The film was shot in the heart of New York, capturing the gritty atmosphere of Little Italy and Greenwich Village neighborhoods in the early 1980s. The story follows Charlie and his reckless cousin Paulie, who devise a plan to steal $150,000 to finance a supposedly sure-win racehorse that Paulie has inside information on. What seems like a simple heist quickly spirals out of control when it turns out the stolen money belongs to a local mafia boss, dragging both men into a dangerous web of organized crime and corrupt NYPD officers. The film showcases authentic New York street life with real shops, bakeries, and bars as backdrops, giving the picture a documentary-like feel of the Italian-American community in downtown Manhattan. Mickey Rourke and Eric Roberts deliver intense performances as the two cousins whose bond is tested by greed, loyalty, and the struggle for survival.

Filming Locations:

Butcher Shop at 149 Sullivan Street

In the Movie

Scene where the characters walk through their neighborhood past a local butcher shop, showcasing their deep roots in the Italian-American community of Greenwich Village. The storefront and surrounding block vividly depict the insular world these characters inhabit and the everyday life they risk losing.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the corner of Sullivan and West Houston Streets in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan. This stretch of Sullivan has long been associated with small Italian-American businesses, including butcher shops, delis, and specialty food stores. The area has retained much of its old-world character despite significant gentrification over the past decades.

Cheese Shop at 156 Sullivan Street

In the Movie

Scene where the characters walk past a local cheese shop on Sullivan Street, reinforcing the authentic Italian-American atmosphere of the neighborhood. The storefront adds visual texture to scenes depicting everyday life in this tight-knit community where everyone knows each other and business is conducted face-to-face.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the area of Sullivan Street near the intersection with West Houston Street in Manhattan. This block was home to several traditional Italian food stores in the 1980s, serving the local community with imported cheeses and other specialty items. The area was a well-known hub for authentic Italian food products and has been featured in many films set in New York.

Bakery at 152 Sullivan Street

In the Movie

Scene where the neighborhood bakery serves as another backdrop, illustrating the traditional Italian-American enclave where Charlie and Paulie grew up. The bakery storefront helps establish the everyday nature of their world, a place where familiar faces and old customs still define the rhythm of daily life.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the area of Sullivan Street between West Houston and Prince Streets in SoHo, Manhattan. This address was part of a row of small Italian-owned businesses that gave the block its distinctive old-world character. Bakeries like this one were central meeting places in the Italian-American community and contributed to the neighborhood's food culture.