Monday Morning Maybe

Add your email and we'll match picks to the services you stream at home.

Poster for Prince of the City

Prince of the City

Seen it?

1981 | 167 min | Drama, Thriller, Crime

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

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 anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Michael Clayton or All the President's Men, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense, dark and gritty.
The pace
Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 47 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • It's long: 2 hr 47 min.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

New York City detective Daniel Ciello agrees to help the United States Department of Justice eliminate corruption in the police department, as long as he will not have to turn in any close friends. In doing so, Ciello uncovers a conspiracy within the force to smuggle drugs to street informants.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $8 million worldwide on a $9 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 51K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

More like this

Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks

Cast & crew

Directed by Sidney Lumet

  • Treat WilliamsDaniel Ciello
  • Jerry OrbachGus Levy
  • Richard ForonjyJoe Marinaro
  • Don BillettBill Mayo
  • Kenny MarinoDom Bando
  • Carmine CaridiGino Mascone
  • Tony PageRaf Alvarez
  • Norman ParkerRick Cappalino
  • Paul RoeblingBrooks Paige
  • Bob BalabanSantimassino