Star John Wayne and director John Sturges were both past their action prime when they collaborated on this ill-conceived excursion into Dirty Harry territory. Detective Wayne hands in his badge as he pursues the truth about his murdered pal, but his formal attire and ill-fitting toupee suggest he'd be better suited to a businessman's retirement home than chasing bent cops and drug dealers half his age. The car-chase finale on the beach is particularly poorly staged, but if you've persevered with the movie, this final disappointment will come as no surprise. Shot on location in Seattle by Harry Stradling Jr, it remains watchable mainly for the scenery and solid supporting performances from the likes of Colleen Dewhurst, Eddie Albert, Al Lettieri and Clu Gulager.

Police Lieutenant Lon McQ investigates the killing of his best friend and uncovers corrupt elements of the police department dealing in confiscated drugs.