The Wanderers (1979 film)
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The Wanderers is a 1979 film based on the novel by Richard Price. This drama tells the story of several youths growing up together amid the various gangs of 1963 New York City. It starred Ken Wahl, featured Karen Allen and was directed by Philip Kaufman.
The film centres around the members of a North Bronx youth gang and their fights with other gangs. However, the movie has gained popularity and cult status over the years because of its sensitive depiction of teenagers coming of age.
The gangs named in the movie, though fictionalized, are based on real gangs encountered by Price in his childhood. Real names of actual Bronx gangs of the era -- Fordham Baldies, Ducky Boys -- are used.
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[edit] Gangs
- The Wanderers: An all-Italian gang comprising of 27 members. They wear bright yellow/brown jackets and blue jeans. Their leader, Richie, is dating Despie Galasso, the daughter of an infamous mobster, so The Wanderers have connections.
- The Fordham Baldies: As their name suggests, they are all bald. There are 40 of them, and each member is a serious brawler and could hold his own in a fight. Their leader is Terror, a 6'8", 400-pound monster of a man. They wear leather jackets with a skull on the back and "FB" (Fordham Baldies) on the arm.
- The Del Bombers: They are the toughest all-black gang in the Bronx. They have 23 members, and are prejudiced against Italians. They wear purple and gold hoodies with "DB" written in Old English lettering on the back. Their leader is Clinton Stitch.
- The Ducky Boys: They are an all-Irish gang. They have several distinctive things about them: none of them wear gang "colors"-they all dress normally*. They are all extremely short- 5'6" and under. They are also the largest gang of the Bronx, with 500 members. They have a twisted take on Christianity- it is alright to kill and beat up people, as long as they attend mass and confession. They are the only gang willing to kill people. They all have crucifix tattoos on their arms and chest. *In a Australian play, produced by Adam Kreuzer, based on the film, the Ducky Boys are all Collingwood Football Club supporters and do all wear Collingwood jumpers in some scenes.
- The Wongs: As their name suggests, they are all Chinese, and have the last name "Wong". There are 27 members, and every single one of them knows kung fu. Their leader is Teddy Wong. They wear black hoodies with a kanji (Chinese character) on the back. They help the Wanderers and Del Bombers fight the Ducky Boys during a gang rumble. They all have dragon tattoos.
[edit] Cast
- Ken Wahl-Richie Gennaro
- John Friedrich-Joey Capra
- Karen Allen-Nina Becker
- Toni Kalem-Despie Galasso
- Alan Rosenburg-Turkey
- Jim Youngs-Buddy Borsalino
- Tony Ganios-Perry LaGuardia
- Linda Manz-Peewee
- William Andrews-Emilio Capra
- Erland van Lidth-Terror
- Val Avery-Mr. Sharp
- Dolph Sweet-Chubby Galasso
- Michael Wright-Clinton Stitch
- Burtt Harris-Marine Recruiter
- Samm-Art Williams-Roger
- Dion Albanese-Teddy Wong
- Olympia Dukakis-Joey's Mom
- George Merolle-Peppy Dio
- Terri Perri-Terri Perri
- John Califano-Bowling Bankroller
- Richard Price-Bowling Bankroller
- Linda Artuso-Buddy's Woman
- Alan Braunstein-Ducky Boy Leader
- Konrad Sheehan-Ducky Boy 2nd-In-Command
- Harry Benjamin-Pharaoh Leader
- Farrel R. Tannenbaum-Ray Leader
- Anthony Tirico-Executioner Leader
[edit] Soundtrack Listing
- Walk Like a Man by The Four Seasons
- Ya Ya by Lee Dorsey
- Big Girls Don't Cry by The Four Seasons
- My Boyfriend's Back by The Angels
Featuring George Woompachec (NFL Great)
