As you can guess, we’re covering three books that were all made into movies in the 1970s, when things like “CGI” and “blockbusters” were not even thought of yet. This column easily could be called “UHF Days,” since all three films were shown all the time on my local TV station. Two of these books should be known by all from their movie versions; the third should be.

DOG DAY AFTERNOON by Patrick Mann – “Attica! Attica!” is what Al Pacino was yelling in the middle of the street in one of the great moments of the movie. I think most people know the plot: that of Littlejoe and his pal Sam robbing a Brooklyn bank. Even with everything planned out beforehand, Littlejoe has it all blow up in his face.

Now, the 1974 book and movie are two separate things, since the book gives us a lot more buildup to the events that will transpire, like setting up the heist itself to even the point of how they were tipped off to what day they would hit the bank. But that’s nothing compared to how Mann gives us a better picture of the Littlejoe character and his relationship with a drag queen by the name of Lana Lee – the impetus of the idea which would make Joe go out and try and pull a stunt like this. Just remember this is taking place in the early ’70s, when homophobia was huge.

The book is extremely fast reading and taut, even with the added exposition, where whole characters were completely cut out of the film. Actually, let me correct that: They changed the whole driver plot, since an attempted rape in the bank would have seemed a bit over-the- top in a film that’s just bristling with energy. Also, the fact that Sam is also gay – something the character in the movie disputes.

To be honest, I don’t know if the book came first or was just a commissioned novelization for the public, but what I do know is that it is based a real event and an original article by Frank Pierson. Why this book is out of print is anyone’s guess, since it’s a great read and only adds to the enjoyment of the film. One final note, though: Early on in the book, Joe goes to see a movie he is a big fan of, which happens to have been based on our next book.

THE FRENCH CONNECTION by Robin Moore – The film has one of the greatest images ever – just look at the book cover. Then, of course, there is the greatest car chase ever filmed. Sadly, neither of these events ever happened in the 1969 book. But who cares? This is the best type of non-fiction: one that reads like a great thriller.

Again, most people know the story of THE FRENCH CONNECTION. But what’s in the book that’s not in the film? Hmmm, let’s see: a background of Sonny Grasso and Edward “Popeye” Egan. The reason for Egan’s name? It has nothing to do with a certain sailor.

One of the key moments that you had to think was just made for the film was real: that of the subway station and the loss of the Frenchman who they referred to as Frog 1, even down to the little wave he gave the cops. It focuses on the never-ending pursuit of the two cops, Grasso and Egan, to the point that they were running on no sleep and still were going strong.

But Moore makes this book read so well, even if you’ve seen the movie multiple times. You will be given new information that you never knew, including the final bust of the American leg of this group of criminals. It’s a fascinating read of a real event that most of us probably only know from the movie. One final little note: There is not one scene of Egan doing that classic bit from the film of picking your feet in Poughkeepsie.

THE LAUGHING POLICEMAN by Maj Sjöwall & Per Wahlöö – We’re finishing off this column with a 1970 book that is more known than the movie. I vaguely remember this film being on TV every once in awhile, with Walter Matthau and Bruce Dern.

This is the fourth book in the Martin Beck series from the husband-and-wife writing team, and is very much of its time, with things like demonstrations and Vietnam protests being a central part to the book. The central case to the book seems to be one thing, but leads our characters to something else entirely: A double-decker bus is shot at, killing multiple passengers aboard the bus, including one of Beck’s men, Ake Stenstrom.

As they dig into the case, they discover that Ake was working on a old cold case, which was the impetus to the bus shooting; someone wants that case kept closed, no matter what. This is a total police procedural, along the lines of DRAGNET, but not that dry or predictable. Maybe a little more HILL STREET BLUES with a Swedish twist. This was a total joy of a read, even though it’s pretty grim from chapter one all the way to the end, with none of that super policeman-type schtick as seen in other books, where they crack the case with so little effort.

No, this is very much a slow build with the discovery of clues being sifted out. Also, since this is part of a series, you have continuity and introductions of characters that I’m guessing continue. Also, the title has to deal with Beck’s daughter’s gift to him. Then, of course, Beck does not laugh at all until the last chapter, where another clue turns up that could have solved the case a lot sooner, if only they just looked there first.

Next time: a page from the Warren Zevon songbook. –Bruce Grossman

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