Watch Bloodhounds of Broadway

Bloodhounds of Broadway is a 1989 musical comedy crime drama film starring Madonna, Josef Sommer, and Tony Azito. The film follows a group of gangsters, gamblers, and showgirls as they navigate the seedy underbelly of New York City in the 1920s. The movie is based on a collection of short stories by Damon Runyon, the beloved American author known for his colorful and flamboyant characters. The film is directed by Howard Brookner, who infuses the story with a sense of wild energy and joy.

Madonna stars as Hortense Hathaway, a brassy and ambitious showgirl who dreams of making it big on Broadway. She's joined by other iconic characters such as Feet Samuels (Randy Quaid), a small-time gambler who's always looking for his next big score, and Harold, a wealthy playboy who likes to wander the streets in search of adventure.

The plot revolves around a big craps game that takes place in a swanky nightclub on New Year's Eve. All of the characters we've met throughout the film, including a Broadway producer named George (Esai Morales) and a detective named Snaps Provolone (Josef Sommer), are vying for a piece of the action.

As the night wears on, the stakes get higher and the tension mounts. But amidst all the backstabbing and double-crossing, some unexpected romances blossom. Harold falls for a beautiful showgirl named Marcia (Julie Hagerty), while Feet Samuels tries to impress his girlfriend, a down-on-her-luck dancer named Lovey Lou (Madeline Kahn).

The film is filled with lively musical numbers, including several memorable performances by Madonna. She sings "I Surrender Dear" and "What Can You Lose?" with an emotional depth that's surprising given her typically flashy persona.

But the real star of the movie is the city itself. Brookner captures the grit and glamor of New York in the 1920s, with its neon lights, bustling streets, and colorful characters. The film feels like a love letter to a bygone era, a time when the city was teeming with excitement and possibility.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Tony Azito, who plays a character named Rocco. Rocco is a small-time crook with dreams of becoming a big-shot gangster. Azito brings a manic energy to the role, delivering one of the film's most memorable musical numbers, "Tale of the Oyster."

Overall, Bloodhounds of Broadway is a fun and flashy movie that captures the spirit of Damon Runyon's stories. It's a rollicking ride through a vibrant and unforgettable era in New York City's history.

Bloodhounds of Broadway is a 1989 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.