Set in the 1930s, “Hoodlum” follows the story of Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson (played by Laurence Fishburne), an African American gangster who rises to power in Harlem, New York. Bumpy is determined to assert control over the neighborhood’s illegal activities and confront the Italian mobsters who dominate the city’s criminal underworld.
As Bumpy expands his influence and consolidates his power, he forms alliances with other African American gangsters, including Stephanie St. Clair (played by Cicely Tyson) and her lieutenant, Illinois Gordon (played by Chi McBride). Together, they challenge the Italian mob’s stranglehold on Harlem and wage a bloody turf war for control of the lucrative numbers racket and other illegal enterprises.
Bumpy’s efforts to establish himself as Harlem’s preeminent crime boss are complicated by his tense relationship with Dutch Schultz (played by Tim Roth), a ruthless and ambitious mobster who sees Harlem as his territory. Despite initially collaborating with Schultz, Bumpy becomes disillusioned with Schultz’s violent tactics and betrayal.
The conflict between Bumpy and Schultz comes to a head in a violent showdown, with Bumpy ultimately emerging victorious and solidifying his dominance over Harlem. However, his victory comes at a steep cost, as he loses friends and allies along the way, including Illinois, who is killed in the crossfire.
In the aftermath of the conflict, Bumpy reflects on the toll that his pursuit of power has taken on himself and those around him. Despite achieving his goal of establishing himself as Harlem’s top gangster, he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the violence that has defined his life.
The film ends with Bumpy looking towards the future, determined to continue fighting for his community and protecting Harlem from outside threats. Despite the challenges ahead, he remains steadfast in his commitment to his people and his legacy as a defender of the neighborhood.
“Hoodlum” is praised for its gritty portrayal of 1930s Harlem, its compelling characters, and its exploration of themes such as race, power, and loyalty. It offers a gripping and atmospheric depiction of a pivotal moment in American history, when African American gangsters fought for control of their communities in the face of discrimination and oppression.