Skip to main content
Action Cult Classic

A streetwise Vegas cop takes on a syndicate hiding crime behind casino lights.

BLACK HEAT

Nothing Is Too Violent Or Too Cruel For Them

1976 · 1h 34m · R · Action / Crime / Drama · IMDB TMDB

Kicks Carter is a streetwise policeman whose beat is Las Vegas. A crime gang is running guns, selling drugs, loan-sharking, and running a prostitution ring out of an upscale hotel in the city and Kicks is trying to put them out of business. But the interference of a woman reporter is making his job more difficult.

▶ Watch Now My List

Quick Answer

What is Black Heat about?

Black Heat is a 1976 American action crime drama directed by Al Adamson about Kicks Carter, a Las Vegas cop targeting a gang that uses an upscale hotel as a front for illegal operations.

Programmer's Pick

Al Adamson turns up the desert heat with a blaxploitation twist—casino crime, a no-nonsense cop, and a meddling reporter who just won't take a hint. If you like your Vegas gritty and your bad guys greasy, Black Heat deals it straight.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

In the neon-lit shadows of Las Vegas, Kicks Carter works the streets as a determined cop with a knack for getting into trouble. His latest target: an upscale hotel masking a labyrinth of illicit schemes, including gun-running, drug deals, prostitution, and loan-sharking. The criminal empire is helmed by Ziggy, a less-than-glamorous ringleader with broad ambitions and questionable hygiene. As Kicks tries to dismantle this operation from within, a persistent—and beautiful—reporter keeps crossing his path, complicating his mission and adding another layer of chaos to the already volatile mix. Expect all the hallmarks of blaxploitation crime drama, with high-stakes gambles and plenty of attitude.

Details & Specs

Director
Al Adamson
Writers
John D'Amato, Sheldon Lee, Budd Donnelly
Release
1976
Runtime
1h 34m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Action, Crime, Drama
Also Known As
Town Rats, Le gang des pourris, U.S. Vice, Inside Straight, The Murder Gang, Intrigue (Girls' Hotel)

Why This Matters

Directed and produced by Al Adamson, this 1976 blaxploitation film underwent multiple title changes for different releases, reflecting the era's drive-in and exploitation marketing strategies.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

View all →
Director: Al Adamson Writers: John D'Amato +2 more
Timothy Brown Timothy Brown Kicks Russ Tamblyn Russ Tamblyn Ziggy Jana Bellan Jana Bellan Terry GL Geoffrey Land Tony Regina Carrol Regina Carrol Valerie AR Al Richardson Alphonse Tanya Boyd Tanya Boyd Stephanie DA Darlene Anders Fay JM Jerry Mills Narc NF Neal Furst Ramirez GM Gavin Murrell Mad Bomber GS Gene Stowell Messenger JA Joe ArrowSmith Cop BR Bob Reynolds Cop JW J.C. Wells Guido Al Adamson Al Adamson Uncredited

Explore More

Why Cult

Blaxploitation Energy

Timothy Brown’s Kicks Carter brings tough-talking, streetwise swagger to a Vegas crime tale packed with attitude.

Vegas Underworld

The film dives into the city's seedy side—casinos, pool halls, and high-stakes poker games—all masking a criminal syndicate.

Adamson Crime Style

Director Al Adamson delivers grindhouse grit, blending action-packed confrontations with an independent film edge.

Reporter Complication

A nosy reporter adds friction to Kicks' investigation, keeping the plot moving and the stakes unpredictable.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Ziggy's gang uses a hotel as a front

Threat

Organized crime syndicate

Effect

Gun-running, drug deals, loan-sharking, and prostitution in Las Vegas

Setting

Upscale Las Vegas hotel

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Black Heat? +

Black Heat was directed by Al Adamson.

How long is Black Heat? +

Black Heat has a runtime of 94 minutes.

What genre is Black Heat? +

Black Heat is an action, crime, and drama film.

Where can I watch Black Heat? +

Black Heat is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

You Might Also Like

See All →