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Poster for The Panic in Needle Park

The Panic in Needle Park

Seen it?

1971 | 110 min | Drama, Romance, Crime

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime-drama fans and romantics. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Dark and gritty, warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 50 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: expect drug use.
  • An animal is harmed or dies.
  • Made in 1971: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A stark portrayal of life among a group of heroin addicts who hang out in Needle Park in New York City. Played against this setting is a low-key love story between Bobby, a young addict and small-time hustler, and Helen, a homeless girl who finds in her relationship with Bobby the stability she craves.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    86% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.8 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 133K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Jerry Schatzberg

  • Al PacinoBobby
  • Kitty WinnHelen
  • Alan VintHotch
  • Richard BrightHank
  • Kiel MartinChico
  • Michael McClanathanSonny
  • Warren FinnertySammy
  • Marcia Jean KurtzMarcie
  • Raúl JuliáMarco
  • Angie OrtegaIrene