Classic Firefighter movie
BFDNY093 | Bridgeport, NY USA | 08/17/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I, being a modern day firefighter, usually get a kick out of seeing actors run through burning buildings full of smoke without any REAL turnout gear on and no air pack. This adds to the drama I guess, but I like a little more realism. Anyhow, some of the senior guys around my firehouse tell stories about the days before air packs. This movie seems to be real for its time. It starts off like a "B" rated movie, but pretty soon you start recognizing all the famous faces. The movie is definately worth watching if you are into firefighting movies, and probably worth it even if your not."
Pilot for ABC series
St. Bernard | Golden State | 11/02/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This 1973 movie was the pilot for the ABC TV series Firehouse which ran on Thursdays at 8:30pm from January 17 to July 11 1974. It was great to see again having only seen it before from a young child's perspective. Although there is no definitive departmental location, it seems to be set in New York City. One frame stock shot at a fire is of an FDNY truck. The credits mention Boston, Cleveland, Los Angeles and New York fire departments. The story's main plot has the firefighters in Engine Company 23 locate an arsonist (whom they refer as a firebug) setting several fires in apartment buildings. Roundtree's character is under fire (no pun intended) for replacing a fallen dedicated firefighter killed in the line of duty. The movie's undertone deals with racism and is gritty at times. All in all the movie is not bad, though is definitely dated even for '73 (may as well had horses pulling a fire wagon). Firehouse is recommended for fire fighting aficionados and those who enjoy stepping back in time for TV nostalgia."
Worth Your Time
Desiree | Seattle, Washington | 05/31/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Though this film was made back in the 70's, it didn't feel as dated as I expected it to. I bought it strictly because I am a Vince Edwards fan and was not disappointed. Initially it has a cheesy, "made for tv" feel, but after the first ten minutes the story is engrossing. Richard Roundtree (of Shaft fame) plays a newbie firefighter encountering racism in the 23rd precinct, which is pretty much run by Vince Edwards. I expected a predictable ending, which did not happen. A much better than average tv film that gives some insight into the lives of firefighters."