Things Change (1988)

Gino, an Italian-American shoe-shiner with a remarkable similarity to a certain mafia don, is paid to take the rap for a murder. Jerry, a two-bit gangster on probation, is given a chance ... See full summary »

Director:

David Mamet

Writers:

David Mamet, Shel Silverstein

Stars:

Don Ameche, Joe Mantegna, Robert Prosky

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Don Ameche	...	Gino
Joe Mantegna	...	Jerry
Robert Prosky	...	Joseph 'Don Giuseppe' Vincent
J.J. Johnston	...	Frankie
Ricky Jay	...	Mr. Silver
Mike Nussbaum	...	Mr. Green
Jack Wallace	...	Repair Shop Owner
Dan Conway	...	Butler
Willo Hausman	...	Miss Bates (as Willo Varsi Hausman)
Gail Silver	...	Housemaid
Len Hodera	...	Ramone
Josh Conescu	...	Bellenza
Adam Bitterman	...	Marcotti
Jack Merrill	...	No Pair (as Merrill Holtzman)
William Novelli	...	Willie

Storyline

Gino, an Italian-American shoe-shiner with a remarkable similarity to a certain mafia don, is paid to take the rap for a murder. Jerry, a two-bit gangster on probation, is given a chance for redemption by guarding Gino for the weekend. But instead of sitting around a dingy hotel room, Jerry decides to give Gino a weekend to remember, taking him to Lake Tahoe. Jerry's bragging to his friends of his important charge, as well as Gino's dignified, quiet demeanor, soon result in much complication for them both.

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Plot Keywords:

italian american | friend | mafia | hotel room | hotel | 

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Taglines:

Dealing with the mob is always a gamble.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

21 October 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

As Coisas Mudam

Filming Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$3,527,886 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Filmhaus

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

First cinema feature of Felicity Huffman.

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Goofs

After they leave the airport, Jerry and Gino stop to talk with Billy Drake. Then Gino stays in front of the others, holding the overcoats, with Billy on his left-hand side and Jerry on his right. In the next shot Billy appears holding the overcoats and leading Gino with his right hand to the car. For this to be possible it would be necessary that them both had changed their places.

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Quotes

Mr. Green: This is a Sicilian coin. The Sicilian people say, "A big man knows the value of small coin." My friendship is a small coin but it is all I have to offer you.

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Connections

Referenced in Swingers (1996)

User Reviews

Great Movie

Don Ameche plays a wonderful portrayal of an Italian Shoe repair man thrown into a world of mobsters. Somehow this has very little effect on his spirit or mood, and at the same time driving his caretaker(Joe Mantegna)absolutely insane. By the end of it's whirlwind tour you realize that the old man is very wise in taking it all in stride.It's especially good if you are a fan of Mafia movies like The Godfather and such because it shows a lot of really typical mob types to keep you interested.

This movie is a very laid back comedy that would entertain people from many different walks of life. I just told someone the other day that it's the best movie I know of that no one has heard of. If you get a chance see it!