Plot Details: This opinion reveals everything about the movie's plot.

Long before Mickey Rourke stepped into a boxing ring and lost I.Q. points he was in a media labeled "flop" entitled The Pope of Greenwich Village. Now, this was three years before Angel Heart [1987] was released so at the time he was a relatively unknown player. His performance in The Pope of Greenwich Village is a must see – and I must say this again – this is way before he started taking on parts and films that he was clearly not suited for.

The Pope of Greenwich Village is chocked full of stars – long before they became famous. But that isn’t the hidden beauty of this film – it is raw, gritty and made on a limited budget. There’s no over blown budget, no elaborate demolition scenes and no crew of special effects artists on the payroll. So – if this film is so bare bones what makes it so special? Absolutely fantastic acting, a real plot, a little bit of mafia activity and one of Eric Roberts best performances.

The Plot

Charlie [Mickey Rourke] and his responsibility lacking cousin Paulie {Eric Roberts] are gainfully employed at a semi-famous restaurant in New York’s Little Italy – well – that is until Paulie gets greedy and starts his own sideline business pocketing money from the tabs. Charlie and Paulie both get fired and – as expected – Paulie has a plan to make some quick easy cash. All the while Charlie’s ex wife Cookie [Linda Ipanema] is double parking all over the city and running up credit cards like there’s no tomorrow. Add Diane [Daryl Hannah] into the plot as Charlie’s current squeeze who – all things – teaches dance classes. I must say, Ms. Hannah does have an exquisite body and it is thoroughly showcased in this film.

So what is Paulie’s big plan? To rip off a waste disposal company of it’s weekly collections. But there’s just one thing – the safe cracking is something neither of them have every attempted before. Paulie hears of an old Irish safe cracker named Barney [Kenneth McMillan] who he thinks would be perfect for the job. Never mind that he is now a clock repair man who can barely see two inches for the end of his nose. Paulie, Charlie and barney set off to steal the “150 large” [$150,000] armed with suitcases, “modern” equipment and of course a cooler full of food.

Now, this might all seem pretty tame but behind this plot is another one simmering to a boil. Charlie, Paulie and Barney aren’t the only ones with their eyes on this cashola – Bunky Ritter [Jack Kehoe] is a cop on the take – carefully planning for his retirement ‘hacienda style’. His hi-ball swilling chain-smoking mother –Mrs. Ritter [Geraldine Page] is tough as nails and calls it like she sees it.

After Bunky’s murder the police question Mrs. Ritter in what has to be one of Geraldine Page’s best scene ever. She knows all about the tapes but she isn’t talking. The cops are nervous – they know he was on the take because they too received a kick back although this part was cut from the American version.

Back to the robbery. The three stooges managed to get into the offices undetected only to be interrupted by Bunky – who I might also add was wired for sound – his own little insurance policy. One thing leads to another – Bunky falls down an open elevator chute – the three stooges make off with the loot. End of story right? Wrong.

Now, the cash may have been classified as the “waste management’s” funds but in all intents and purposes it belongs to Bedbug Eddie [Burt Young]. This is a little fact that Paulie forgot to mention to his rather gullible cousin Charlie. Bedbug puts out a full force order that the people who stole his money now have a price on their heads – and it’s then that pandemonium breaks out. Eventually the truth comes out and Paulie soon qualifies to collect on some accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy. Not, he isn’t dead, just missing a digit. Notable quote: Charrrrliieeeee – they took my thumb

Paulie becomes Bedbug’s coffee boy – and adds a little extra flavor to his coffee [in the form of lye that is]. Not a good move – as you could probably gather. So it’s off to the racetrack to try one last ditch effort to make some quick cash. Notable quote Starry f*ckin’ Hope….. I won’t give away the ending – it is just sweet justice for all the characters involved.

Now, you have to keep in mind that there are more plots than a hundred year old cemetery in this film. If I went through all the different angles I’d be here for a week – it’s just that jammed packed with – for lack of a better word – action. I do have to mention one of my favorite scenes involving Eric Roberts, Ginty [John Finn] and an over zealous traffic officer. Roberts had been previously ticketed and towed by the officer and wanted revenge – and how did he exact that revenge? Horse laxative added to the officer’s scotch. Of course Ginty won’t complain since the copper hits him up for at least two free shots a day. It’s a fantastic scene – Roberts in the middle of the street screaming “Cops sh*t his pants – cop sh*t his pants”. Classic.



The All Star Line Up

Mickey Rourke Charlie
[Angel Heart, Bullet and Barfly]
My personal pick for Rourke’s best part ever. He was made for this character – gritty and greasy. He nails this character dead on – and in this film he plays one character with many faces. If only he had this passion in all his films.

Eric Roberts Paulie
[Lansky, Runaway Train and Cable Guy]
When The Pope of Greenwich Village was released Roberts got top billing – which led to a series of borderline film flops. Roberts plays his character Paulie with painful detail – picture a speed freak that’s extremely paranoid – that’s Paulie.

Daryl Hannah Diane
[Splash, Steel Magnolias and Roxanne]
Not a great part for her, she comes off as whiney and co-dependent – well – until she takes off with Charlie’s money. If you are a fan of her you need to see this film.

Burt Young Bedbug Eddie
[The Rocky series, Betsy’s Wedding and most recently The Sopranos]
While he’s only seen for about ten minutes total in the film his character is ever present. His character is intense and his delivery is sparkling. Take his character from Rocky and intensify it.

While these are just a few other main players in the film - be sure to look for a lot of familiar faces through out the film. These four are the strongest or have the most impact through the film - but that's just my opinion :]

The Pope of Greenwich Village is one of those films that you fall in love with – the kind of film that you can watch a thousand times and never got bored with it. The acting is raw and gritty – you’ll see no over acting here. It’s not a complete drama since there is humor injected here and there. Overall it is an extremely intense film – from the opening scenes masked with Frank Sinatra’s Summer Wind to the rolling of the closing credits.

Filmed completely on location in Queens, New York you get a real taste of the Italian lifestyle – from the local deli’s and bars to seeing a realistic middle class neighborhood. This film is a breath of fresh air when placed side by side with current films in its class.

The level of swearing is minimal when compared to today’s releases and to the best of my recollection there’s no nudity. With the violence I’d suggest it for audiences over 18. Great for a Friday night, group gathering or romantic evening under the covers.

As always – thanks for stopping by - ^V^ Freak ^V^




Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age