The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight

Has anyone out there seen this 1971 mob comedy? I have been trying to find a copy forever. Maybe it has never been released on video, I do not know. Supposedly it is the fictionalized story of the Gallo bros. with Crazy Joey, Larry and Kid Blast, and stars Gerry Ohrbach from TVs "Law and Order" as well as Al Pacino. Who has seen this? Is it any good? Where can I Don Rico see it?

"The Gang that Couldn't Shoot Straight" was based on a book written by Jimmy Breslin (a noted newspaper reporter who later played a real life key role in the "Son of Sam" story). The book was published in 1969 (the same year Puzo released "The Godfather"). It has loose connections to the (real life) Gallo Brothers.

Pacino wasn't in it, but Robert DeNiro was. It is available on video.

Is it any good because i've seen it advertised on sky TV over here butI keep missing it.

Turi -

I saw it in its theatrical release (30 years ago!), and I really can't remember it that well, but I do remember it was fairly funny, and Robert DeNiro "stole" the picture as a guy pretending to be a priest.

Its worth your time to watch it, if for no other reason than to see DeNiro in one of his earliest (and funniest) roles.

Hahaha I knew De Niro was in it. But I never recognised him in that picture you pasted until now. Im gonna be laughing for years now. I have to see it. I'm very hungover aswel. I love funny movies when im hungover like Naked Gun etc.

[ August 11, 2001: Message edited by: Turi Giuliano ]

The guys that made "The Naked Gun" produced a short-lived television series here (in the States) many years ago. It was hilarious!

Drink lots of water (for the hangover) but don't watch anything TOO funny....You'll pee in your pants :p

Police Squad? I loved that.



Paaa....I'm gonna be drinking in an hours time again anyways. Cheers for the tip anyway.

Grazie SC for the data. You always come through with the goods.

Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight was on Cable a year ago. Taped it. Never knew it was out on video. Must've been a while ago. Never see it anywhere. Not even in the De Niro sections. Pretty bad movie. One of those flicks that's so bad it's good! De Niro does steal the picture as a priest though. He also has a very exagerated Italian accent.

To SC and sjm519: how fictional is the film? How close or far is it from depicting the Gallo bros. in reality? "Crazy" Joe Gallo and Gerry Ohrbach were tight, were they not? Weren't they hanging out on Joey's birthday together with their wives, girlfriends, et al at Umberto's when they came for him?

The film (based on a book written by columnist Jimmy Breslin) was a work of fiction, but had some similarities to Joey Gallo.

I've included a link to an article on the subject of Gallo and Umberto's Restaurant. Interestingly enough, there are a few references to "The Godfather" and how some of the incidents in it were based on the Gallos Brothers (the scene in which Frank Pentangeli is strangled).

Check out the link (below). The article will answer your questions.


Joey Gallo and Umberto's Restaurant Article - CLICK HERE

Actually it's pretty well documented, not all of it is fictional. Gallo was a real character for one, and two the umberto place really exists.