this film have slip through the crack of film history . it be by far much good than some other new york film of the same era such a represent the french connection or the taking of pelham 1 2 3. there be a gritty reality to this film which also manage to effectively use humor to further the plot line . it engage from start to finish and hasn not tarnish with age a be the case with the above two example . ron liebman turn in a bravura performance a batman and it a shame his career do not take off a a result of this project . gordon parks directs and and come a it do after shaft and it at first appear to be a strange choice . yet it be the flip side of that early effort and approach with just as much in your face machismo . unfortunately this film have not be make available on either dvd or vhs in the united state . united artist really have a gem on their hand and it a shame theyre not do anything with it .