Hoodlum

In 1934, Ellsworth 'Bumpy' Johnson is released from Sing Sing prison and returns to Harlem. The atmosphere is tense as he finds the neighborhood under the control of mobster Dutch Schultz, who has taken over the lucrative numbers game.

Upon his return to Harlem, Bumpy reunites with his cousin 'Illinois' Gordon and immediately steps back into the crime scene. He begins working for Madame Queen, who is struggling to maintain her empire amidst Schultz's growing influence.

Bumpy meets Francine, a friend of Illinois' girlfriend, during a night out. Their instant connection blossoms as he shares his poetry during their walk, adding a personal touch to the chaos of the streets.

Tensions rise when Madame Queen is ambushed by Schultz's enforcers, led by the ruthless Bub Hewlett. Bumpy and fellow mobster Whispers intervene, managing to thwart the attack and protect her from imminent danger.

During a Commission meeting, Dutch Schultz openly declares his ambition to dominate Harlem's criminal activities. This declaration intensifies the conflict, prompting Bumpy to act against Schultz's encroachment on his territory.

After a heist on Schultz's turf with Illinois, Bumpy draws the ire of Madame Queen. She is furious with his actions, indicating the tension and power dynamics at play within the criminal underworld of Harlem.

Schultz retaliates by hiring the notorious Salke brothers to eliminate Bumpy. He uses his corrupt connections in law enforcement to falsely imprison Madame Queen, escalating the stakes in their violent rivalry.

The Salke brothers invade Bumpy's home, taking out his guards and initiating a fierce confrontation. In an unexpected act of bravery, Francine shoots one of the intruders, showing her commitment to Bumpy amidst the escalating violence.

As gang warfare intensifies, Illinois is brutally beaten by corrupt cops, highlighting the lengths to which the law has become entangled with the criminal underworld. Bumpy, now in charge, recruits Tyrone as his runner, ignoring rising tensions.

In a moment of betrayal, Bumpy discovers that his ice cream has been poisoned. This revelation leads him to force a young employee to consume the tainted treat, showcasing his descent into ruthlessness fueled by rage and mistrust.

Bumpy confronts Schultz at the Cotton Club, using Vallie’s severed finger as a warning and a grim reminder of the dire consequences of encroachment in Harlem. This chilling exchange underscores the brutality that governs their rivalry.

After a dangerous run-in with Schultz, Illinois learns that Mary has been killed as a message against them. This harsh revelation deepens the conflict and propels Bumpy towards seeking vengeance against Schultz.

The situation escalates tragically when Illinois is murdered as a warning to Bumpy. This loss drives Bumpy to take drastic revenge, culminating in the assassination of Captain Foley in a cruel twist of fate.

With Schultz eliminated, and having gained support from Luciano, Bumpy starts to claim the throne of Harlem. However, the cost of his rise is steep, marked by the loss of friends and the betrayal that lingers in his wake.

The film concludes with Bumpy attending Illinois' funeral, reflecting his profound sense of solitude. After a brief moment of connection with Francine and Madame Queen, he steps out into the rain, symbolizing his isolation in a world plagued by betrayal and violence.