Volatile and impulsive low-level mobster Joe Gallo (a fine and credible portrayal by Peter Boyle) uses brutal and unorthodox means to rise to power in the New York City criminal underworld only to have his life put in jeopardy for upsetting the natural balance of things.
Director Carlo Lizzani relates the absorbing and enjoyable story at a constant pace, maintains a stark unsentimental tone throughout, makes nice use of various gritty Big Apple locations, and stages the assorted mob hits and shoot outs with skill and aplomb. Lewis John Carlino's tight script not only offers some interesting insights into the pecking order and proper protocol existent in the mafia, but also states a strong central point about the bitter price one must pay for ruthless ambition run dangerously amuck. The excellent cast helps a lot: Paula Prentiss as Joe's worried moll Anne, the always hip and smooth Fred Williamson as easygoing, but still formidable ally Willy, Eli Wallach as wily godfather Don Vittorio, Rip Torn as Joe's more sensible older brother Richie, Charles Cioffi as the shifty Coletti, Luther Adler as ailing capo Falco, and Henry Winkler as loyal flunky Mannie. Giancarlo Chiaramello's sharp cinematography gives this film an impressive expansive look. Flavorsome score by Aldo Tonti as well. A real bang-up movie.
Director Carlo Lizzani relates the absorbing and enjoyable story at a constant pace, maintains a stark unsentimental tone throughout, makes nice use of various gritty Big Apple locations, and stages the assorted mob hits and shoot outs with skill and aplomb. Lewis John Carlino's tight script not only offers some interesting insights into the pecking order and proper protocol existent in the mafia, but also states a strong central point about the bitter price one must pay for ruthless ambition run dangerously amuck. The excellent cast helps a lot: Paula Prentiss as Joe's worried moll Anne, the always hip and smooth Fred Williamson as easygoing, but still formidable ally Willy, Eli Wallach as wily godfather Don Vittorio, Rip Torn as Joe's more sensible older brother Richie, Charles Cioffi as the shifty Coletti, Luther Adler as ailing capo Falco, and Henry Winkler as loyal flunky Mannie. Giancarlo Chiaramello's sharp cinematography gives this film an impressive expansive look. Flavorsome score by Aldo Tonti as well. A real bang-up movie.