What Is A Piece of the Action About?
The premise of A Piece of the Action in 311 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a restless Chicago where the streets pulse with both opportunity and desperation, a retired police officer seeks to turn the city’s hidden talent into a force for good. Joshua Burke carries the weight of his years on the force and a lingering sense that the system has failed the young people it was meant to protect. Rather than retire into quiet obscurity, he devises a bold, unconventional plan: enlist two notorious career criminals to serve as mentors at a struggling community youth center, hoping their street‑savvy can be redirected toward honest purpose.
The two men he targets could not be more different. Manny Durrell is a smooth‑talking, impeccably skilled operative whose confidence borders on swagger, while Dave Anderson relies on his charm and nerves to stay one step ahead of the law. Both have long evaded capture, and Burke leverages his knowledge of their murky pasts to compel them into a partnership they never imagined. Their uneasy alliance is underpinned by a fragile mix of resentment, curiosity, and a reluctant respect for each other’s abilities.
At the heart of the experiment lies the community center itself—a worn‑down building buzzing with restless teens, hopeful staff, and a palpable yearning for direction. Lila French, the center’s vibrant coordinator, believes fiercely in second chances and sees the arrival of these unlikely mentors as both a risk and a possible catalyst. Sarah Thomas, the overwhelmed but compassionate teacher, balances discipline with empathy, striving to keep the classroom from descending into chaos while nurturing the flicker of ambition within each youngster.
The film balances gritty urban realism with moments of unexpected humor, weaving a tone that feels both urgent and hopeful. As the three central figures navigate their divergent worlds, the story probes how far people will go to rewrite their destinies and whether the thin line between crime and redemption can truly be redrawn.
What Happens in A Piece of the Action?
The complete story of A Piece of the Action, from the first scene to the last, in 901 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In Chicago, two high-class criminals, Sidney Poitier as Manny Durrell and Bill Cosby as Dave Anderson, have built flawless reputations for daring thefts, pulling off separate heists that set them apart from the ordinary street grift. Manny shows his skill with a flawless safecrack and a dramatic escape from a high window into the back of a waiting van, while Dave runs a parallel game, using charm and nerve to stay one step ahead of the law. Their paths briefly intersect in the shadows of the city’s glittering nightclubs and smoky back rooms, but the real twist comes when a calculate-and-control voice from an unseen source starts binding their fates together in an escalating, high-stakes test.
When a fake police raid is staged to swindle Bruno, a notorious gangster, Manny and Dave devise separate schemes that hinge on misdirection and timing. The plan succeeds, but it also triggers a chain of consequences that ripple through their personal lives, drawing them into a far more dangerous arrangement. After both criminals receive cryptic notes summoning them to a hotel and then to a posh restaurant, a mysterious, commanding voice lays out the ultimatum: either commit to a five-year residency at a community youth center to mentor inner-city teens, or face a nightmarish return to prison. This ominous choice pulls them toward a new kind of work and a new kind of moral gravity, one that tests their self-interest against a social conscience they never anticipated.
At the youth center, Manny and Dave are assigned to the same mission but must first navigate a world full of skeptical teens and a wary instructor. Manny, more comfortable with swagger than guidance, gradually wins the room over by recasting the students as salaried workers in a mock employment program, promising them a weekly wage and a sense of purpose. Meanwhile, Dave aims to pry information about their mysterious caller, using his wiles to crack the code behind the voice and its demands. The center is run by Lila French, a vibrant coordinator who envisions opportunity for the kids and embraces the money the two men bring, albeit with a wary eye toward their true motives. Denise Nicholas brings a sense of sharp optimism to the role of Lila, infusing the scenes with warmth and a steady belief in second chances.
Miss Thomas, the center’s overwhelmed but compassionate teacher, Hope Clarke as Sarah Thomas, tries to maintain control in a chaotic classroom, where teenagers disrespect authority but also crave honest work and real chances. The two men become entangled in the teens’ lives as Manny promises jobs and acts as a mentor, while Dave pursues connections that could help uncover the mastermind behind the threats. The plot thickens as their old nemesis Bruno, played by Titos Vandis as Bruno, intensifies his pursuit, leveraging Ty Shorter’s debts to pressure the pair and drive them into a corner.
