Watch Across 110th Street
- R
- 1972
- 1 hr 42 min
-
7.0 (7,307)
Across 110th Street is a 1972 action crime drama film directed by Barry Shear and starring Anthony Quinn, Yaphet Kotto, and Anthony Franciosa. The film follows the story of three detectives with different backgrounds and personal lives in the hunt for three robbers who stole $300,000 from the Mafia. The film takes place in Harlem, New York City, and opens with a tense, gritty sequence showing masked men breaking into a drug dealer's apartment in the middle of the night, executing him and stealing the money. The authorities find out that the robbers are black and Italian, leading to a deep and intricate investigation that will require the efforts of three detectives - Capt. Frank Mattelli of the NYPD (Quinn), Lt. William Pope of the 110th Detachment (Kotto), and Nick D'Salvio of the Robbery Squad (Franciosa).
Quinn portrays Capt. Mattelli, a seasoned cop who has grown cynical over the years and is likely to use any means necessary to bring criminals to justice. His team is working on the murders of black men, and the robbery of drug dealers in the area. Kotto plays the role of Lt. Pope, a black detective who is determined to change the image that the police force has in Harlem. He works hard to break down the racial barriers and regain the trust of the black community. Finally, Franciosa portrays Nick D'Salvio, a corrupted and racist detective who ultimately decides to do the right thing and aid the other detectives.
Throughout the movie, the audience is taken on a journey to show the life in Harlem in the early 1970s. The area was characterized by poverty, violence, racism, and corruption. The story raises concerns about racism both within and outside the police department, the power of the Mafia, and the problematic ways that the police force dealt with people of color. Additionally, the movie highlights the economic struggles of the city and the desperation that people feel due to the lack of opportunities and resources.
The film's standout feature may be its immersive portrayal of life in 1970s Harlem. It focuses on the neighborhood's gritty, grimy realities and shows how people from different walks of life are affected by the criminal activity that takes place there. The movie's intense soundtrack, provided by the legendary soul artist Bobby Womack, perfectly complements the film's atmosphere and sets the mood for the thriller.
As the story unfolds, the detectives find themselves in a race against time to retrieve the stolen money before the gangsters catch the robbers and execute them. The tension builds throughout the movie as the characters face numerous challenges, including drug dealers, rogue cops, and corrupt politicians.
Overall, Across 110th Street is an intense, action-packed story that delves into the complexities of race relations, corruption, and criminality within the police force in the early 70s. It is a powerful portrait of the time and the people who lived in Harlem, and it effectively showcases how the neighborhood was affected by the woes of the era. The film is a must-watch for fans of the genre and provides a compelling snapshot of American history.
Across 110th Street is a 1972 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.