Hoodlum is a crime drama film that takes place in the 1930s in New York City, specifically in the Harlem neighborhood. The story revolves around the illegal underground business of "the numbers," where people bet on the outcome of a combination of numbers being drawn.
The main character, Bumpy Johnson, played by Laurence Fishburne, is a notorious gangster and a key player in the numbers game. However, when his boss, Madam Queen, played by Cicely Tyson, is arrested, Bumpy is forced to take over. This leads to a power struggle between Bumpy and a vicious mobster named Dutch Schultz, played by Tim Roth.
Bumpy is supported by his friend and business partner, Illinois Gordon, played by Chi McBride, and a young up-and-coming musician named Nat Pettigrew, played by Freddie Rodriguez. As Bumpy fights to maintain control of the numbers racket, he also struggles with the fallout of his personal life, including his relationship with a singer named Francine, played by Vanessa Williams.
The film is based on true events and features a talented cast, including Andy Garcia as the corrupt prosecutor, Robert Duvall as the police officer trying to keep the peace, and Queen Latifah as Bumpy's trusted advisor. Directed by Bill Duke, Hoodlum is a compelling story about power, loyalty, and survival in a dangerous world.