The film is set in New York City and tells the story of two homeless men who form an unusual friendship on the streets of Manhattan. Jerry, a seasoned Vietnam War veteran played by Danny Glover, takes under his wing Matthew, a young man with a mental illness played by Matt Dillon, who has just been evicted from his home. Jerry teaches Matthew the harsh realities of surviving without a roof over his head, and together they navigate life between the city streets and a homeless shelter. At the shelter, they face constant bullying from a thug named Little Leroy, played by Ving Rhames. Despite their difficult circumstances, the two develop a deep bond and begin saving money in the hope of one day renting an apartment together. The film offers a raw and realistic look at homelessness in New York City in the early 1990s, exploring themes of friendship, mental illness, and the daily struggle for dignity in a city that often forgets its most vulnerable residents.

Filming Locations:

Fort Washington Avenue and West 179th Street

In the Movie

Scene where the characters appear in the Washington Heights neighborhood, which is directly linked to the film's title and represents the shelter and surrounding community where much of their daily life takes place. The upper Manhattan streets create a grittier, residential backdrop compared to the commercial areas of Midtown.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a residential intersection in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan. This area features pre-war apartment buildings and a strong Dominican-American community. Fort Washington Avenue runs through the neighborhood and is located near several parks and the George Washington Bridge, giving it a distinct uptown atmosphere that is very different from Midtown or Lower Manhattan.

Times Square

In the Movie

Scene where Jerry and Matthew navigate the crowded streets of Midtown Manhattan, passing through a brightly lit neon square that starkly contrasts with their homelessness and the city's indifference. The famous commercial district highlights the difference between the bustling urban life and the struggles of the two main characters.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the bustling commercial and entertainment hub of Midtown Manhattan at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue between 42nd and 47th Streets. Times Square is one of the most recognizable locations in the world, known for its massive illuminated billboards and constant flow of pedestrians, making it a frequent backdrop for films set in New York City.

East 60th Street and 1st Avenue

In the Movie

Scene where the two men walk through the Upper East Side neighborhood, where well-maintained buildings and quiet residential streets sharply contrast with their precarious existence. The location shows how homelessness coexists with wealth in New York City.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at an intersection on the Upper East Side of Manhattan near the approach to the Queensboro Bridge. This area is part of an affluent residential neighborhood with a mix of townhouses and high-rise apartment buildings. The location is near the border between the Upper East Side and Lenox Hill, offering a contrast between the wealthy surroundings and the homeless characters' situation.