"He Did What He Had to Do."

1992

2h 20m

6.3(326 votes)

Crime

History

Drama

Overview

A portrait of union leader James R. Hoffa, as seen through the eyes of his friend, Bobby Ciaro. The film follows Hoffa through his countless battles with the RTA and President Roosevelt.

Links & Resources

IMDbView

Social & External

IMDb

Production Companies

Videos & Trailers

1 video

Cast & Crew

98 members

Acting

Jack Nicholson

James R. 'Jimmy' Hoffa

Acting

Danny DeVito

Bobby Ciaro

Acting

Armand Assante

Carol D'Allesandro

Acting

J. T. Walsh

Frank Fitzsimmons

Acting

John C. Reilly

Pete Connelly

Acting

Natalija Nogulich

Jo Hoffa

Acting

Kevin Crowley

Reporter

Acting

Robert Prosky

Billy Flynn

Acting

Kevin Anderson

Robert F. Kennedy

Acting

Frank Whaley

Young Trucker in Diner

Acting

John Judd

Senate Policeman

Acting

John P. Ryan

Red Bennett

Acting

Nicholas Pryor

Hoffa's Attorney

Acting

Paul Guilfoyle

Ted Harmon

Acting

Karen Young

Young Woman at RTA

Acting

Cliff Gorman

Solly Stein

Acting

Joanne Neer

Soignee Woman

No Image

Acting

Joe Greco

Loading Foreman

Acting

Jim Ochs

Kreger Worker

No Image

Acting

Joe Quasarano

Dock Worker

No Image

Acting

Don Brockett

Police Captain

No Image

Acting

Nicholas Giordano

Cop

No Image

Acting

Dale Young

Father Doyle

No Image

Acting

Jennifer Nicholson

Nurse Nun in White

No Image

Acting

Don Vargo

Driver with Pistol

No Image

Acting

Anthony Cannata

Organizer

Acting

Valentino Cimo

Assailant #1

Acting

Willy Rizzo

Scialla

No Image

Acting

Tom Finnegan

Teamster President

Acting

Kirk Anderson

Driver with Flat

No Image

Acting

Sam Nicotero

Counterman at Laundry

No Image

Acting

John Malloy

Counterman at Roadhouse

No Image

Acting

Louis Giambalvo

RTA Representative

Acting

Robin Eurich

Reporter #1

No Image

Acting

Robert Maffia

Reporter #2

Acting

Gerry Becker

Business Negotiator

Acting

Shirley Prestia

Hoffa's Secretary

Acting

John Hackett

Bladesdale

No Image

Acting

Peter J. Reineman

Working Man

No Image

Acting

Joey Dal Santo

'Joey' Boy at RTA

No Image

Acting

Tomasino Baratta

D'Allesandro's Man

No Image

Acting

Angela Block

Hoffa's Daughter

No Image

Acting

Anna Marie Knierim

Teamster Widow

No Image

Acting

Staci Marie Marcum

Woman in Cabin

No Image

Acting

Alton Bouchard

Airplane Pilot

No Image

Acting

Dennis Tolkach

Airplane Pilot

No Image

Acting

Jeff Howell

Senate Reporter

No Image

Camera

Fred Scialla

Castratore

No Image

Acting

Christopher Otto

Young Reporter

No Image

Acting

Annette DePetris

Newspaper Secretary

No Image

Acting

William Cameron

State Trooper

No Image

Acting

Rudy E. Morrison

Copa Thug

No Image

Acting

Joanne Deak

Woman in Penthouse

No Image

Acting

Richard Schiff

Government Attorney

Acting

Allison Robinson

Ciaro's Secretary

No Image

Acting

Steve Witting

Eliot Cookson

Acting

Kathy Jacobs

Dancer with Cigarette

No Image

Acting

Philip Perlman

Maitre'd

No Image

Acting

Sean P. Bello

Party Crasher

No Image

Acting

Robert L. Feist

Bouncer

No Image

Acting

Peter Spellos

Man in Crowd

Acting

Steven E. Goldsmith

Bailiff

No Image

Acting

Marty Perlov

Bartender

No Image

Acting

Tim Gamble

Prosecutor

No Image

Acting

Thomas D. Mahard

Bartender

Acting

Gary Houston

Government Agent in Bar

Acting

Dinah Lynch

