Directed by William A. Graham and produced by Hugh Benson, Renee Valente and Sinatra, Contract on Cherry Street was trumpeted as a major event that garnered positive reviews and strong ratings when it premiered on NBC on November 19, 1977.

The book on which the film was based was said to be a favorite of Sinatra's mother Dolly, who had been recently killed in an airplane crash near Palm Springs.

[2] When his partner is gunned down by the mob, Frank Hovannes, a detective inspector with the New York City Police Department, wants to lead his organized-crime unit against those responsible.

Sinatra made the cover of TV Guide as press for a special that would air over two consecutive nights on NBC gathered steam.

After airing, renowned critic Leonard Maltin would comment: "Sinatra's first TV movie has him well cast as a NYC police officer who takes on organized crime in his own fashion after his partner is gunned down.