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Serpico

Serpico is a 1973 American biographical crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino as New York City police officer Frank Serpico.

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

Serpico is a 1973 American biographical crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino as New York City police officer Frank Serpico. Based on Peter Maas’s book, the film dramatizes Serpico’s fight against corruption in the New York City Police Department and the investigation that followed. It is widely associated with its depiction of police corruption and whistleblowing.

Plot and subject

Serpico follows Frank Serpico’s efforts to report corruption within the New York City Police Department and the professional isolation he faces as a result. The film presents his experience as a whistleblower and links his actions to the broader investigation of police misconduct.

Production

The film was directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler, based on Peter Maas’s book. It was produced as a gritty, location-based drama with a documentary-style approach to New York City.

Cast and reception

Al Pacino stars as Frank Serpico, with supporting roles including John Randolph and Jack Kehoe. The film was noted for its realistic portrayal of corruption and for Pacino’s performance.

Historical context

Serpico was released in the early 1970s, when public attention to corruption and government misconduct was especially strong in the United States. Its story drew on real events involving the NYPD and the Knapp Commission.

Key facts

  • The film dramatizes the career of Frank Serpico, a former New York City police officer who exposed corruption in the NYPD.
  • It was directed by Sidney Lumet and adapted by Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler from Peter Maas’s book.
  • Al Pacino plays the title role and received critical attention for the performance.
  • The story centers on Serpico’s whistleblowing and the resulting Knapp Commission investigation.
  • The film was released in 1973 and is remembered as a major police-corruption drama.

Frequently asked questions

What is Serpico about?
It is about Frank Serpico, a New York City police officer who exposed corruption inside the NYPD and faced retaliation for doing so.
Who directed Serpico?
Serpico was directed by Sidney Lumet.
Who plays Frank Serpico in the film?
Al Pacino plays Frank Serpico.
Is Serpico based on a true story?
Yes. It is based on the real-life experiences of Frank Serpico and Peter Maas’s book about him.
What investigation is connected to the film’s story?
The film is linked to the Knapp Commission investigation into corruption in the New York City Police Department.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpico
    Supports: Basic identification of the film, release year, director, star, and source material.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Serpico-film-by-Lumet
    Supports: Directed by Sidney Lumet, based on Peter Maas’s book, and centered on real-life cop Frank Serpico.
  3. American Film Institute — https://catalog.afi.com/Film/54807-SERPICO?cxt=ymal
    Supports: Film identification, director, and plot context.
  4. Paramount Pictures — https://www.paramountpictures.com/movies/serpico
    Supports: Release year, runtime, adapted from Peter Maas’s book, and plot synopsis.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070666/
    Supports: Film title, year, lead actor, director, and general premise.