Alphabet City (film)

Alphabet City is an American 1984 crime drama film directed by Amos Poe. The story follows a young gangster of Italian descent named Johnny, who has been given control over his own neighborhood by the Mob. Then unknown actors Vincent Spano (as Johnny), Jami Gertz, and Michael Winslow give compelling performances in this low-budget crime/drama/thriller. Acclaimed film and stage actress Zohra Lampert plays Johnny's mother. The film is set in Alphabet City, a part of the East Village in New York City.

Plot

The film takes place entirely in one evening, with the time being indicated chronologically on the clock in Johnny's Trans Am. Early in the evening Johnny meets with his friend Lippy, an eccentric cocaine dealer played by Michael Winslow. They discuss the planned burning of an apartment building, called for by the mob. As their discussion progresses, it becomes clear that it is Johnny who must carry out the burning of the building before the night is over, and moreover, his mother and sister live in the targeted building. This request from the Mob pushes Johnny to plan a split from the Mob, which proves difficult. By the end of the night Johnny must save his sister and mother from the burning of their building, and also rescue his girlfriend and their newborn child from the clutches of the Mob.

Music

The music was composed by the prolific producer Nile Rodgers, famous for his work with acts such as Chic, Sister Sledge, and Madonna.

Vehicle

The vehicle Vincent Spano drives in the film is a 1983 Pontiac Trans Am 25th Anniversary Daytona 500 Edition. Only 2500 of the cars were built.

External links

• Alphabet City at IMDb