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Action Cult Classic

A Vietnam vet brings guerrilla justice to Harlem's streets overtaken by crime.

GORDON'S WAR

They said it would take an army to get the mob out of Harlem. THIS IS THE ARMY! THIS IS GORDON'S WAR!

1973 · 1h 30m · R · Action / Adventure / Crime · IMDB TMDB

A Vietnam veteran returns home to find drug dealers and addicts now rule his old neighborhood, and that even his own wife has fallen victim to drugs. Together with three of his buddies from Vietnam, he fights back.

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Quick Answer

What is Gordon's War about?

Gordon's War is a 1973 American action and crime film directed by Ossie Davis about a Vietnam veteran who returns to Harlem and wages war against the drug dealers and pimps who have overtaken his neighborhood.

Programmer's Pick

Blaxploitation with genuine bite, Gordon's War swaps fatigues for leather jackets and replaces a foreign battlefield with the concrete jungle of Harlem. Ossie Davis directs a hard-edged crusade where guerrilla tactics meet street-level justice—and Paul Winfield delivers as a hero you don't want to cross.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Gordon's War follows Gordon Hudson, a Harlem native and Vietnam War veteran, who returns home to find his neighborhood in the grip of drug dealers and pimps. The devastation hits close to home when his own wife succumbs to a heroin overdose. Driven by grief and a sense of duty, Gordon unites with three fellow Vietnam vets to take on the criminal underworld plaguing their streets. Using the tactical skills honed in combat, they form a vigilante force determined to reclaim their community. This action-packed tale blends the grit of urban crime with the camaraderie and resourcefulness of soldiers at war, set against the backdrop of 1970s New York.

Details & Specs

Director
Ossie Davis
Writers
Howard Friedlander, Ed Spielman
Release
1973
Runtime
1h 30m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Action, Adventure, Crime

Why This Matters

Directed by Ossie Davis and starring Paul Winfield, this 1973 film is a notable entry in the blaxploitation action genre, reflecting the era's focus on Black filmmakers and performers.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Ossie Davis Writers: Howard Friedlander +1 more
Paul Winfield Paul Winfield Gordon Hudson CL Carl Lee Bee Bishop David Downing David Downing Otis Russell Tony King Tony King Roy Green Gilbert Lewis Gilbert Lewis Spanish Harry Grace Jones Grace Jones Mary CG Carl Gordon Luther the Pimp NC Nathan C. Heard Big Pink JP Jackie Page Bedroom Girl Adam Wade Adam Wade Hustler HR Hansford Rowe Dog Salesman CB Chuck Bergansky Caucasian Killer WT Warren Taurien Goose Ralph Wilcox Ralph Wilcox Hit Man RL Rochelle LeNoir Gordon's Wife Charles McGregor Charles McGregor Jim DC David Connell Hotel Proprietor BG Beverly Goodman Girl In Audience (uncredited) DH Doctor Hayes Druggie (uncredited) JH John Henry Redwood Uncredited MG Michael Galloway Gray-Haired Executive

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Why Cult

Vietnam Vets Vigilantes

Watch a squad of ex-soldiers bring their battlefield skills to the fight against urban crime syndicates.

Blaxploitation Firepower

A standout of the genre, this film delivers raw action, streetwise style, and a cast led by Paul Winfield.

Gritty Harlem Setting

The story unfolds in 1970s Harlem, immersing viewers in the era's struggles with drugs, crime, and community resilience.

Ossie Davis Direction

Directed by the legendary Ossie Davis, the film fuses social commentary with hard-hitting action.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Gordon's return from Vietnam and his wife's overdose

Threat

Drug dealers and pimps controlling Harlem

Effect

Community ravaged by drugs, crime, and loss

Countermeasure

Vigilante action by Gordon and fellow vets

Setting

Harlem, Manhattan, New York City

Questions from the Vault

When was Gordon's War released? +

Gordon's War was released in 1973.

Who directed Gordon's War? +

Gordon's War was directed by Ossie Davis.

How long is Gordon's War? +

Gordon's War has a runtime of 90 minutes.

What genre is Gordon's War? +

Gordon's War is an action, adventure, and crime film.

Where can I watch Gordon's War? +

You can watch Gordon's War on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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