Sean Boyd, a former cop, aligns with Maria, a street smart young clerk from the New York Citydog pound, on a search for his daughter, who is kidnapped by Gus Soltic, a psychopath, after being mistaken for a wealthy man's daughter. His search is met with obstacles as he runs afoul of the police in his pursuit, including a corrupt former colleague bent on revenge against him. Meanwhile, the kidnapper is just as prepared to kill anybody, including his young hostage, unless his ransom demands are met.
Filming started in New York in July 1978 with Sidney J. Furie directing. James Brolin broke his foot during filming, delaying the production. Furie quit the film in August, after one-third of the film was complete. Bob Butler replaced Furie.[8][4]