Mikey and Nicky (1976)

Nick is desperate, holed up in a cheap hotel, suffering from an ulcer and convinced that a local mobster wants him killed. He calls Mikey, his friend since childhood, but when Mikey arrives... See full summary »

Director:

Elaine May

Writer:

Elaine May

Stars:

Peter Falk, John Cassavetes, Ned Beatty

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Falk	...	Mikey
John Cassavetes	...	Nicky Godalin
Ned Beatty	...	Kinney
Rose Arrick	...	Annie
Carol Grace	...	Nellie
William Hickey	...	Sid Fine
Sanford Meisner	...	Dave Resnick
Joyce Van Patten	...	Jan
M. Emmet Walsh	...	Bus Driver
Sy Travers	...	Hotel Clerk
Peter R. Scoppa	...	Counter Man
Virginia Smith	...	Jan's Mother
Jean Shevlin	...	Lady on Bus
Danny Klein	...	Harry
Martin Wolfson	...	Candy Store Man

Storyline

Nick is desperate, holed up in a cheap hotel, suffering from an ulcer and convinced that a local mobster wants him killed. He calls Mikey, his friend since childhood, but when Mikey arrives, Nick won't let him in: his moods swing. So begins a long night as Mike tries to take care of Nick, calm him down and get him out of town. Their sojourn - on foot and in a city bus - takes them to a bar, a club, toward a movie theater, to the cemetery where Nick's mom is buried, and to Nick's girlfriend's apartment. Tempers fray and the friendship is tested. Meanwhile, a hit man who's getting information from someone is indeed looking for Nick.

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Plot Keywords:

bar | cemetery | friendship | mood swing | club | 

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Taglines:

Honor - and betrayal - among thugs.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

21 December 1976 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jogo Mortal

Filming Locations:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min 106 min (Ontario)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Shot in 1973, not released until 1976.

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Goofs

In the opening scene in the hotel room when Nicky is on the bed moving, a crouching crew member is reflected in the mirror.

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Quotes

Nicky: It's very hard to talk to a dead person. I have nothing in common.

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Connections

References The New One-Armed Swordsman (1971)

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Soundtracks

"All the Way"
by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen (as James Van Heusen)

User Reviews

Brilliant 70's Mobsters!

This totally underrated classic (in my Top 10 of all time) directed by Elaine May a few years before it's release is unbelievably gritty and a sad comment on the "American Dream" even for small-time mobsters. John Cassavetes was never better as Nick, a paranoid, intelligent, and street-wise guy. Peter Falk is equally impressive as his friend Mike who has problems of his own. This was probably the best Cassavetes-like film that he DIDN'T direct, but very similar to his style.

A 10 out of 10. Best performance = John Cassavetes. a one-night (dusk to dawn) film that will grab you and never let go. Ned Beatty has an amusing supporting role, along with Sanford Meisner & William Hickey (well-known acting teachers). This movie never had a chance at the box office, but is now highly regarded in all circles. Don't miss it!