There’s something about The Pope of Greenwich Village that feels like stumbling into a smoky Little Italy bar in 1984, where every character has a story and a hustle. This crime drama, directed by Stuart Rosenberg, hit theaters on June 22, 1984, and brought Vincent Patrick’s novel to life with a raw, lived-in energy. It’s a film about dreamers and schemers—Mickey Rourke and Eric Roberts as cousins Charlie and Paulie, caught in a spiral of bad decisions and mob trouble. With its vivid New York backdrop and a cast that crackles with intensity, it’s no wonder this movie has earned a cult following. Let’s dive into the details: the cast, the numbers, the reviews, and why this slice of Greenwich Village still resonates.
The Heart of the Story
Set in the bustling, fading Italian-American enclave of Greenwich Village, The Pope of Greenwich Village tracks cousins Charlie Moran (Mickey Rourke) and Paulie Gibonni (Eric Roberts). Known to locals as The Village NYC, this neighborhood’s vibrant streets set the stage for their misadventures. Charlie’s a smooth-talking maître d’ with dreams of owning a restaurant, while Paulie’s a loose cannon always chasing a get-rich-quick scheme. After they’re fired from their restaurant jobs for skimming cash, Paulie convinces Charlie to crack a safe for a quick score to fund a racehorse bet. The heist goes wrong when they steal from mobster “Bed Bug” Eddie (Burt Young), setting off a chain reaction involving a dead cop, a vengeful Mafia, and a whole lot of trouble.
The film’s setting is its soul. Shot on location in Little Italy in Manhattan, the streets hum with authenticity—crowded storefronts, neon-lit diners, and shadowy backrooms. At 121 minutes with an R rating for its rough language and violence, it’s a time capsule of a New York that’s largely gone. Frank Sinatra’s “Summer Wind” on the soundtrack ties it all together, giving the story a bittersweet, nostalgic edge.
The Cast That Steals the Show
The ensemble here is electric, a mix of young talent and grizzled veterans who make every scene pop. Here’s the breakdown:
| Actor | Role | Why They Shine |
|---|---|---|
| Mickey Rourke | Charlie Moran | Rourke’s understated charm and quiet intensity make Charlie the heart of the film. |
| Eric Roberts | Paulie Gibonni | Roberts goes big—manic, twitchy, and unforgettable as the reckless Paulie. |
| Daryl Hannah | Diane | Hannah’s Diane, Charlie’s girlfriend, grounds the chaos with subtle strength. |
| Geraldine Page | Mrs. Ritter | Page’s brief role as a grieving mother is so powerful it earned an Oscar nod. |
| Burt Young | “Bed Bug” Eddie | Young’s mobster is equal parts terrifying and charismatic, a Rocky alum at his best. |
| Kenneth McMillan | Barney | McMillan’s tragic safecracker adds a layer of heartbreak to the story. |
| M. Emmet Walsh | Burns | Walsh’s crooked cop brings sleaze and menace in spades. |
The supporting cast is packed with faces you’ll recognize: Tony Musante, Jack Kehoe, Philip Bosco, and Val Avery, plus early glimpses of Sean Penn, Steve Buscemi, and Vincent Gallo. Geraldine Page’s two scenes as Mrs. Ritter are a masterclass—she’s onscreen for maybe eight minutes but landed a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 1985 Oscars. Eric Roberts, reflecting in a 2014 A.V. Club interview, said he “fell in love with acting again” on this film, transforming Paulie into a wiry, permed-up dreamer by dropping 30 pounds and leaning into his quirks.
Fun fact: the film almost starred Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, with Michael Cimino directing. When that fell apart over script disputes, Rosenberg stepped in, and Rourke and Roberts made the roles their own. For a full rundown of the cast and crew, check out the film’s IMDb page.
The Numbers Game
Made on an $8 million budget, The Pope of Greenwich Village didn’t light up the box office, pulling in $6.8 million in the U.S. and Canada. Released by MGM/UA, it hit theaters in the summer of ’84, a tough season for a character-driven drama. Filming took place in New York City, with John Bailey’s cinematography capturing the city’s grit and Dave Grusin’s score adding moody texture. In Europe, it was oddly retitled Village Dreams, which didn’t quite capture its edge.
Vincent Patrick adapted his own novel, keeping the dialogue sharp and the tone a mix of dark comedy and high-stakes drama. Stuart Rosenberg, the guy behind Cool Hand Luke, brought his knack for grounded storytelling, though some felt he gave the actors too much freedom, especially Roberts’ larger-than-life Paulie.
What the Critics Said
Critics were split on The Pope of Greenwich Village, and that divide still defines its reputation. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 77% approval rating from 30 reviews, averaging 7.2/10, with a consensus that calls it “an entertaining showcase for its stars” despite “undisciplined direction” and a familiar plot. Metacritic’s 58/100, based on 11 reviews, labels it “mixed or average.”
Roger Ebert gave it three stars, calling it a “Behavior Movie” where the acting outshines the story. His full review on RogerEbert.com praises the New York flavor and performances but wishes for more depth. Leonard Maltin matched the three stars, praising the “richly textured” feel and Page’s “stunning” work. The New York Times wasn’t as kind—Vincent Canby called it “gross” and a showcase for “acting mannerisms” over substance. Audiences, though, lean fonder: Rotten Tomatoes shows a 74% audience score, and X posts in 2025, like one from one user who called it “a gem that nails old-school NYC vibes.”
Awards and Accolades
The film’s big award moment was Geraldine Page’s Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1985. She lost to Peggy Ashcroft (A Passage to India), but the nod was a big deal for a performance so brief. Page, already a six-time nominee, would finally win for The Trip to Bountiful the next year. No other major nominations came its way, likely due to its modest box-office haul and mixed reviews.
Why It Sticks Around
The Pope of Greenwich Village isn’t The Godfather, but it’s got a loyal fanbase that keeps it alive. It’s a favorite among those who love 1980s crime flicks or character studies like Mean Streets. Its influence pops up in unexpected places—Vincent Chase on Entourage was obsessed with it, cementing its cool factor. You can stream it today on Hoopla, Tubi, or PlutoTV, or rent it on Amazon or Apple TV. JustWatch ranks it at 5073 on its Daily Streaming Charts (March 2025), proof it still pulls viewers.
Fun Bits and Pieces
Here’s some trivia to chew on:
- Casting That Wasn’t: De Niro and Pacino were confirmed as early picks in a 1995 Entertainment Tonight segment, but scheduling killed the dream.
- Roberts’ Method: Eric Roberts wanted Paulie to stand out, so he permed his hair and played him as a “spaz attack,” avoiding tough-guy clichés.
- Real Streets: Shooting in Little Italy wasn’t just for show—it gave the film a documentary-like grit you can’t fake.
- Sinatra’s Touch: “Summer Wind” wasn’t random; it’s a nod to the Italian-American culture at the film’s core.
What It’s Really About
At its core, The Pope of Greenwich Village is about chasing dreams in a world that doesn’t play fair. Charlie and Paulie’s bond—equal parts loyalty and frustration—drives the story, their impulsive choices piling up like debts they can’t pay. The film’s mix of heist thrills, black humor, and family drama feels fresh even today. It’s got that in-your-face New York attitude, with dialogue that snaps and a cast that swings for the fences. Whether it’s Rourke’s quiet desperation or Roberts’ wild energy, the performances make you feel like you’re eavesdropping on real lives, not watching a movie.
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