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The Lords of Flatbush (50th Anniversary)

A mid 70’s gem set in 1958, Sylvester Stallone and Henry Winkler star together as Brooklyn greaser delinquents, in this coming of age story about four high school buddies trying to figure out their transition from youth to adult hood, bonded together as the leather clad gang – The Lords of Flatbush – who will do anything to prolong their friendship and avoid the responsibilities of the adult world. The story follows Chico (Perry King), who has his sights set on the out of his league Jane (Susan Blakely), while Stanley (Sylvester Stallone) wrestles with doing the right thing after knocking up local girl Frannie (Maria Smith). Henry Winkler’s toothy grin and cartoonish likability as Butchey really paves the way for Fonzie’s meteoric popularity that would soon follow, and Paul Mace rounds out the cast as Wimpy, a Lord who will follow his buddies anywhere. Filmed in an almost documentary style (co-directed by Martin Davidson and Stephen F. Verona), the scenes have an improvisational feel.

“A small masterpiece that places the mood and general ethos of the ’50s with absolute precision and total affection.” – Geoff Andrew, Time Out

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