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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Bullitt

Bullitt is a 1968 American crime thriller film directed by Peter Yates and starring Steve McQueen as San Francisco police lieutenant Frank Bullitt.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bullitt is a 1968 American crime thriller film directed by Peter Yates and starring Steve McQueen as San Francisco police lieutenant Frank Bullitt. The film follows Bullitt’s investigation into the killing of a witness he was assigned to protect, and it is especially known for its San Francisco car chase sequence.

Plot

Bullitt follows police lieutenant Frank Bullitt as he investigates the killing of a witness connected to a high-profile political case. The story develops through a search for the real identities and motives behind the crime.

Production

The film was directed by Peter Yates and adapted by Alan R. Trustman and Harry Kleiner from Robert L. Fish’s novel Mute Witness. It was produced in the United States and filmed largely in San Francisco.

Cast

Steve McQueen stars as Frank Bullitt, with Robert Vaughn as Walter Chalmers and Jacqueline Bisset in a supporting role. Other cast members include Don Gordon, Robert Duvall, Simon Oakland, and Norman Fell.

Reception and legacy

Bullitt became especially famous for its car-chase sequence through San Francisco, which is often cited as one of the most influential in film history. The film has also been associated with McQueen’s screen persona and the development of modern action cinema.

Key facts

  • The film is based on the 1963 novel Mute Witness by Robert L. Fish.
  • Steve McQueen plays Frank Bullitt, a San Francisco police lieutenant.
  • The plot centres on Bullitt’s investigation into the murder of a protected witness.
  • The film is widely remembered for its influential San Francisco car chase.
  • It was released by Warner Bros. and has a PG rating.
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Canadian context

Bullitt has screened widely in Canada as a well-known American classic and remains relevant to Canadian film viewers through its influence on the crime-thriller and action genres.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bullitt?
Bullitt is a 1968 American crime thriller film about a San Francisco police lieutenant investigating a witness’s murder.
Who directed Bullitt?
Bullitt was directed by Peter Yates.
Who stars in Bullitt?
The film stars Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn, and Jacqueline Bisset.
What is Bullitt based on?
It is based on the 1963 novel Mute Witness by Robert L. Fish.
Why is Bullitt famous?
It is best known for its car chase through San Francisco, which is widely regarded as a classic action sequence.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062765/
    Supports: Release date, country of origin, language, basic plot, and principal cast.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullitt
    Supports: Director, screenplay, source novel, cast, and plot overview.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bullitt
    Supports: Release year, plot summary, and significance of the car chase sequence.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bullitt
    Supports: Director, producer, runtime, genre, release date, and production/distribution information.
  5. Turner Classic Movies — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/21345/bullitt
    Supports: Legacy of the film and reputation of the car chase sequence.