Review of Across 110th Street (1972) by Bradley R — 21 Feb 2011

Three armed black men steal $300,000 dollars from the Italian mob, killing three mobsters and two policeman in the process. This going down in Harlem creates a PR nightmare for the police. One cop, Captain Mantelli (Anthony Quinn) is a tough cop, who has no problem assaulting suspects if it helps get results.

The other, Lt. Pope (Yaphet Kotto) is a black cop who is put in charge "due to politics". He is an educated man who wants to do the right thing. These two don't see eye to eye but are forced to work together to find the men responsible for the heist.

This a film that not only follows the aforementioned storyline but also looks at this heist from all different angels. We watch as the Italian mob tries to find the men responsible; while not particularly getting along with their black business partners.

We follow the men who are responsible for the heist as well. It really does paint a strong portrait of the racial relations going on during 70s New York. I think it's amazing how every character and storyline is fleshed out and I really found myself more emotionally affected during certain scenes than I expected.

I have heard that some may classify this film as blaxploitation but I just don't agree. This film really isn't exploitative at all. The very ending moment is fantastic, although maybe a little too abrupt.