The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984)

Director:

Stuart Rosenberg

Writers:

Vincent Patrick (novel)
Vincent Patrick (screenplay)

Release Date:

22 June 1984 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Drama

Plot:

Charlie and his troublesome cousin Paulie decide to steal $150000 in order to back a "sure thing" race horse that Paulie has inside information on...

Plot Keywords:

New York City | Drugged Drink | Dancing | Racetrack | Waiter

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar.

Cast

Eric Roberts	...	Paulie
Mickey Rourke	...	Charlie
Daryl Hannah	...	Diane
Geraldine Page	...	Mrs. Ritter
Kenneth McMillan	...	Barney
Tony Musante	...	Pete
M. Emmet Walsh	...	Burns
Burt Young	...	Bed Bug Eddie
Jack Kehoe	...	Bunky
Philip Bosco	...	Paulie's Father
Val Avery	...	Nunzi
Joe Grifasi	...	Jimmy the Cheese Man
Tony DiBenedetto	...	Ronnie
Ronald Maccone	...	Nicky
Betty Miller	...	Nora

Also Known As:

Village Dreams (Europe: English title)

Runtime:

121 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Manitoba) | Canada:R (Nova Scotia/Ontario) | Singapore:PG | Iceland:12 | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Chile:18 | Finland:K-16 | USA:R | West Germany:16

Filming Locations:

Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

United Artists

Trivia:

Michael Cimino was the original director; fired mid-filming and replaced by Rosenberg.

Goofs:

Continuity: The sign concerning "Christmas Shopping" to the right of the front door in Barney's clock shop is missing the first letter "P" in some scenes, and it then reappears in other scenes.

Quotes:

Mrs. Ritter: [smoking a cigarette, coughing uncontrollably]
Bunky: At least go to the filters, would ya ma? And those highballs aren't doing you any good either.
Mrs. Ritter: A little whisky is good for the soul.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Catalina Caper (#3.4)" (1990)

Soundtrack:

Heartaches

Chhhaaaarrllieeee!!!!!

I was impressed by the fierce commitment of some of this movie's fans to not only appreciate the fantastic acting in "Pope", but to memorize its dialogue as well. This is definitely not a "plot" movie, but a film dedicated to its characters. What more could I want? The safe heist is almost an afterthought when compared to the great performances we get from Rourke, Roberts, Burt Young, and Geraldine Page! Page's tubercular monologue is a complete highlight.

Vincent Patrick's novel is truly brought to life without neglecting any of his rich, N.Y.C. dialogue or the detailed idiosyncracies of small-time hoodlum behavior. Alright, maybe Darryl Hannah is gratuitous casting, but Roberts! Regarding the film's two leads, Roberts in this film is taking so many risks, pushing so many different buttons, you've got to admire the guy for going that far out. I can almost disregard the 2,000 straight to video erotic thrillers and action films the guy's been doing since 1987 just based on this performance. Plus, that perm he's got is poetry. Rourke becomes a little repetetive in his household destruction mannerisms, but still gives a thoughtful and taut performance as well. The two of them together, I think, have a chemistry that actually rivals that of DeNiro and Keitel in "Mean Streets".

My only complaint with this movie is who the f*** decided to let Dave Gruisin do the score? Wasn't "Tootsie" warning enough that this guy's music sounds about as appetizing as a platter of burnt corn? Would you honestly want the guy who composed "Tootsie's Theme" to score a gritty, street movie about criminals? I would have rather have heard John Tesh ballads during some of this movie than Gruisin's tinkly, feel-good, yuppie, pre-Kenny G. bum poop that tries to pass for jazz. Now Herbie Hancock, there's the man to do this movie justice. Nonetheless, other than this minor complaint, I couldn't recommend the movie more for its humor and attention to character. One of the best films of the 80s.

"What do you need a fancy suit for, Charlie, you ain't got no job to wear it to."