TOP OF THE HEAP

Justice shall be swift and deadly!

1972 · 1h 30m · R · Action / Crime / Drama · IMDB TMDB

A Washington D.C. cop is proud to be one of the few African-Americans on the force. He is not well loved by his peers, or by people. Trouble erupts when he is overlooked for a promotion.

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Quick Answer

What is Top of the Heap about?

Top of the Heap is a 1972 American action, crime, and drama film directed by Christopher St. John about a Washington D.C. police officer who, while facing disrespect from his peers, escapes into vivid fantasies of being a celebrity astronaut.

Programmer's Pick

Christopher St. John doesn’t just direct—he embodies George Lattimer, taking the blaxploitation genre for a heady walk on the moon (at least in fantasy). If you ever wondered how a tough D.C. cop would handle being sidelined by his own department and then shooting for the stars, this is your trip.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Top of the Heap follows George Lattimer, a proud African American police officer in Washington D.C. who finds himself marginalized by both his colleagues and community. Despite his dedication to the force, Lattimer faces daily disrespect and isolation, leading to internalized frustration. As he patrols the city, his reality blurs with hallucinatory episodes, imagining himself as a celebrated astronaut living out a glamorous, alternate life. The film blends gritty urban drama with surreal, psychedelic fantasy, capturing both the social tensions and the escapism of its protagonist. It's a singular entry in the blaxploitation canon, balancing grounded character study with bold stylistic detours.

Details & Specs

Director: Christopher St. John
Writer: Christopher St. John
Release: 1972
Runtime: 1h 30m
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Genres: Action, Crime, Drama

Cast & Crew

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Director: Christopher St. John Writer: Christopher St. John

Christopher St. John George Lattimer

Paula Kelly Black Chick FS Florence St. Peter Viola Lattimer IS Ingeborg Sørensen Nurse Swenson AQ Almeria Quinn Valerie Lattimer

Allen Garfield Taxi Driver MW Marilyn Wirt Nurse AM Anne Mason Walsh's Secretary ML Maria Lennard Reporter MV Mayrita Varna Reporter BW Beatrice Webster George's Mother EM Essie McSwine African Dancer PW Pamela Whorf Girl Rioter AS Angela Seymour Young Hooker (uncredited) TJ Tiger Joe Marsh Man with Knife

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Blaxploitation Female Rear Nudity Female Topless Nudity Nudity Blood Sex Scene Revenge Bare Chested Male Police Male Rear Nudity Husband Wife Relationship Cigarette Smoking Gun Knife Dancing Stabbing Revolver

Why Cult

Psychedelic Fantasy Sequences

The film interweaves gritty realism with trippy astronaut dreams, giving the blaxploitation formula a wild, surreal spin.

Blaxploitation with a Twist

Top of the Heap stands out by focusing on a disillusioned African American police officer, mixing social critique with genre staples.

Director-Star Christopher St. John

Christopher St. John not only directs but delivers a raw, personal performance as George Lattimer, anchoring the film’s emotional core.

Washington D.C. Streets

The setting brings a distinctive, authentic urban backdrop, grounding the film’s social commentary and character drama.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Top of the Heap? +

Christopher St. John directed Top of the Heap.

How long is Top of the Heap? +

Top of the Heap has a runtime of 90 minutes.

What genre is Top of the Heap? +

Top of the Heap is an action, crime, and drama film.

When was Top of the Heap released? +

Top of the Heap was released in 1972.

How do George's fantasy sequences influence the story? +

George Lattimer's psychedelic astronaut fantasies provide a stark contrast to his harsh reality as a police officer, highlighting his inner desires and psychological struggles.