Set in the Bronx during the tumultuous 1960s, an adolescent boy is torn between his honest, working-class father and a violent yet charismatic crime boss. Complicating matters is the youngster's growing attraction - forbidden in his neighborhood - for a beautiful black girl.
Acting
Chazz Palminteri's Sonny—menace and tenderness in one tailored suit.
Writing
The 'door test' speech: toxic dating advice that's weirdly cinematic.
Direction
De Niro's debut, surprisingly restrained, letting the words breathe.
Director
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro
Lorenzo Anello
Chazz Palminteri
Sonny LoSpecchio
Lillo Brancato
Calogero 'C' Anello (Age 17)
Francis Capra
Calogero 'C' Anello (Age 9)
Taral Hicks
Jane Williams
Kathrine Narducci
Rosina Anello
Clem Caserta
Jimmy Whispers
Alfred Sauchelli, Jr.
Bobby Bars
Frank Pietrangolare
Danny K.O.
Joe Pesci
Carmine
Joseph D'Onofrio
Slick (Age 17)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Palminteri wrote this as a one-man Broadway show after being fired from a talent agency; he refused to sell unless he could play Sonny. De Niro agreed.
The real Calogero—Palminteri himself—witnessed a mob killing at age nine and kept silent, just like the film. The 'door test' came from his actual father's advice.
US
