Number One with a Bullet (released in theaters on February 27, 1987) fires onto the screen as a slick, high-octane 1980s action thriller that pairs mismatched law enforcement partners against narcotics syndicates and internal corruption. The narrative follows two undercover Los Angeles narcotics detectives: Nick Barzack (Robert Carradine), an impulsive, unorthodox loose cannon, and his smooth, sophisticated partner, Frank Hazeltine (Billy Dee Williams).
Despite their contrasting personalities and constant banter, the duo forms an unbeatable crime-fighting team. Their routine investigations take a deadly turn when they stumble onto a massive, highly lucrative heroin smuggling operation infiltrating the city.
Determined to dismantle the drug ring, Nick and Frank begin tracking the cartel’s distribution network, bringing them into direct conflict with ruthless syndicate enforcer Harry DeCosta (Barry Sattels).
However, every time the partners set up a bust, the criminals seem to be one step ahead, signaling a dangerous leak within the police department itself.
Nick attempts to reconcile with his ex-wife Teresa (Valerie Bertinelli),while navigating interference from his overprotective mother, Mrs. Barzak (Doris Roberts).
As the body count rises and departmental superiors attempt to take them off the case, Nick and Frank realize that the corruption possibly reaches all the way to the top of the precinct hierarchy under Captain Ferris (Peter Graves).
Stripped of their badges and targeted by both mob hitmen and corrupt officers, the duo goes rogue, embarking on an explosive, bullet-riddled final showdown through Los Angeles to bring down Captain Ferris and destroy the narcotics ring for good.
Mykelti Williamson, Bobby Di Cicco, and Jon Gries round out the cast.
Robert Carradine and Billy Dee Williams in Number One with a Bullet (Photo/Cannon Films)
Reception for Number One with a Bullet
Number One with a Bullet grossed $410,952 in its theatrical run.
Legacy
Number One with a Bullet‘s legacy endures as a quintessential, action-packed artifact of late-1980s Cannon Films production, celebrated for combining classic buddy-cop chemistry with hard-hitting street action.
Featuring dynamic screen synergy between Robert Carradine and Billy Dee Williams, the picture showcased charismatic lead performances that balanced sharp humor with tough-guy grit.
Director Jack Smight brought smooth visual pacing and visceral gunplay to the narrative, bolstered by strong supporting work from Bertinelli, Graves, Roberts, and Di Cicco.
Retro action enthusiasts, VHS collectors, and fans of 1980s crime cinema continue to value Number One with a Bullet as an entertaining, endlessly fun time capsule of the golden era of buddy-cop thrillers.
