Strictly Sinatra (2001)

Small-time crooner find himself on the receiving end of the threatening attentions of a gangster, whose wife has fallen for the singer's Sinatra-like aura.

Director:

Peter Capaldi

Writer:

Peter Capaldi

Stars:

Ian Hart, Kelly Macdonald, Brian Cox

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ian Hart	...	Toni Cocozza
Kelly Macdonald	...	Irene
Brian Cox	...	Chisolm
Alun Armstrong	...	Bill
Tommy Flanagan	...	Michaelangelo
Iain Cuthbertson	...	Connolly
Una McLean	...	Dainty
Jimmy Chisholm	...	Kenny
Jimmy Yuill	...	Rod Edmunds
Richard E. Grant	...	Himself
Jimmy Tarbuck	...	Himself
Stewart Ennis	...	Doorman
Paul Doonan	...	Nicol
Anne Lacey	...	Coat check girl
Alex Howden	...	Kojak

Storyline

In Glasgow, Toni Cocozza, age 28, aspires to be a lounge singer; his repertoire is strictly Sinatra, backed by Bill, an aging piano player and his only friend. Toni dreams big and enters a local television talent show. About that time, a local Mob boss decides Toni is great entertainment and invites him to be his guest at a casino. Toni chats up Irene, a cigarette girl, he gets an odd job or two from Chisolm, the mobster's number two, the audition goes bust, and Toni's future is uncertain. One thing leads to another with the Mob. Is Toni at a crossroads, or is there in reality no turning or going back?

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Plot Keywords:

singer | lounge singer | gangster | mob boss | cigarette girl | 

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Taglines:

Toni wanted a crowd... he got the mob

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Official Sites:

DNA Films Universal Studios

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 November 2001 (UK)

Also Known As:

A su manera

Filming Locations:

Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arts Council of England, DNA Films, DNA Pictures International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Alun Armstrong was cast at the 11th hour after Ian Bannen died in a car crash in the early stages of production.

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Quotes

Toni Cocozza: Are you saying I'm stupid?
Bill: You couldn't stand the pace of stupid!

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Connections

References Pal Joey (1957)

User Reviews

Brings back Glasgow memories...

The cast in this film is terrific. Ian Hart gives a knockout performance as poor Tony, Alun Armstrong is, of course, superb, and Kelly Macdonald is a hidden gem - since Trainspotting she's been consistently excellent. And yet.....this film is diverting. Its not boring, but its not gripping, and though it leaves you with a warm glow inside and purring 'ahhh', there's nothing life re-defining in it. However, as a mildly homesick Scot, just the sight of normal Glasgow was refreshing!! I'd say, rent it, enjoy it, but lower expectations first. As usual for a British film, this has the parts, but simply cannot manage a spectacular finish. Regrettably, we still have to look to the Americans for that. Damn!!