Cop Stories: The Making of Richard Fleischer’s ‘The New Centurions’

This documentary offers a detailed look at the adaptation of Joseph Wambaugh's novel 'The New Centurions'. The film explores how Wambaugh's experiences as an LAPD officer influenced his writing and the subsequent film adaptation directed by Richard Fleischer. Wambaugh's work transformed the portrayal of police in literature and cinema, focusing on the struggles of flawed characters rather than traditional heroic figures.

'Cop Stories' includes newly filmed interviews with notable individuals such as Wambaugh, Keach, and technical advisor Richard E. Kalk, who was Wambaugh’s real-life LAPD partner. These interviews provide firsthand accounts of the challenges and creative processes behind bringing the story from script to screen. This documentary serves as an important record of both the film’s production and its impact on the crime genre in cinema.