Across 110th Street

An ex-con who hatches a botched heist to steal from the Harlem mob. Impulsive and desperate, he becomes a brutal participant in the violence, murdering both sides and risking everything for a chance at safety or money. He endures an epilepsy flare-up that slows him at a critical moment, and his plan spirals out of control until his demise.

Head of Harlem's black mob who eyes the Italian turf and uses bribes to keep power intact. He portrays a calm, calculating presence, denying direct involvement while orchestrating violence behind the scenes. His clashes with cops reveal the complexities of loyalty and control in the neighborhood.

Don Gennaro's ruthless enforcer in Harlem who tortures and intimidates rivals to retrieve the stolen money. He embodies the film's brutality and willingness to cross lines to seize control, including brutal treatment of Henry J. and his associates. He is ultimately taken down by Jim Harris.

A veteran Harlem cop with a brittle edge and a quick temper. He is prejudiced against Black residents and prone to violent behavior, and he is compromised by corruption through bribes. His authority is undercut by political considerations and personal ambition, culminating in a fatal confrontation.

A capable Black detective who navigates a minefield of bias, bribery, and politics. He challenges Mattelli and plays a pivotal role in solving the case while pursuing moral lines, ultimately making the hard choices to stop the cycle of violence.

Doc Johnson's henchman who handles information gathering and intimidation. He follows orders with a brutal efficiency, yet shows signs of discomfort during torture. His actions heighten the stakes and contribute to the film's sense of creeping menace.

Jim Harris's girlfriend whose presence and needs intersect with the heist's fallout. She becomes a catalyst around the pursuit, inadvertently leading pursuers to Jim's hideout and complicating loyalties.

The motorist who unwittingly carries the money; he is tortured and killed in a brutal display of power. His death underscores the reach of the mob's violence and the costs paid by ordinary people.

Henry J.'s estranged wife who becomes a witness to the mystery surrounding her husband's death. Her interactions with Mattelli reveal the human cost of the crime wave and the moral compromises around closure.

The laundry owner connected to Jim's crew, who is pressed for information and ultimately escapes a dangerous encounter. He represents the everyday people caught in the crossfire of the Harlem turf war.