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Action Cult Classic

An ex-boxer, a hustler, and a former call girl find trouble in the shadows of their past.

THE HITTER

1979 · 1h 30m · R · Action / Drama / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

An ex-professional boxer gets a new start when teaming up with an ageing hoodlum and an ex-call girl.

Quick Answer

What is The Hitter about?

The Hitter is a 1979 American action-drama-thriller directed by Christopher Leitch about an ex-professional boxer who teams up with an aging hoodlum and an ex-call girl, only to confront challenges tied to their past connections.

Programmer's Pick

Ron O'Neal trades the Super Fly threads for boxing gloves in this gritty blaxploitation tale of battered pride and second chances. The Hitter punches above its weight with a trio of complex leads and a streetwise blend of action and drama. If you like your redemption stories with a solid jab, this one's got muscle.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

The Hitter follows the journey of an ex-professional boxer haunted by a fatal bout in the ring, now seeking redemption and a fresh start. He joins forces with a fast-talking but aging hoodlum and an ex-call girl, forming an unlikely trio bound by their desire to leave the past behind. But as they try to carve out a new path, old adversaries and unresolved conflicts resurface, threatening their fragile alliance. Set against the gritty backdrop of urban streets and steeped in the spirit of the blaxploitation era, the film blends action, drama, and suspense as its main characters navigate loyalty, regret, and survival.

Details & Specs

Director
Christopher Leitch
Writer
Christopher Leitch
Release
1979
Runtime
1h 30m

Why This Matters

This 1979 blaxploitation action film features Ron O'Neal and Adolph Caesar and was distributed by Peppercorn-Wormser Film Enterprises, reflecting the era's independent production and release channels for genre cinema.
— SassyFlix Curator

Why Cult

Blaxploitation Energy

The film channels the pulse and swagger of the blaxploitation movement, with a cast led by Ron O'Neal and themes of urban survival.

Unlikely Trio

An ex-boxer, a streetwise hoodlum, and an ex-call girl join forces, making for a character-driven dynamic rarely seen in standard action fare.

Redemption Arc

Haunted by a tragic past, the protagonist's struggle for a second chance adds depth to the film's punches and plot turns.

Boxing Undercurrents

Boxing isn't just a backdrop—it's the catalyst for the main character's journey and the film's signature style.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was The Hitter released? +

The Hitter was released in 1979.

Who directed The Hitter? +

The Hitter was directed by Christopher Leitch.

How long is The Hitter? +

The Hitter has a runtime of 90 minutes.

What genre is The Hitter? +

The Hitter is an action, drama, and thriller film.

Where can I watch The Hitter? +

You can watch The Hitter on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips