Burt Reynolds directs and stars as Atlanta vice cop Tom Sharky – a man with a vendetta against underworld kingpin Victor D’Anton (Vittorio Gassman) – a.k.a. “The Ace” – who murders Sharky’s new hooker girlfriend, Dominoe (newcomer Rachel Ward).
Determined to nail D’Anton, Sharky organises his “machine” – a motley collection of cops – played by great character actors Bernie Casey, Richard Libertini and Brian Keith.
Charles Durning is the Vice Squad lieutenant who has made peace with his low-life assignment.
The film is distinguished by one of the most dangerous stunts ever committed to celluloid: a stunt man falling sixteen stories from a high-rise building.
Sharky
Burt Reynolds
Dominoe
Rachel Ward
Donald Hotchkins
Earl Holliman
Papa
Brian Keith
Arch
Bernie Casey
Friscoe
Charles Durning
Victor D’Anton (The Ace)
Vittorio Gassman
Smiley
Darryl Hickman
Nosh
Richard Libertini
Billy Score
Henry Silva
Joe Tipps
Joseph Mascolo
Mabel
Carol Locatell
Highball Mary
Hari Rhodes
Barrett
John Fiedler
Twigs
James O’Connell
Director
Burt Reynolds