Broadway Danny Rose Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A neurotic agent juggles a has-been singer, his mistress, and the mafia, all while trying to book a xylophone player, because why not?

🍿 Broadway Danny Rose: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: The Carnegie Deli

The film opens with a group of comedians at the Carnegie Deli reminiscing about Danny Rose, a theatrical manager known for representing unusual and often untalented acts. This framing device sets the stage for the main story, highlighting Danny’s dedication and the often-comedic nature of his career. The deli setting establishes a nostalgic and distinctly New York atmosphere.

The Comeback of Lou Canova

The main story focuses on Danny’s most prominent client, Lou Canova, a washed-up lounge singer attempting a comeback. Lou relies heavily on the presence of his mistress, Tina Vitale, for confidence. Danny finds himself entangled in Lou’s personal life when he agrees to act as Tina’s ‘beard’ at a crucial performance to avoid suspicion from Lou’s wife.

Mob Trouble and Hilarious Escape

Danny’s good intentions quickly lead to trouble when Tina’s ex-boyfriend, a jealous mobster, mistakes Danny for her new lover. Danny and Tina become targets, resulting in a series of comedic and dangerous situations. They’re chased by mobsters, leading to a memorable sequence in a warehouse filled with Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade floats.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Danny Rose (Woody Allen): A kind-hearted but hapless talent agent who represents a collection of untalented performers and gets caught up in the personal lives of his clients.
• Tina Vitale (Mia Farrow): A tough, brassy, and somewhat unpredictable mob-connected woman who is Lou Canova’s mistress.
• Lou Canova (Nick Apollo Forte): A has-been lounge singer with a big ego and a drinking problem, who seeks Danny’s help to revive his career and manage his complicated personal life.
• Vito Rispoli (Paul Greco): One of Johnny Rispoli’s brothers and a hitman, pursuing Danny and Tina.
• Joe Rispoli (Frank Renzulli): One of Johnny Rispoli’s brothers and a hitman, pursuing Danny and Tina.
• Johnny Rispoli (Edwin Bordo): Tina’s jealous ex-boyfriend with mob connections who mistakenly believes Danny is having an affair with her.
• Barney Dunn (Herb Reynolds): A ventriloquist and one of Danny’s clients, wrongly identified as Tina’s lover and targeted by the mob.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Danny Rose: “You know what my philosophy of life is? That it’s important to have some laughs, no question about it, but you gotta suffer a little too, because otherwise you miss the whole point to life.” – Danny explains his view that life requires a balance of joy and sorrow to Tina.
• Tina Vitale: “It’s over quick, so have a good time. You see what you want, you go for it. Don’t pay any attention to anyone else. And do it to the other guy first, ’cause if you don’t he’ll do it to you.” – Tina describes her cynical, self-serving approach to life, contrasting sharply with Danny’s altruism.
• Danny Rose: “Acceptance, forgiveness, and love.” – Danny describes his own personal philosophy which is very different to Tina’s.
• Danny Rose: “I don’t wanna badmouth the kid, but he’s a horrible, dishonest, immoral louse. And I say that with all due respect.” – Said when asked about a person he does not like but needs to be cordial with.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,600,497
• Worldwide Gross: $10,600,497

💥 Broadway Danny Rose Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore this movie! Mia Farrow is fantastic as Tina, and the whole ‘mob’ plotline is hilarious. The scene where they are tied up and escaping the warehouse with the parade balloons is iconic. The ending, with Danny’s act of forgiveness, always gets me right in the feels. The jokes are brilliant, but it’s Danny’s good heart that makes this film truly special. I recommend it to anyone looking for a movie with some laughs and something genuine.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Woody Allen’s classic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in New York City stories”
  • “Those who appreciate films with a blend of humor and heart”
  • “People who enjoy stories about the entertainment industry”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Mature themes related to infidelity and organized crime”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Woody Allen crafts a touching and hilarious character study, with Mia Farrow delivering a career-best performance. It’s a delightful blend of Borscht Belt humor and genuine heart.
• Variety: “Broadway Danny Rose is a charming and nostalgic look at the fringes of show business. Allen’s direction and performance are top-notch, creating a memorable and heartwarming experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “It’s the most sympathetic Allen has ever been to a character… he’s not just a neurotic Jew, but an almost completely altruistic person.

Audience Reactions

The film perfectly captures the quirky and sometimes pathetic world of struggling artists.: Viewers praise Woody Allen’s warm portrayal of Danny Rose and Mia Farrow’s surprising comedic talent.

Many praise the blend of humor and pathos.: Viewers enjoy how the film is both hilariously funny and also manages to have a touching and heartwarming story.

Overall Consensus: Broadway Danny Rose is considered a heartwarming and funny film, showcasing Woody Allen’s talent for creating memorable characters and blending comedy with genuine emotion.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Woody Allen felt Mia Farrow, known for her delicate features, needed a disguise to convincingly portray a tough Italian ‘broad,’ leading to her wearing sunglasses throughout much of the film.”
• “The film is shot in black and white, which Gordon Willis renders beautifully, adding to the nostalgic feel and visual style reminiscent of classic comedies.”
• “The Carnegie Deli in Manhattan, where the comedians reminisce, is a real place and an important setting, lending authenticity to the New York show business world depicted in the movie.”
• “Nick Apollo Forte, who played Lou Canova, was primarily a lounge singer himself, which added authenticity to his performance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Broadway Danny Rose?

Broadway Danny Rose is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms. Check streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for rental and purchase options. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray may also be available through online retailers such as Amazon and eBay.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Broadway Danny Rose, you might like these similar films:

• The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985): Another Woody Allen film blending comedy with pathos and featuring a protagonist who finds solace in the arts.
• Bullets Over Broadway (1994): Another story that intertwines with the mafia, using its characters and stereotypes for dramatic effect.
• Ed Wood (1994): Shares a similar theme of celebrating the passion and dedication of individuals involved in low-budget entertainment.
• Sweet and Lowdown (1999): A later Woody Allen film that uses a similar mockumentary framing device to tell the story of a flawed artist.

🛒 Broadway Danny Rose Related Products

• The Woody Allen Film Collection (Blu-ray): Includes a curated collection of Woody Allen’s most celebrated films. Relive classic moments and discover hidden gems from his iconic career.
• Carnegie Deli Cookbook: 100+ Recipes for Sandwiches, Soups, Sides & More: Bring the flavors of the famous Carnegie Deli home with this cookbook featuring their iconic sandwiches and other classic dishes.
• Mafia Graphic Novel: Graphic novel that blends crime fiction and humor. Immerse yourself in a world of gangsters, heists, and unexpected twists with a touch of dark humor.
• Borscht Belt Bob and Ray (Audiobook): A hilarious Audiobook about borscht belt humor, features some comedy from that time, the humor inspired the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Broadway Danny Rose features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Agita” – performed by Nick Apollo Forte
• “My Bambina” – performed by Lou Canova
• “I Like the Look of You” – performed by Lou Canova

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Gumby: Broadway Gumby Rose – SNL

Ever wonder how ‘Broadway Danny Rose’ translates to SNL humor? Check out Eddie Murphy as Gumby in this hilarious parody – it’s a wild ride and a surprisingly clever nod to the original!

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