She's an ex-gun moll and showgirl suddenly forced to protect a kid whose parents have been rubbed out by the mob. Now the mob wants the kid dead too - but first they'll have to deal with Gloria.
Director John Cassavetes, known for his unique approach to filmmaking, creates a powerful, tension-filled story. An accountant (Buck Henry) is in possession of a ledger which could put a number of mob bosses behind bars for a long time. Before he is killed, however, he manages to entrust the ledger and his son to a neighbour, Gloria (Gena Rowlands in an Oscar nominated performance, Best Actress, 1980), for protection. Gloria reluctantly takes the kid on the run while keeping the mob at bay, sometimes at gunpoint. Finally, tired of running, she decides to confront them head on!