Bruno’s henchmen eventually kidnap Manny’s girlfriend Nikki, setting off a tense chase that forces the two criminals to team up with Burke, a retired detective who shares a name with the center’s founder in a twist of family lore. James Earl Jones as Joshua Burke is drawn into the action, and Burke confronts his former ally Ty Shorter, a ploy that reveals the depth of Bruno’s coercive grip and the web of influence surrounding the case. The confrontation at the police station exposes how personal and professional loyalties can blur under pressure, pushing everyone toward a dangerous bargain that could either salvage or ruin them.
Under Burke’s reluctant aid, the trio orchestrates a pair of bold daytime heists to force Bruno’s hand: a vault robbery disguised as janitorial work, followed by a daring break-in to a monastery’s wine cellar. The sequence combines clever misdirection with a dash of physical peril—monks, a barking dog, and the tension of a high-stakes payoff—before Manny and Dave present Bruno with a choice: stop dealing drugs and admit to the truth of his illicit empire, or face exposure and loss. The moment of leverage arrives when Manny reveals a cache of incriminating documents kept at the monastery—copies of tax fraud schemes, drug operations, and other mob-connected enterprises—that could topple Bruno’s entire operation.
Throughout the tension, the human stakes stay near the center: Nikki’s safety, the teens’ empowerment, and the uneasy common ground formed between two criminals forced to serve a more altruistic cause. The climactic meeting at the restaurant becomes a stage for negotiation and revelation, and the all-important connection between the deep-voiced mastermind and the two men is finally anchored in a deal that allows them to walk away with a sense of purpose while Bruno is left weighing the consequences of a life of crime.
In the aftermath, the community center’s work continues with renewed vigor. The previously hostile class of students presents Lila, Miss Thomas, Dave, and Manny with tokens and thanks, signaling a transformation that none of them could have predicted when the plan first began. A graduation-like moment arrives as the teens complete their first phase of the program, and the staff join the students in a jubilant celebration that suggests a brighter future, built on the trust and the tangible progress they’ve achieved together. The film closes on a note of cautious optimism, where the edge-of-crime thrill remains, but the heart of the story lies in second chances, concrete opportunities, and the power of mentorship to redefine a city’s possibilities.
A Piece of the Action Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Dave's high-risk burglary and spectacular escape” to “Graduation day pranks and the promise of more teens”. 13 events name a place, across 11 locations.
- 1
Dave's high-risk burglary and spectacular escape
In Chicago, Dave Anderson brazenly drills into a large firm's safe and makes off with a substantial sum of money. The sequence culminates with him leaping from a high window into the back of a waiting covered van, escaping capture.
When:Opening sequence Where:Large firm, Chicago
- 2
Manny's fake police raid and Bea's theft
Manny Durrell devises a con against Bruno by staging a fake police raid. Bea Quitman poses as Bruno's maid and, during the confusion, disappears with a briefcase of money Bruno hands her.
When:Early in the film Where:Bruno's operation
- 3
Detectives Burke and Shorter begin investigating
Detective Joshua Burke and his partner Ty Shorter begin investigating both robberies as Burke's suspicions grow. Their early work links the two crimes and broadens the search for answers.
When:After the robberies Where:Chicago
- 4
Mysterious notes pull them to a hotel
Dave and Manny separately receive notes summoning them to a hotel the next day, where they first suspect the other is behind the message. A deep voice recites the details of their past crimes and instructs them to meet again.
When:The following day Where:Hotel
- 5
Restaurant meeting with Lila and the deep-voice ultimatum
At a posh restaurant, the two criminals meet Lila French, coordinator of a youth center, who believes their charitable work will be a windfall. A repeat phone call reinforces the choice: spend five years helping the teens or face prison.
When:Next day Where:Posh restaurant
- 6
Youth center intake: Lila introduces staff and tasks
Lila introduces Sarah Thomas, a caring teacher, and the center's work with inner-city teens begins. Dave and Manny are assigned to different tasks, with Dave trying to identify the caller while Manny tries to win the kids over.
When:First week Where:Youth center
- 7
Manny wins the teens with a promised salary
Manny tells the teens they are on salary, promising $100 per week for their 'work.' He tears the stack of money in half to show upfront payment and gives each child half, promising the rest at the end of the week.
When:First week Where:Youth center
- 8
Dave grows closer to Lila while tracing the caller
Dave builds a mutual attraction with Lila while gathering info on the caller. He learns about Martha Burke, the center's founder, and spots her husband Joshua Burke in photos, prompting him to try Burke by phone.
When:Early center work Where:Lila's office
- 9
Bruno locates Bea and takes Nikki hostage to pressure Dave and Manny
Bruno, using Ty Shorter's information, locates Bea Quitman and learns of Manny's whereabouts. He then kidnaps Manny's girlfriend Nikki to pressure Dave to return the money.
When:Mid-film Where:Bruno's HQ / pursuit location
- 10
Burke agrees to help and confronts Shorter
Reluctantly convinced by Lila's push, Burke agrees to aid Dave and Manny. He confronts Ty Shorter at the police station, warning him that he will forget his involvement once he has the information he needs.
When:Soon after Nikki's kidnapping Where:Police station
Show the other 3 events of A Piece of the Action Hide the last 3 events
- 11
The vault and monastery break-in
Following Burke's tip, Dave and Manny stage a heist, first robbing an office building vault as janitors, then breaking into a monastery wine cellar. They escape but are chased by a monk and a barking dog, heightening the tension.
When:Later in the film Where:Office building vault; monastery wine cellar
- 12
Manny confronts Bruno with money and incriminating documents; a deal is offered
Manny returns the money to Bruno and reveals copies of letters and documents outlining illegal businesses and potential mob hits. He offers Bruno a deal: stop drug dealing and walk away from the scheme.
When:During confrontation Where:Bruno's location
- 13
Graduation day pranks and the promise of more teens
The gunshot sounds are revealed to be a classroom prank as the teens graduate from the center's program. The students present gifts to the adults and celebrate together. Miss Thomas and Lila announce that twenty-three new students will join next week.
When:Graduation day Where:Youth center
Who Are the Main Characters in A Piece of the Action?
9 characters, among them Manny Durrell (Sidney Poitier), Dave Anderson (Bill Cosby) and Nikki McLean (Tracy Reed): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Manny Durrell (Sidney Poitier)
Played by Sidney Poitier
Manny is a suave, brilliant con artist whose charm masks a calculating mind. He thrives on social influence and uses clever schemes to come out on top, yet he shows glimmers of reform when pressed by the circumstances around the youth center. Over time, his reluctance to fully abandon crime clashes with a growing sense of responsibility.
- 🧠 Smart
- 🕶️ Cunning
- 💼 Ambitious
- DA
Dave Anderson (Bill Cosby)
Played by Bill Cosby
Dave is a relentless, pragmatic safecracker and con artist who partners with Manny. He leverages his network and nerve to pull off high-stakes schemes. While not a hero at the outset, his involvement with Lila and the center gradually pushes him toward a more protective stance.
- 🧠 Strategic
- 🗝️ Resourceful
- 💼 Ambitious
- NM
Nikki McLean (Tracy Reed)
Played by Tracy Reed
Nikki is Manny’s girlfriend who becomes entangled in the men’s crimes and the danger that follows. She embodies loyalty and resilience, navigating shifting loyalties as plans unfold. Her presence raises the stakes for Manny and Dave and anchors personal risk in the plot.
- 💪 Loyal
- ❤️ Passionate
- 🧭 Strategic
- LF
Lila French (Denise Nicholas)
Played by Denise Nicholas
Lila is the enthusiastic coordinator of the inner-city youth center, driving outreach and job placement for teens. She embodies hope and determination, nudging Manny and Dave toward engagement with the community while navigating the moral complexities of their situation. Her guidance helps shape the center’s evolving mission.
- 🌟 Optimistic
- 🧭 Community-minded
- 💼 Organizer
- ST
Sarah Thomas (Hope Clarke)
Played by Hope Clarke
Sarah is a caring but overwhelmed teacher who manages a rowdy class. She anchors the human side of the center, showing patience and resolve as she helps teens grow through structured support and opportunity. Her presence underscores the potential for personal growth within the program.
- 👩🏫 Educator
- 💪 Determined
- 🤝 Mentor
-
Joshua Burke (James Earl Jones)
Played by James Earl Jones
Joshua Burke is a retired detective whose past weaves into the present investigation. His knowledge and old connections become a tool for unraveling the caller’s scheme. He shifts from cautious skepticism to a collaborative ally in the center’s work.
- 🕵️ Detective
- 🗝️ Knowledgeable
- 🧭 Cautious
- TS
Ty Shorter (Jason Evers)
Played by Jason Evers
Ty is Bruno’s indebted henchman, using his access to police information to manipulate outcomes. He embodies a conflicted morality, showing fear of Bruno’s power while leaning into risky gambits. His role highlights the dangers of corruption within the system.
- 🕳️ Corrupt
- 🎭 Reckless
- 🔗 Leverage
- BQ
Bea Quitman (Frances Foster)
Played by Frances Foster
Bea is a center coordinator who helps move funds and influence through the youth program, becoming entangled in Bruno’s criminal web. Her relocation to Copenhagen reveals how far the money travels. She represents a bridge between charitable aims and risky, illicit connections.
- 🌟 Philanthropist
- 🧭 Connected
- 🗝️ Escapist
- M(
Monk (Angus Scrimm)
Played by Angus Scrimm
Monk appears in the monastery sequence, serving as a symbolic obstacle and a physical threat during the heist. He embodies the tension between sacred space and crime, adding a menacing presence to the caper and its consequences.
- 🕯️ Spiritual
- 🗡️ Tense
- 🕰️ Mysterious
Where and When Is A Piece of the Action Set?
A Piece of the Action is set in Chicago, Illinois, Inner-city youth center, Posh restaurant, Monastery wine… (1970s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1970s
Set in the early 1970s Chicago, the story reflects urban change, social tensions, and a era of reform and conflict. The period atmosphere informs the characters’ choices, from street-level crime to community outreach. Fashion, music, and the pace of city life anchor the plot in a pre-digital, pre-dominant television era.
Where
Chicago, Illinois, Inner-city youth center, Posh restaurant, Monastery wine cellar, South Chicago
The film unfolds across Chicago and its urban neighborhoods, contrasting upscale venues with stark inner-city settings. The city acts as a backdrop where crime, ambition, and opportunity collide. Key locations include a high-end restaurant, a youth center that aims to lift teens into employment, and a monastery wine cellar that becomes a pivotal locus for evidence and power.
- 🌆 Cityscape
- 🔐 Secrets and crime
- 👥 Community spaces
What Are the Themes of A Piece of the Action?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Redemption, Community and Deception.
-
01
Redemption
Two seasoned criminals are pressed into reform when a mysterious caller forces them to work at a youth center. The story probes whether their schemes can yield genuine change or simply delay consequences. As Manny and Dave engage with the center, they confront their pasts and edge toward responsibility.
-
02
Community
The inner-city youth center becomes a counterpoint to the criminals’ world, offering teens jobs and direction. Teachers Lila and Miss Thomas embody mentorship, pushing for trust and discipline. The narrative shows how community programs can redirect talent toward constructive futures.
-
03
Deception
A deep-voiced mastermind manipulates Manny and Dave, forcing them to reveal their misdeeds and vulnerabilities. The plot threads through blackmail, staged robberies, and hidden documents that threaten powerful criminals. The tension between truth, leverage, and justice drives the climax.
What Kind of Film Is A Piece of the Action?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
This urban crime comedy maintains a steady, charismatic pace as two hustlers are blackmailed into mentoring teens, creating a hopeful and tense atmosphere that blends heist excitement with a message of community redemption.
- hopeful
- charismatic
- tense
- urban
- cautiously optimistic
- mischievous
- mentorship
- organized crime
- redemption
- second chances
Content notes: kidnapping, criminal coercion.
Quiz
How well do you remember A Piece of the Action? Test yourself on the story.
