The Mack 1973

As John “Goldie” Mickens, portrayed by Richard Pryor, steps off the bus after completing a five-year prison term, he sets out on a mission to seize control of the streets in Oakland, California. Determined to amass wealth and power, Goldie aims to ascend to the pinnacle of the city’s underworld. His aspirations sharply contrast with those of his brother Olinga, who is committed to uplifting their community by combating drugs and violence through his Black Nationalist principles.

Goldie’s rise to power is aided by his alliance with Slim and Lulu, a devious head prostitute who manages his network of women. As Goldie’s influence expands, so does his notoriety, catching the eye of Fat Man, a vicious heroin kingpin from his past, as well as corrupt and prejudiced detectives, Hank and Jed.

When Goldie rejects a rekindling of ties with Fat Man and turns down the detectives’ demands to put a stop to Olinga’s efforts to cleanse the streets, he unwittingly sets off a chain of catastrophic events. The fallout from his defiance leads to the cruel attack and eventual death of their mother. Olinga is left in anguish over Goldie’s betrayal, lamenting, > “death has come to our doorstep” because of his brother’s reckless choices.

Haunted by their mother’s murder, Goldie and Olinga devise a vengeful plan with Slim to bring justice to those responsible. Yet, their plot disintegrates when Hank and Jed ambush Slim during their planned rendezvous, unveiling the grim reality of their mother’s fate. This revelation drives Goldie and Olinga to take matters into their own hands and eliminate their assailants.

In the ensuing turmoil, Goldie discovers that one of his prostitutes, Chico, has betrayed him by informing Hank and Jed about his operations. Fueled by rage and the desire for vengeance, he initially plans to kill her but ultimately chooses to spare her life. The city’s plunge into chaos compels Goldie to bid farewell to his brother, catch a charter bus, and escape Oakland, leaving behind the mayhem and destruction he helped create.