this top urban thriller be perhaps the best of the film make during the blaxploitation era . the story be grim and bleak and violent and the grit and grime of harlem be present in every scene . the theme throughout be black vs. white with no subtle shade of gray . three black men steal money from the mafia and with predictable result that follow in short order . anthony quinn and yaphet kotto be police officer with quite different agenda and their relationship be one of mutual dislike . anthony franciosa be over the top a the mafia lieutenant and richard ward be a gravel voice harlem crime bos who stand up to the mafia with a brash defiance . bobby womack vocal accompany the film .