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Action Cult Classic

Miami’s suavest Harlem transplant takes on spies, crime lords, and a very diplomatic assignment.

THE GUY FROM HARLEM

He's Clean ... Mean ... A Fighting Machine!

1977 · 1h 26m · R · Action · IMDB TMDB

A private detective operating in Miami is hired to protect the wife of an African head of state in town for diplomatic business, and to recover the daughter of the leader of a criminal organization, who has been kidnapped by a rival gang.

Quick Answer

What is The Guy From Harlem about?

The Guy From Harlem is a 1977 American action film directed by Rene Martinez Jr. about a Miami private investigator hired to protect the wife of an African head of state and to recover a kidnapped daughter from a rival crime gang.

Programmer's Pick

Where else can you find a Harlem-bred PI fending off Miami thugs, fake marriages, and CIA paranoia in one polyester-clad package? The Guy From Harlem doubles down on blaxploitation bravado, unintentional laughs, and a plot that moves as fast as Al’s fist.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Al Connors, a stylish and streetwise private eye originally from Harlem, is now a hot commodity in Miami’s bustling underworld. When the CIA comes knocking, Al is tasked with a high-stakes mission: keep Mrs. Ashanti, the wife of an African dignitary in town for a major conference, out of harm’s way. The job calls for more than brute force—Al must also masquerade as her husband, navigating both professional and romantic entanglements while spies and criminals lurk in the shadows. As threats mount and loyalties blur, Al’s unique blend of smooth charm and fists-first tactics are put to the test in a world where danger wears many disguises.

Details & Specs

Director
Rene Martinez Jr.
Writer
Gardenia Martinez
Release
1977
Runtime
1h 26m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Action

Why Cult

Blaxploitation Curiosity

A lesser-known entry in the blaxploitation canon, this film mashes together genre tropes with a Miami twist and groovy attitude.

Unintentionally Funny Moments

From flubbed lines to offbeat fight scenes, the film’s earnestness often gives way to unintentional comedy gold.

Private Eye in Miami

The rare private investigator flick that swaps New York grit for Miami sunshine and polyester suits.

Spy Games & Crime Gangs

CIA agents, international intrigue, and rival gangsters all collide in this pulpy underworld caper.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

CIA suspects intelligence leak during diplomatic visit

Threat

Enemy spies and rival crime gang led by Big Daddy

Effect

Kidnapping, attempted attacks, and ransom demands

Countermeasure

Al Connors' protection, investigation, and direct confrontations

Setting

Miami hotels, offices, gyms, and underworld hideouts

Questions from the Vault

When was The Guy From Harlem released? +

The Guy From Harlem was released in 1977.

Who directed The Guy From Harlem? +

The Guy From Harlem was directed by Rene Martinez Jr.

How long is The Guy From Harlem? +

The Guy From Harlem has a runtime of 86 minutes.

What genre is The Guy From Harlem? +

The Guy From Harlem is an action film.

Where can I watch The Guy From Harlem? +

You can watch The Guy From Harlem on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips