The New Centurions

This film is an adaptation of the novel by real-life cop Wambaugh, who left the force after he became a best-selling author. Unfortunately, the film pares down the book and alters the characters to an extent that what's left is more of a police recruiting picture than a drama. It shows the men in blue as knights (a TV miniseries called "The Blue Knight" was based on another of Wambaugh's books) and reveals little of the corruption that is known to occur. Keach is working toward a law degree and serving as a rookie in the Los Angeles Police Department. He soon leaves the Academy and is placed into duty beside Scott, an old-timer who does not go by the book. One of s...