Narcotics cops Doyle and Russo spot Boca, a small-time crook spending big money in company with a known crime boss. They tail him and decide he’s working on a big drug deal. They see him meet up with a couple of Frenchmen. The movie essentially a long stake-out/chase scene with little dialogue. It’s just these two cops following the three crooks. Finally, Doyle’s commander takes him off the case. But the next day, one of the French guys tries to shoot him. Doyle chases him and kills him. They follow Boca and see him leave a car parked on a side street. They grab the car and find the drugs, then return the car and follow. The barge in with a bunch of other cops just when the sale is made. Most of the drug gang is caught and given light sentences. Boca is shot. The other French guy gets away. Doyle accidentally shoots another cop.

The pacing was interesting, building the suspense and working with that instead of adrenaline action. But there are several shootings and car chases that change the pace. It was interesting, but not terribly memorable, and the ending was flat. I guess it’s well known for setting new standards at the time it was made.