It's a hot summer day in 1933 in South Philly, where 12-year old Gennaro lives with his widowed mom and his ailing grandpa, who sits outside holding tight to his last quarter, which he's promised to Gennaro and which Gennaro would like to have to buy a ticket to the plush new movie theater. But grandpa's not ready to pass on the quarter or pass on to his final reward: he has some unfinished business with a woman from his past, and he enlists Gennaro to act as his emissary.
Acting
Pacino's restrained, tender performance—no yelling, just heartbreak.
Cinematography
Golden-hued South Philly that feels like a memory already fading.
Score
Thomas Newman weaving melancholy through every street corner.
Director
James Foley
Al Pacino
Gitano Sabatoni
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Luisa Spirito
Joe Grifasi
Uncle Joe
Geoff Pierson
Dr. Wilson
Andy Romano
Dr. Bruna
Donna Mitchell
Mrs. Bruna
Mary Testa
Housewife
Joey Perillo
Replacement Ballyhoo Driver
Alec Baldwin
Narrator
Ron McLarty
Irish
Charley Scalies
Ballyhoo Driver
Joanna Merlin
Guendolina
Mario D'Elia
Petey's Dad
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Al Pacino took a massive pay cut to work with director James Foley, his Glengarry Glen Ross collaborator.
The film's title refers to a quarter—two bits in old American slang—the exact price of 1933 movie admission.
US