Barbara Hoffa

No Image

Acting

Jillian Alyse Cardillo

Granddaughter

No Image

Acting

Jacqulyne Marie Cardillo

Granddaughter

No Image

Crew

Chet Badalato

Hoffa's Driver

No Image

Acting

David Regal

Newsman

No Image

Acting

Paul M. White

Young Driver

No Image

Acting

James 'Ike' Eichling

Prison Guard

No Image

Acting

Dean Wells

Convict #1

No Image

Acting

Bill Dalzell

Convict #2

No Image

Acting

Samson Barkhordarian

Official at Hall

No Image

Acting

Alex A. Kvassay

Airplane Pilot

No Image

Acting

Larry John Meyers

Newsman

Acting

John 'Cha Cha' Ciarcia

D'Ally's Financial Advisor

Acting

Sherri Mazie

Reporter

No Image

Acting

Dave Shemo

Young Reporter

No Image

Acting

David Calvin Berg

Committee Chairman

No Image

Acting

David Sconduto

Social Club Waiter

No Image

Acting

Lena Banks

Secretary (uncredited)

Acting

Sam Bauso

Waiter (uncredited)

Directing

Tim Burton

Corpse (uncredited)

Acting

Thomas F. Evans

Detroit Cop (uncredited)

Acting

April Freeman

Reporter (uncredited)

No Image

Acting

Steven Hauptman

Strike Breaker (uncredited)

No Image

Acting

John W. Iwanonkiw

Dock Worker (uncredited)

Acting

Bruno Kirby

Nightclub Comic

Acting

Tim Lovelace

Bakery Worker (uncredited)

Acting

Dave Petti

News Reporter (uncredited)

No Image

Acting

T.W. Reed

Trucker (uncredited)

Acting

Timilee Romolini

Vegas Showgirl (uncredited)

Directing

Joe Shelby

Teamster (uncredited)

No Image

Acting

Ursula Whittaker

Las Vegas Dancer (uncredited)

Acting

Jon Favreau

Extra

Similar Movies

5.9

1985

Tuff Turf

The new guy in a Los Angeles high school, Morgan, does some singing and fights hotshot Nick over disco dancer Frankie.

Movie

6.6

2024

Nickel Boys

Chronicles the powerful friendship between two young Black teenagers navigating the harrowing trials of reform school together in Florida.

Movie

6.3

1937

The Last Gangster

A crime boss goes searching for his ex-wife and son after a ten-year prison stint. His old gang has other plans though, and use the child to try and make him disclose the location of the loot he hid before going to the slammer.

Movie

5.3

1930

Framed

Rose Manning swears revenge for the unjust slaying of her father by Inspector McArthur. Five years later, as a nightclub hostess, she is sought by Chuck Gaines, secretly a bootlegger, but she centers her attentions on young Jimmy Carter, who, she learns, is the son of McArthur.

Movie

7.0

2018

Indian Horse

Follows the life of Native Canadian Saul Indian Horse as he survives residential school and life amongst the racism of the 1970s. A talented hockey player, Saul must find his own path as he battles stereotypes and alcoholism.

Movie

5.8

1972

Run, Cougar, Run

In this nature adventure, a courageous cougar must struggle to survive after a cruel human hunter kills her mate.

Movie

8.0

2023

Oh No, Lasse Falls!

The Munich Olympic Stadium, 1972. Athletes and officials are preparing for the 10,000 metres final. Lasse Virén is warming up on the track. It is not a big day only for Virén but for the whole nation. But one man cannot win alone. It takes a dedicated group of hardworking, reliable people. In a desolate bunker near the track, six Finnish men are preparing to help Lasse achieve the run of his life. A run that changes history. All for the small, relentless nation from the dark cold North.

