Screening: Friday, April 28th, 5:15p.m., Charles 5

Director: Robert DeNiro
Cast: Robert DeNiro, Chazz Palminteri, Kathrine Narducci, Joe Pesci
Country, Year, Length, Format: U.S., 1993, 122 min., 35mm
Presented by: Jay Carr and Kathrine Narducci
Print Source: USA Networks, ph: 310.360.2536, fax: 310.360.2664

Synopsis:
For the second year, the Maryland Film Festival presents a critic advocating for an overlooked or under-rated film. This year, Boston Globe film critic Jay Carr has selected A Bronx Tale, Robert DeNiro's directorial debut.

This story, written by Chazz Palminteri-whose real name is Calogero Lorenzo Palminteri-is a semi-autobiographical story of his youth. Young Calogero is torn between two worlds-that of his respectable, working-class father (Robert DeNiro), and the glamorous world of Sonny (Palminteri), a gangster who "owns" the neighborhood. . Calogero's father is repulsed by Sonny-and everything he stands for. The capo takes Calogero under his wing after the youngster witnesses a shooting, and follows the neighborhood code and keeps his mouth shut. As Calogero's cronies become more and more involved in crime, he must choose between his father's noble example, and the lure of Sonny's fast-paced lifestyle.

Tidbits:
Although it was A Bronx Tale, virtually all of it was filmed in Brooklyn, and some in Queens. It was easier to capture the period in those locations where time has stood still since 1950.

A Bronx Tale marked Maryland Film Festival guest Kathrine Narducci's (A Whole New Day) feature film debut.

Bio:
Jay Carr is film critic for the Boston Globe.