Chinatown
1974 film by Roman Polanski · Released June 20, 1974
Chinatown is a 1974 American neo-noir mystery film directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne. It stars Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, with supporting performances from John Huston, John Hillerman, Perry Lopez, Burt Young, Joe Mantell, Bruce Glover, James Hong and Diane Ladd. The film's story is inspired by the California water wars which were a series of disputes over Southern California water at the beginning of the 20th century that resulted in Los Angeles securing water rights in the Owens Valley. Produced by Robert Evans and distributed by Paramount Pictures, Chinatown was Polanski's final film made in the United States.
Cast ages at release (June 20, 1974)
- Jack Nicholson, as J. J. "Jake" Gittes: 37
- John Huston, as Noah Cross: 67
- Faye Dunaway, as Evelyn Cross-Mulwray: 33
- John Hillerman, as Russ Yelburton: 41
- Diane Ladd, as Ida Sessions: 38
- Roman Polanski, as Man with knife: 40
- Roy Jenson, as Claude Mulvihill: 47
- Bruce Glover, as Duffy: 42
- Joe Mantell, as Lawrence Walsh: 58
- Burt Young, as Curly: 34
- James Hong, as Kahn: 45
- Jerry Fujikawa, as Gardener: 62
- Noble Willingham, as Councilman: 42
- Perry Lopez, as Lou Escobar: 44
- Rance Howard, as Irate farmer: 45
- Roy Roberts, as Mayor Bagby: 68
- Lee de Broux, as Policeman: 33
- Darrell Zwerling, as Hollis I. Mulwray: 45