Police officers face many challenges in the decaying, impoverished, high-crime South Bronx region of New York City. Among these officers are NYPD officers Murphy and Corelli, who work out of the 41st precinct, nicknamed "Fort Apache" because to those who work there, it feels like an army outpost in foreign territory. The streets are filled with dangerous gangs, criminals, and drug dealers. Unemployment is very high and the neighborhood is filled with garbage and wrecked buildings. While Murphy is a hard-drinking and lonely divorced father, he has a great camaraderie with Corelli. As well, Murphy's life improves when he meets a young nurse, Isabella, and they start a romantic relationship. Directed by Daniel Petrie Produced by Thomas Fiorello Martin Richards Written by Heywood Gould Starring Paul Newman Ed Asner Ken Wahl Danny Aiello Rachel Ticotin Pam Grier Kathleen Beller Music by Jonathan Tunick Cinematography John Alcott Edited by Rita Roland