Netflix's Milestone Movies - The Anniversary Collection : The Lords of Flatbush (1974)

0:03 Calaroga Shark Media. Welcome back to TV in the Basement, the podcast where we delve into the world of classic films and TV shows. Today, we're turning back the clock to the nineteen seventies and exploring the gritty and nostalgic world of the Lords of Flatbush. But before we hit the streets of Brooklyn with this iconic film, let's take a moment to appreciate the significance of nineteen seventy four in the realm of cinema. It was a year that celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the film industry, and Hollywood responded with a wave of creativity and innovation. In nineteen seventy four, the silver screen lit up with a remarkable array of films that would go on to become classics. It was an era when cinematic brilliance was on full display. Netflix's Milestone Movies the Anniversary Collection, brings together fourteen of these cinematic gems, and The Lords of Flatbush proudly stands among them. Now, let's step back in time and explore the coming of age tale that is The Lords of Flatbush, directed by Martin Davidson and Stephen Verona, The Lords of Flatbush is a nostalgic trip to the nineteen fifties, a time when leather jackets, greased hair, and teenage dreams ruled the streets

1:33 of Brooklyn. Released in nineteen seventy four, this film takes us into the lives of a group of high school friends as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and the complexities of growing up. The plot centers around four close knit friends, Chico, Stanley, Butchy, and Wimpy. These young men are the self proclaimed Lords of Flatbush, a Brooklyn gang with dreams of cruising the streets on motorcycles, impressing girls, and finding their place in the world. Stanley, portrayed by a young Sylvester Stallone, is the charismatic leader of the group. He's known for his motorcycle and bad boy image, but beneath the tough exterior lies a boy with dreams of a brighter future. Stallone's performance in this film is a testament to his early talent and charisma. Chico, played by Perry King, is Stanley's best friend and the voice of reason in the group.

2:22 He dreams of becoming a writer and escaping the confines of Flatbush. Perry King brings depth and sensitivity to the character, making Chico one of the film's stand out figures. Butchy, portrayed by Henry Winkler, yes the same Henry Winkler who would later become famous as the Fawns in Happy Days, is the ladies man of the group. His character adds humor and charm to the film, and Winkler's performance hints at the comedic talent he would become known for. Wimpy, played by Paul Mace, is the quirky and lovable member of the gang. His unique personality and quirks provide moments of heartwarming humor throughout the film. Lords of Flatbush is a slice of life story that explores the challenges and dreams of these young men as they come to terms with the realities of adulthood.

3:07 It's a coming of age tale that captures the essence of teenage friendships, love, and the bittersweet passage of time. While The Lords of Flatbush may not have garnered a plethora of awards, it remains a cherished film for its portrayal of teenage aspirations, friendships, and the timeless allure of nostalgia. Henry Winkler was honored with the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor for his memorable role as Butchie. The Lords of Flatbush was made on a modest budget of approximately three hundred fifty thousand dollars, which was quite low even for the standards of the nineteen seventies. However, it managed to make a significant impact at the box office, grossing around four point five million dollars in the United States. This impressive return on investment highlighted the film's appeal and the bird careers of its cast. Here's an intriguing tidbit. Richard Gear, who would later become a Hollywood superstar, was initially cast in The Lords of Flatbush.

4:10 He played the role of Chico, which was later portrayed by Perry King. Gear's scenes were shot, but he was eventually replaced due to creative differences. While Gear's role was recast, his early involvement in the film is a fascinating piece of trivia. To capture the authentic feel of Brooklyn in the nineteen fifties, the film was shot on location in various Brooklyn neighborhoods. The use of real Brooklyn settings added an extra layer of authenticity to the film's nostalgic atmosphere. In two thousand and seven, a special reunion event for The Lords of Flatbush took place in Brooklyn, celebrating the film's enduring legacy. Cast members, including Sylvester Stallone and Henry Winkler, came together to reminisce about their time working on the film. The Lord's Bikes, the character's aspirations of cruising the streets on motorcycles in the film are a nod to the popularity of motorcycle culture in the nineteen fifties. While they never actually ride motorcycles in the film, the desire to own one is a recurring theme. The film's inclusion in the Criterion Collection, a prestigious series of releases featuring classic films, underscores its enduring impact on cinema. It's a testament to the movie's cultural and historical significance. As we conclude our journey through The Lords of Flatbush within the context of Netflix's Milestone Movies the Anniversary Collection, I encourage you to revisit this heartwarming and nostalgic film.

5:34 It's a reminder of the universal themes of youth and growing up that continue to resonate with audiences of all generations. I'll be taking a look at more films in this exciting Netflix feature. Until next time, stay warm and hit that follow button as we all watch TV in the basement.