🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jonathan Demme
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Romance
- Release year: 1988
- Runtime (length): 1h 44min
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10 (21K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A mob wife tries to escape her old life, but a jealous wife, a horny mob boss, and a lovestruck FBI agent make it hilariously difficult.
🍿 Married to the Mob: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Unhappy Marriage and a Deadly Affair
Angela de Marco is a discontented housewife married to Frank, a mobster working for Tony ‘The Tiger’ Russo. Frank is having an affair with Karen Lutnick, who also happens to be Tony’s mistress. Angela wants out of the mob life and desires a divorce, a request Frank dismisses. This sets the stage for a chaotic turn of events.

Double Murder and a Widow’s Escape
Tony discovers the affair between Frank and Karen. Enraged, he murders them both. This leaves Angela a widow, but also provides her with an opportunity to escape her mob-entangled life. She seizes the chance, donating her belongings and moving to a small apartment in New York City with her son, hoping for a fresh start.

FBI Surveillance and a Budding Romance
The FBI, led by agent Mike Downey, suspects Tony in the double murder and believes Angela might be involved or could lead them to Tony. Mike goes undercover as Angela’s neighbor, bugging her apartment. As he observes Angela, he begins to fall for her, complicating the investigation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Angela de Marco (Michelle Pfeiffer): A mobster’s wife who seeks to leave her criminal life behind after her husband’s death, only to be pursued by her husband’s boss and the FBI.
- ‘Cucumber’ Frank de Marco (Alec Baldwin): A high-ranking Mafia member and Angela’s adulterous husband, whose murder sets off a chain of events for Angela.
- Tony Russo (Dean Stockwell): The powerful and lecherous mob boss who becomes infatuated with Angela after ordering the hit on her husband.
- Connie Russo (Mercedes Ruehl): Tony’s extremely jealous and volatile wife who suspects Angela of having an affair with her husband.
- Mike Downey (Matthew Modine): An FBI agent who goes undercover to investigate Angela but finds himself falling in love with her.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Angela de Marco: “God, you people work just like the mob! There’s no difference.” – Angela expresses her frustration and disillusionment after being pressured by the FBI.
- Regional Director Franklin: “Oh, there’s a big difference, Mrs. de Marco. The mob is run by murdering, thieving, lying, cheating psychopaths. We work for the President of the United States of America.” – The FBI Regional Director’s response to Angela, highlighting the supposed moral difference between law enforcement and organized crime.
- Connie Russo: “You think you’re gonna get away with this?” – Connie Russo’s trademark line delivered with menacing jealousy and suspicion.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $21,486,757
- Worldwide Gross: $21,486,757
💥 Married to the Mob Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely love this movie! It’s a hilarious and quirky take on the mob genre. Michelle Pfeiffer is fantastic as Angela, and I was laughing out loud at Mercedes Ruehl’s over-the-top performance. The scene in the supermarket is pure comedic gold. Every time I watch it, I find something new to enjoy. It’s just a fun, feel-good movie that never gets old!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of quirky comedies”
- “Viewers interested in mob satires”
- “Michelle Pfeiffer fans”
- “Those who enjoy 80s movies”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Strong language”
- “Brief nudity”
- “Suggestive themes”
Professional Reviews
- Roger Ebert: “A wildly funny and stylish film that successfully blends mobster stereotypes with screwball comedy. Pfeiffer shines as the mob wife seeking a new life, while Stockwell delivers a hilarious and memorable performance as the persistent mob boss. Demme’s direction creates a unique and entertaining cinematic experience.
- Variety: “A quirky and charming comedy that benefits from strong performances and Demme’s unique directorial style. Though the humor is broad, the characters are well-defined, and the story offers plenty of laughs. Ruehl steals the show as the jealous wife, adding another layer of comedic brilliance.
- The New York Times: “A delightful and entertaining mob comedy with a fantastic cast. Pfeiffer brings a wonderful comedic sensibility to her role, while Stockwell is perfectly cast as the over-the-top mob boss. The film’s blend of humor and crime creates a unique and memorable cinematic experience.
Audience Reactions
Mercedes Ruehl’s performance as Connie Russo is unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s humor, especially Ruehl’s performance and Pfeiffer’s comedic timing.
The soundtrack perfectly captures the film’s quirky and fun tone.: Many appreciate the film’s unique blend of crime and comedy, making it stand out from other mob movies.
Overall Consensus: A highly entertaining and humorous take on the mob genre, with strong performances and a unique directorial style that delights audiences.
Awards
- National Society of Film Critics Awards (Best Supporting Actor)- 1988
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Jonathan Demme often used a documentary-like approach to filming, allowing actors to improvise and encouraging naturalistic performances, which contributed to the film’s quirky and spontaneous feel.”
- “Many scenes that didn’t make the final cut were included during the end credits, offering an extended version of the story and additional comedic moments.”
- “The film’s soundtrack features a blend of pop, soul, and Latin music, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the characters and setting.”
🖥️ How to Watch Married to the Mob?
Currently, “Married to the Mob” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings. While not always available on subscription services like Netflix or Hulu, keep an eye out as availability can change.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Married to the Mob, you might like these similar films:
- Analyze This (1999): A mobster seeks therapy, blending crime with comedy.
- Prizzi’s Honor (1985): A darkly comedic take on the Mafia, with a focus on complex relationships.
- Goodfellas (1990): Offers a contrasting, more serious look at the gangster lifestyle.
- Date Night (2010): A modern comedy where mistaken identity leads to a couple getting entangled with mobsters.
🛒 Married to the Mob Related Products
- Married to the Mob [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in stunning high definition with bonus features.
- Mob Boss Costume Kit: Dress up as Tony ‘The Tiger’ Russo with this complete costume kit, including a fedora, pinstripe suit, and gold chain.
- Hello Gorgeous! Salon T-Shirt: Show off your love for the movie with this T-shirt featuring the iconic salon name.
- Mob Movie Collection – DVD: Get this DVD collection featuring the best mob movies.
🎧 Soundtrack
Married to the Mob features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Mambo Italiano” – performed by Rosemary Clooney
- “Lili Marlene” – performed by Klaus Nomi
- “Goodbye Horses” – performed by Q Lazzarus
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, “Married to the Mob” is a fictional, comedic take on mob life. While it draws inspiration from the genre, the characters and events are not based on real people or specific events.
Filming locations included Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, and Miami, Florida. The movie aimed to capture the look and feel of both suburban mob life and the vibrant city scenes.
The title refers to Angela’s inability to escape the influence and dangers of the mob, even after her husband’s death. She is bound by the social connections and expectations associated with her past, even as she tries to create a new life.
🔥 Bonus Content
michelle pfeiffer & matthew modine
Ever wondered how Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Modine created such amazing on-screen chemistry? This short clip shows their playful dynamic and why they were the perfect match for ‘Married to the Mob’!
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