SoTrumpBelieve Must See Movie...

Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

Dynamixor The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Gurlyndrobb While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

classicsoncall I didn't know the movie's background when I started watching it but events in the story brought to mind the internecine gang wars of the New York Mafia during the Sixties. If you lived in, or in proximity to New York City during that time, you would have been regaled with photos and headlines of the latest mob hit on the front page of the New York Daily News or New York Post. Often quite bloody, you knew the Five Families played for keeps to protect their turf.Though the last name is never used in the story, it's 'Crazy' Joe Gallo they're talking about here, a celebrated gangster who was part of the Profaci Crime Family. Peter Boyle fans have probably seen him in his 1970 movie "Joe" in which he portrays a racist redneck, so his casting here as another Joe seemed apropos to me. The picture matter of factly presents the intricate back stabbing and double crosses inherent in mob family life, deftly assigning certain contract hits as independent jobs or family matters as the situation warrants.Other characters in the movie are also stand-ins for historical crime figures. Fred Williamson's Willy represents African-American drug trafficker Nicky Barnes, and Eli Wallach's portrayal of Don Vittorio gives way to Colombo Family boss Joe Colombo, the target of a hit at the second Italian Unity Day Rally at New York's Columbus Circle. It appears the dates cited in the picture are fairly accurate, the hit on Joe Colombo did take place on June, 28th, 1971.With it's eclectic casting and intricate story line, "Crazy Joe" makes for an entertaining gangster flick, all the more interesting for it's parallels to the real life Mafia scene of a bygone era. Comparisons to "The Godfather" are probably unwarranted as the 1972 film is far superior, though Michael Gazzo's brief appearance as 'Uncle' will recall his "Godfather II" role as the forgetful Frankie Pentangelli.

JasparLamarCrabb Peter Boyle's hyperactive performance anchors this Carlo Lizzani thriller about the short life of mafia hood "Crazy" Joe Gallo. Boyle is all energy ready to explode (and frequently does) as a mafia soldier who suffers from more than a little paranoia and a lot of low self-esteem. Easy to dismiss as an exploitation version of THE GODFATHER, the film is actually immensely entertaining and expertly directed by Lizzani. Full of oddball touches from Boyle's rescue of kids from a burning building to one of oddest uses of an iron lung that you're likely to find. The NYC locales help a lot as does the extremely strong supporting cast: Rip Torn; Eli Wallach; Charles Cioffi; Michael V. Gazzo. Hervé Villechaize plays Samson. Aldo Tonti did the very colorful cinematography and the music is by Giancarlo Chiaramello. Paula Prentiss, Henry Winkler and Fred Williamson are in it too.

saracenoa i have seen this movie many years ago,i knew most of the people the actors were playing the movie was to me a great movie,if any one can write me as to where i can purchase this movie i will be grateful.all the actors were really good, Peter Boyle and Paula Prentiss are great together, Fred Williamson also played a good part' i never knew that rip torn played Richie,again i really enjoyed the movie,and can't wait to see it again. i have tried all over to get this movie with no results,so again if there is any one that can help me to buy this movie please get in touch with me Saracenoa@Bellsouth.net thank you again

MarTiminTN Saw this movie many years ago. It was quite unique and well made. If you enjoyed the Godfather or enjoy true stories this one is worth watching. Peter Boyle did a great job! Especially good if you,like me, enjoy retro 70's almost forgotten films. Has such a stellar cast, it is a real surprise that it is not a cult classic. Enjoyed especially the brief character of the Fonz as a mobster guy. I would have to say if I had been a reviewer when I saw it in 1974 I would had to give it 3 stars. I also found it very easy to follow even if you don't know a lot about Joe Gallo or the story of his life and murder. Fred Williamson who did the cult classic Superfly is also in the cast and gave a great performance. Anyone who likes gangster movies should seek this out.