Back Sükut kodeksi (film, 1985) Azerbaijani Код на мълчанието (филм) Bulgarian Codi de silenci Catalan Code of Silence Welsh Cusack – Der Schweigsame German Code of Silence (filma) Basque رمز سکوت Persian Vaikenemisen laki Finnish Sale temps pour un flic French Código de silencio Galician
| Code of Silence | |
|---|---|
&sq=Envato&lang=en&file=File:Code_of_silence.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Andrew Davis |
| Screenplay by |
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| Story by |
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| Produced by | Raymond Wagner |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Frank Tidy |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | David Michael Frank |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Orion Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $7 million[1] |
| Box office | $20,345,561[2] |
Code of Silence is a 1985 American action thriller film[3] directed by Andrew Davis and starring Chuck Norris. The cast includes Molly Hagan, Henry Silva, Ralph Foody, Bert Remsen, and Dennis Farina. The screenplay is credited to Michael Butler, Dennis Shryack, and Mike Gray.
In Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, Sergeant Eddie Cusack (Norris) leads a sting operation against a gang but the plan goes awry, resulting in a shootout where several are killed or wounded. Cusack is ostracized for refusing to support a corrupt cop who killed an innocent bystander. Meanwhile, the family of a mob boss is killed, except for his daughter Diana (Hagan), by a rival gang. Cusack, despite being isolated by his department, works to protect Diana and bring the criminals to justice.
Originally written as a potential fourth Dirty Harry film, the screenplay by Michael Butler and Dennis Shryack passed through multiple hands before being purchased by Orion Pictures for $800,000 in 1983. After several high-profile actors turned down the lead role, Chuck Norris was cast in 1984, marking a departure from his usual martial arts films and helping to legitimize his career. The production, directed by Chicago native Andrew Davis, was filmed extensively on location in Chicago, showcasing several iconic landmarks. Molly Hagan, cast straight out of drama school, found the experience formative for her career, while Dennis Farina, then a Chicago police officer, credited the film as a significant break that helped launch his transition into full-time acting.
The film was released by Orion Pictures on May 3, 1985, and received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its slick direction, strong performances, and engaging action. It was regarded as a standout in Chuck Norris's career, with many considering it his best film to date. The film was noted for its heavy-duty thriller elements, stylish urban setting, and sensational stunts, all contributing to its appeal. While some saw it as a successful bid by Norris to reach a broader audience, others highlighted the gritty, realistic feel of the film, drawing favorable comparisons to earlier gritty cop films, particularly in contrast to more cartoonish action movies. The film was recognized for offering genuine human interest alongside its action-packed sequences.
The film debuted at number 1 with an opening weekend gross of $5.5 million and ultimately earned a total of $20.3 million at the US box office. Andrew Davis credits the success of the film into turning him in an action film director.