirley Clarke made a splash—and ignited a landmark censorship case—with her controversial feature debut, an innovative adaptation of Jack Gelber’s off-Broadway play in which the line between documentary and narrative breaks down as a group of junkie jazz musicians crawl the walls while waiting for their next fix. With its restlessly kinetic camerawork, flavorful Beat dialogue, and cool jazz score by pianist Freddie Redd, THE CONNECTION is a groundbreaking depiction of drug addiction and one of the most vital and influential works of the American independent film movement.

Cast: Warren Finnerty, Jerome Raphael, Garry Goodrow, Carl Lee, Barbara Winchester, Henry Proach, Roscoe Lee Browne

Director: Shirley Clarke