Movie

6.0

2008

Chicago 10

Archival footage, animation and music are used to look back at the eight anti-war protesters who were put on trial following the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

Movie

5.8

2009

Elsewhere

A teen girl disappears after trying to meet men online in order to escape her small town. Apparently, only her best friend worries enough to investigate the mystery.

Movie

5.5

2024

He Went That Way

Set in 1964, a three-day journey along Route 66 begins when Bobby Falls, a 19-year-old serial killer, hitches a ride with Jim Goodwin, a celebrity animal handler travelling with his precious cargo: his TV chimpanzee, Spanky.

Movie

7.1

2016

The Nice Guys

A private eye investigates the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles and uncovers a conspiracy.

Movie

6.4

2021

No Sudden Move

A group of criminals are brought together under mysterious circumstances and have to work together to uncover what's really going on when their simple job goes completely sideways.

Movie

7.1

2017

My Generation

The vivid and inspiring story of British film icon Michael Caine's personal journey through 1960s swinging London.

Movie

6.2

1971

Villain

In 1970s London, Scotland Yard orchestrates the downfall of mob boss Vic Dakin after he crosses the line by blackmailing Members of Parliament.

Movie

Nasser & the Ticket

Almost 50 years ago this year, the legendary Pelé played a match in Doha Sports Stadium. On that fateful day in 1973, young Nasser is desperate to see his idol take the field. But he is stuck in Arabic class and must avoid the wrath of his teacher as he attempts to get his hands on a ticket in this charming short about the beautiful game and its power to bring people together.

Movie

10.0

2023

Umbra of Deceit

In the halls of power, a minister has fallen from grace. Government agent Beckett recruits a deadly operative Richards with a dubious past to restore control via coercion. As the power play unfolds, Beckett must confront the consequences of his choices while Richards seeks to safeguard his own interests.

Movie

7.2

2022

Lord of the Ants

Based on true events of the late 60s in Italy, poet, playwright and myrmecologist Aldo Braibanti is prosecuted and sentenced to prison for the love he shares with his barely-of-age pupil and friend, Ettore. Amidst a chorus of voices of accusers, supporters and a largely hypocritical public, a single committed journalist takes on the task of piecing together the truth, between secrecy and desire, facing suspicion and censorship in the process.

Movie

6.0

1975

Shampoo

A Beverly Hills hairdresser runs around town on the eve of the 1968 presidential election trying to make heads or tails of his financial and romantic entanglements. His attempts to gather the money to open his own salon are continually side-tracked by the distractions presented by his many lovers.

Movie

2023

Cadillac: A Mobster Fairy Tale

In the 1960s, after the love of his life leaves him in the dust, a young soldier in Boston's Italian Mafia must decide whether his future will be one of violence and lust, or love and morality.

Movie

2022

Men of Sacrifice

The police bomb squad and SWAT teams face off against an embittered serial bomber out to get revenge for his daughter against the gangster who caused her death.

Movie

Recommended Movies

6.4

1990

White Hunter, Black Heart

Renowned filmmaker John Wilson travels to Africa to direct a new movie, but constantly leaves to hunt elephants and other game, to the dismay of his cast and crew. He eventually becomes obsessed with hunting down and killing one specific elephant.

Movie

7.2

1980

Coal Miner's Daughter

Biography of Loretta Lynn, a country and western singer that came from poverty to fame.

Movie

6.7

1988

Tucker: The Man and His Dream

Ypsilanti, Michigan, 1945. Engineer Preston Tucker dreams of designing the car of future, but his innovative envision will be repeatedly sabotaged by his own unrealistic expectations and the Detroit automobile industry tycoons.

Movie

6.7

1977

Black Sunday

An Israeli anti-terrorist agent must stop a disgruntled Vietnam vet cooperating in a Black September PLO plot to commit a terrorist attack at the Super Bowl.

Movie

5.6

1994

Sugar Hill

In the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, the Mafia steps in when a drug dealer quits his partner and brother to lead a straight life with his girlfriend.

Movie

6.6

1990

Reversal of Fortune

Wealthy Sunny von Bülow lies brain-dead, husband Claus guilty of attempted murder; but he says he's innocent and hires Alan Dershowitz for his appeal.

