Perry also enrolls in their high school, in which race is an issue. After beating the Baldies to a pulp, The Wanderers take Perry under their wing and show him the ropes (this group needs a strong muscle). They get cornered by the Baldies from all sides, but just before there is any bloodshed we hear the heroic, deep voice speak the words, "Leave.the kid.alone." There stands Perry - a big and strong Italian boy, new to the neighborhood. The Wanderers are fast, but not that fast. It's an ignorant state of mind Turkey's in, and like many teenagers, he craves acceptance, but is confused on exactly where it is he fits in.Īs both stand there arguing, right across from the Baldies, Joey (always the loudmouth) provokes the girlfriend of "Terror" (who is the leader of the Baldies), consequently causing a beef in which a chase ensues through the alleyways of Fordham Rd. He feels the Fordham Baldies can provide a better future for him - as quoted by Turkey when confronted by his friend Joey, "I'm thinking about the future Joey". Turkey shaves his head, wears the jacket - the whole nine. Things get even worse for the gang when their friend Turkey has a midlife crisis and decides he's better off with the Baldies. The Wanderers (who are mostly shit-talkers) fear them and are constantly looking over their shoulders. The Wanderers have other rivals too, such as the "Fordham Baldies" (which is based on an actual gang from Fordham Rd, and in reality, weren't actually bald). They become the biggest threat to the Wanderers, as well as other street gangs. Kind of creepy, with their zombie-like ways. And their pale as shit too! Even their turf looks like something out of a horror film. They'll go for the kill without even thinking twice. There are, however, a few gangs who are not as peaceful and can be very, very dangerous (mostly the "Ducky Boys" - who are notorious for using weapons in battle). They're all stand up guys, not the kind of thugs who rob and kill.they all go to the same high school, they're respectful to the ladies (or atleast try very hard to be), and most importantly they understand the significance of true friendship and loyalty - and whatever they haven't leanred yet, they will along the way. It's about gangs (not "gangsters" - but street punks), and focuses particularly on "The Wanderers", an Italian gang with a reputation to uphold. My father was even a student to one of the (real)teachers in this movie. This film is about my neighborhood (The Bronx, NYC) in 1963. A hidden classic that everyone should see.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |