Two Bits (1995)

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 ... See full summary »

Director:

James Foley

Writer:

Joseph Stefano

Stars:

Jerry Barone, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Al Pacino

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jerry Barone	...	Gennaro
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio	...	Luisa Spirito
Al Pacino	...	Grandpa
Patrick Borriello	...	Tullio
Andy Romano	...	Dr. Bruna
Donna Mitchell	...	Mrs. Bruna
Mary Lou Rosato	...	Aunt Carmela
Joe Grifasi	...	Uncle Joe
Rosemary De Angelis	...	Mrs. Conte
Ron McLarty	...	Irish
Charley Scalies	...	Ballyhoo Driver
Joanna Merlin	...	Guendolina
Geoff Pierson	...	Dr. Wilson
Karen Shallo	...	Woman in Red
Nick Discenza	...	Father of Deceased

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

grandfather | confession | grandfather grandson relationship | suicide by hanging | cinema | 

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Taglines:

You're never too old to believe in a dream. Or too young to make one come true!

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some traumatic thematic elements

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 November 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Day to Remember

Filming Locations:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

ITL 49,644,000 (Italy) (30 May 1997)

Gross:

ITL 99,572,000 (Italy) (6 June 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arthur Cohn Productions, Capella Films, Connexion Film Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Al Pacino appeared in the film as a personal favor to director James Foley because he had a great time working with him on Glengarry Glen Ross.

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Quotes

Gitano Sabatoni: Ohhh. I suffered enough without dyin', maybe I'm gonna die without suffering.

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Connections

Features Red Dust (1932)

User Reviews

3 Cheers for 2 Bits, 1 Great Movie

This movie is beautifully done. It is one of my favorites. It is a glimpse at another time. It is a movie about values. The whole movie is about one big day in the life of a boy growing up in the depression in Philadelphia and the wisdom his grandfather passes on. It is a touching and rewarding movie. The hopelessness of the depression comes out effectively in the movie. Gennaro and Tullio are just ordinary kids that aren't perfect. There is an interesting interplay between a child's honest selfishness and the relationship between wanting and needing. Pacino: "Your heart wants, your belly needs." Wanting is good because it requires hope. Many touching lines between Pacino (grandfather) and Barone (Gennaro). There is some humor also. Favorite line: Gennaro- "There's no milk!" See it and find out why I liked that line!