Two Bits
Two Bits is a 1995 American drama film directed by James Foley and starring Al Pacino, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Jerry Barone. It was written by Joseph Stefano, who considered the film a personal project, with a semi-biographical story. The title refers to the American slang term "two bits", for a quarter dollar.
| Two Bits | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | James Foley |
| Written by | Joseph Stefano |
| Produced by | Arthur Cohn |
| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Juan Ruiz Anchía |
| Edited by | Howard E. Smith |
| Music by | Carter Burwell |
| Distributed by | Miramax Films |
Release date |
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Running time | 85 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $26,282 |
Plot
It is a hot summer day in 1933 in South Philadelphia, where 12-year-old Gennaro lives with his widowed mom and his ailing grandfather. His grandfather sits outside holding tight to his last quarter. He has promised the quarter to Gennaro so the boy can buy a ticket to a plush new movie theater. But grandpa is not ready to pass on the quarter or pass on to his final reward. He has some unfinished business with a woman from his past, and he enlists Gennaro to act as his emissary.
Cast
- Jerry Barone as Gennaro
- Alec Baldwin as Narrator/Older Gennaro (voice)
- Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Luisa Spirito
- Al Pacino as Grandpa
- Patrick Borriello as Tullio
- Andy Romano as Dr. Bruna
- Donna Mitchell as Mrs. Bruna
- Mary Lou Rosato as Aunt Carmela
- Joe Grifasi as Uncle Joe
- Rosemary De Angelis as Mrs. Conte
- Ron McLarty as Irish
- Charley Scalies as Ballyhoo Driver
- Joanna Merlin as Guendolina
- Geoff Pierson as Dr. Wilson
- Karen Shallo as Woman in Red
- Nick Discenza as Father of Deceased
Awards
The film was nominated for two Young Artist Awards, Best Family Feature and Best Young Leading Actor (Jerry Barone).