Movie

6.9

2002

Antwone Fisher

A sailor prone to violent outbursts is sent to a naval psychiatrist for help. Refusing at first to open up, the young man eventually breaks down and reveals a horrific childhood. Through the guidance of his doctor, he confronts his painful past and begins a quest to find the family he never knew.

Movie

6.7

1997

One Eight Seven

After surviving a stabbing by a student, teacher Trevor Garfield moves from New York to Los Angeles. There, he resumes teaching as a substitute teacher. The education system, where violent bullies control the classrooms and the administration is afraid of lawsuits, slowly drives Garfield mad.

Movie

6.3

2021

Crisis

Three stories about the world of opioids collide: a drug trafficker arranges a multi-cartel Fentanyl smuggling operation between Canada and the U.S., an architect recovering from an OxyContin addiction tracks down the truth behind her son's involvement with narcotics, and a university professor battles unexpected revelations about his research employer, a drug company with deep government influence bringing a new "non-addictive" painkiller to market.

Movie

6.1

1994

Wolf

Aging publisher Will Randall is at the end of his rope when a younger co-worker snatches his job out from under his nose. But after being bitten by a wolf, Will suddenly finds himself full of youthful vigor. As he struggles to regain his position, he becomes enthralled with Laura Alden, his former boss's daughter. And, as increasingly animal-like urges begin to overwhelm him, Randall worries that he may be turning into the creature that bit him.

Movie

7.6

1971

Harold and Maude

The young Harold lives in his own world of suicide-attempts and funeral visits to avoid the misery of his current family and home environment. Harold meets an 80-year-old woman named Maude who also lives in her own world yet one in which she is having the time of her life. When the two opposites meet they realize that their differences don’t matter and they become best friends and love each other.

Movie

6.6

1992

Candyman

The Candyman, a murderous soul with a hook for a hand, is accidentally summoned to reality by a skeptic grad student researching the monster's myth.

Movie

6.7

1999

Three Kings

A group of American soldiers stationed in Iraq at the end of the Gulf War find a map they believe will take them to a huge cache of stolen Kuwaiti gold hidden near their base, and they embark on a secret mission that's destined to change everything.

Movie

6.0

2009

The Men Who Stare at Goats

A reporter in Iraq might just have the story of a lifetime when he meets Lyn Cassady, a guy who claims to be a former member of the U.S. Army's New Earth Army, a unit that employs paranormal powers in their missions.

Movie

7.5

1992

Malcolm X

A tribute to the controversial black activist and leader of the struggle for black liberation. He hit bottom during his imprisonment in the '50s, he became a Black Muslim and then a leader in the Nation of Islam. His assassination in 1965 left a legacy of self-determination and racial pride.

Movie

7.1

2002

Punch-Drunk Love

A socially awkward and volatile small business owner meets the love of his life after being threatened by a gang of scammers.

Movie

6.1

2008

The Strangers

After a 4 a.m. knock at the door and haunting voices, Kristen McKay and James Hoyt’s remote getaway becomes a psychological night of terror as three masked strangers invade. Now they must go far beyond what they thought themselves capable of if they hope to survive.

Movie

7.4

1997

As Good as It Gets

Melvin Udall, a cranky, bigoted, obsessive-compulsive writer of romantic fiction, is rude to everyone he meets, including his gay neighbor, Simon. After Simon is brutally attacked and hospitalized, Melvin finds his life turned upside down when he has to look after Simon's dog. In addition, Carol, the only waitress at the local diner who will tolerate him, leaves work to care for her chronically ill son, making it impossible for Melvin to eat breakfast.

Movie

7.5

1992

A Few Good Men

When cocky military lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee and his co-counsel, Lt. Cmdr. JoAnne Galloway, are assigned to a murder case, they uncover a hazing ritual that could implicate high-ranking officials such as shady Col. Nathan Jessep.

Movie

7.7

1993

Philadelphia

Two competing lawyers join forces to sue a prestigious law firm for AIDS discrimination. As their unlikely friendship develops their courage overcomes the prejudice and corruption of their powerful adversaries.

Movie