A stark portrayal of life among a group of heroin addicts who hang out in Needle Park in New York City. Played against this setting is a low-key love story between Bobby, a young addict and small-time hustler, and Helen, a homeless girl who finds in her relationship with Bobby the stability she craves.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Al PacinoBobby | Bobby |
 Kitty WinnHelen | Helen |
 Alan VintHotch | Hotch |
 Richard BrightHank | Hank |
 Kiel MartinChico | Chico |
 Michael McClanathanSonny | Sonny |
 Warren FinnertySammy | Sammy |
 Marcia Jean KurtzMarcie | Marcie |
 Raúl JuliáMarco | Marco |
| AAngie OrtegaIrene | Irene |
 Larry MarshallMickey | Mickey |
 Paul MaceWhitey | Whitey |
| NNancy MacKayPenny | Penny |
 Gil RogersRobins | Robins |
 Joe SantosDiBono | DiBono |
 Paul SorvinoSamuels | Samuels |
| AArnold WilliamsFreddy | Freddy |
| VVic RamanoSanto | Santo |
| BBryant FraserPrep School Boy | Prep School Boy |
| DDora WeissmanPawnshop Lady | Pawnshop Lady |
 Sully BoyarDoctor | Doctor |
| FFlorence TarlowWard Nurse | Ward Nurse |
 Rutanya AldaAdmitting Nurse | Admitting Nurse |
| AAnthony PalmerHotel Clerk | Hotel Clerk |
 Anthony CasoDrug Addict (uncredited) | Drug Addict (uncredited) |
| JJeffrey WalkerPrisoner #1 (uncredited) | Prisoner #1 (uncredited) |