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Crime Cult Classic

A nightclub singer dreams of escape from mob life and tangled affairs in gritty 1980s NYC.

HOODLUMS

The only thing they couldn't control was a woman

1980 · 1h 30m · NR · Crime / Drama · IMDB TMDB

Nightclub singer Loretta wants to earn enough money to get away from her jealous boyfriend a gangster called George Genero and give her daughter a normal life. Then she meets Andrew and a relationship is formed.

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Quick Answer

What is Hoodlums about?

Hoodlums is a 1980 American crime drama directed by Mac Ahlberg about a nightclub singer and escort seeking a way out of her mob-controlled world amid complicated relationships.

Programmer's Pick

Hoodlums serves up a double shot of mobster melodrama and nightclub sleaze, anchored by Nai Bonet’s Loretta, whose escape plan is as complicated as her love life. With a cast that includes real-life singer Cissy Houston and a script steeped in exploitation grit, this is one underworld where everyone sings for their supper.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set in the seedy underbelly of New York City, Hoodlums follows Loretta, a nightclub singer and escort who works in a mob-owned club and casino. Tired of her life under the control of jealous mobster boyfriend and manager George, Loretta dreams of making enough money to break free and provide a normal life for her daughter. Her plans are complicated when she meets Andrew, a man outside her usual world, sparking the hope for a new relationship and a different future. As George’s grip on his business weakens, the stakes rise for everyone involved, and Loretta must navigate a dangerous web of loyalties, desires, and criminal intrigue. This is a raw, character-driven crime drama steeped in exploitation and the pursuit of personal freedom.

Details & Specs

Director
Mac Ahlberg
Writers
Nai Bonet, Edith E. Colegrave, William Tasgal
Release
1980
Runtime
1h 30m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Crime, Drama
Also Known As
To Katharma

Cast & Crew

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Director: Mac Ahlberg Writers: Nai Bonet +2 more
NB Nai Bonet Loretta TP Tony Page George Vicki Sue Robinson Vicki Sue Robinson Millie Raymond Serra Raymond Serra Willie DK Douglas Kerr Andrew Ashton PM Paul Meacham Bill Donnelly DL Dino Laudicina Tommy PI Peter Iacangelo Zoo AG Andrew Gerado Matty Michael V. Gazzo Michael V. Gazzo Gus Azziello Cissy Houston Cissy Houston Herself TL T. Life Himself Jean Smart Jean Smart Carol JB Jerome Bynder Landlord MM Michael Masone Detective LS Laura Sabo Jane MK Michael Kummer Geoffrey DD Dee Dee Friedman Dee MT Martin Treat Attacker Tony Sirico Tony Sirico Gus' Driver JS John Scott Dealer PD Peter D'Arcy Dealer RC Richard Corley Waiter CB Chuck Bergwin Waiter TC Tony Conforti Victim RC Robert Carnegie Detective

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Why Cult

Mob-Owned Nightclub

The film’s setting in a mob-controlled NYC club and casino brings a distinctly gritty atmosphere to every scene.

Female Lead in Peril

Loretta’s struggle to escape her dangerous life and jealous boyfriend gives the story its emotional and suspenseful core.

Exploitation Cinema Style

From prostitution to mob violence and nightclub intrigue, the film delivers classic exploitation drama with a 1980s NYC flavor.

Real Musical Talent

Cissy Houston and T. Life appear as themselves, adding authentic musical chops to the nightclub scenes.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Hoodlums? +

Mac Ahlberg directed Hoodlums.

How long is Hoodlums? +

Hoodlums has a runtime of 90 minutes.

What genre is Hoodlums? +

Hoodlums is a crime drama.

Where can I watch Hoodlums? +

Hoodlums is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

Hoodlums trailer
Official Trailer
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