The Wanderers Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
It's 1963. Meet The Wanderers... They were the hottest guys in town.
It was The Wanderers against the world... and the world never had a chance!
Set against the urban jungle of 1963 New York's gangland subculture, this coming of age teenage movie is set around the Italian gang the Wanderers. Slight comedy, slight High School angst and every bit entertaining with its classic 1950's Rock n' Roll soundtrack such as "Walk Like a Man", "Big Girls Don't Cry" by The Four Seasons and "My Boyfriend's Back" by The Angels. Focusing around a football game where the different gangs play with and against each other, then at its grand finale, come together in a mass of union to defend their honour and their turf. Nostalgic stuff and above all a Rock n' Roll retrospective on a grand musical era. Timeless.
| Ken Wahl | Richie |
| John Friedrich | Joey |
| Alan Rosenberg | Turkey |
| Jim Youngs | Buddy |
| Tony Ganios | Perry |
| William Andrews | Emilio |
| Erland van Lidth | Terror |
| Val Avery | Mr. Sharp |
| Dolph Sweet | Chubby Galasso |
| Michael Wright | Clinton |
| Burtt Harris | Marine Recruiter |
| Samm-Art Williams | Roger |
| Dion Albanese | Teddy Wong |
| George Merolle | Peppy Dio |
| John Califano | Bowling Bankroller |
7.30 out of 10 (2371 votes)
Visitor Reviews
WANDERERS FOREVER!!
posted on 13 Aug 2009This is just a great film, and one that has become a huge cult hit. You don't need to be from the Sixties or from the Bronx to enjoy this movie, it just wreaks class! Phillip Kaufman really hit everything just right here - go and buy it now!! And if you still need a further reason - Karen Allen playing strip poker!!
Very Entertaining
posted on 24 Apr 2009Set in the 60's, this is a coming of age film with great acting by unknown actors, and a great soundtrack to go with it. For anyone born during the hayday of rock n' roll, this is a must see. Ken Wahl portrays Richie, the leader of a gang called "The Wanderers." Along the way of his growing up, he crosses paths with a couple of different gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. There are the Del Bombers, the black gang, The Wongs (Chinese), and the Ducky Boys (European). The toughest gang in town is the Baldies, and Terror, their fearless leader, but they are taken out of the mold after a night of drinking. They unknowingly join the Marines. The plot is nothing to brag about, but the acting, and the score, and the scenery of New York is worth watching. It's **** on my list.
Gritty and wonderful. A fantastic recent re-discovery.
posted on 31 Mar 2009This film made a BIG impression on me when I was growing up. More than any other film, it captured the timelessness of the transition from being a boy to becomming a man and how you leave childish things behind. Funny, raucous and, at times, both disturbing and moving,this film has it all. If you've never seen "The Wanderers", please do yourself a favour- you won't regret it.
THOSE GUYS LOOK LIKE A BUNCH OF PRICKS WITH EARS
posted on 01 Mar 2009this has got to be one of the greatest gang movies ever made along with The Warriors. the best part of the movie is the big fight at the end in the football field. Joey's dad was kickin some major A** ! I like how all the gangs got together in the end to help each other out. Goes to show that in the end besides our differences, were all just a bunch of squirrels trying to get a nut. the soundtrack for this movie is off the hook too !
An homage to the end of an era
posted on 16 Nov 2008Based on a novel by Richard Price, Philip Kaufman's 1979 film The Wanderers is a surreal comedy about teenage gangs in the Bronx during the sixties that is both a coming of age film and an homage to the end of an era. The film was considered too strange for American audiences but gained popularity in Europe and eventually landed a theatrical re-release in the U.S. in 1996. Set in 1963 just prior to the Kennedy assassination, The Wanderers deals with a group of high school friends who must ward off challenges from rival gangs while coming to grips with the problems of growing up during rapidly changing times. The film has great music, an authentic sixty'ish look, colorful characters, and nostalgia for the days when alcohol was the favorite drug and the football field was the only battleground. In the film, ethnic gangs populate the Bronx but there are no guns and no knives. We meet the Wanderers (Italian), the Del Bombers (Black), the Wongs (Asian Kung Fu), and the Fordham Baldies (oversized bald guys). All except the sadistic Ducky Boys who seem to suddenly materialize at the opportune moment, are more like social clubs and do little besides partying and hanging out.Led by slick, good-looking Richie (Ken Wahl), a pizza parlor employee discovered by Kaufman, and his friend Joey (John Friedrich), The Wanderers have their hands full fighting the Baldies and their 6' 7'', 400 lb. leader named Terror (Erland van Lidth de Jeude). One of their members Turkey (Alan Rosenberg) even crosses over and enlists in the Baldies to keep his gang connections going after graduation but the Baldies comically end up enlisting in the Marines. When newcomer Perry (Tony Ganios) comes to the Wanderers' rescue during a street brawl, they recruit him for their gang and become confident enough to challenge the Del Bombers to a fight. After an abortive attempt to discuss racism in class ends in a brawl, the stage is set for a rumble but local mobsters channel this energy into a football game. When the Ducky Boys show up, however, the game turns into a free for all. Although there is lots of violence, it is of the comic book variety and never seems quite real.The energy never flags throughout The Wanderers and the film is assisted by a great soundtrack that includes many sixties favorites: "Runaround Sue'' performed by Dion and other classic oldies such as The Contours' "Do You Love Me,'' the Shirelles' "Soldier Boy,'' and the Surfaris' "Wipe Out''. Karen Allen plays Nina, Richie's new crush who competes for his attention with his long time girl friend Despie (Toni Galem), the daughter of a local mobster. One of the best scenes is a hilarious game of strip poker with Nina and Despie that is fixed by Richie and Joey to achieve an inevitable outcome. When Nina, the symbol of the new generation, goes to Folk City to hear Bob Dylan sing "The Times They Are a-Changin'', and the boys watch television accounts of the Kennedy assassination, it is clear something has shifted and their lives will never be the same. For those who lived during this time, The Wanderers will bring back many memories. For others, it is an entertaining but often sad journey back to a time of innocence that now seems so very long ago.
Dated but timeless nostalgia high school flick
posted on 17 Oct 2008"The Wanderers" is a high school nostalgia flick centered on a 1963 Bronx street gang of the title name. Lame, tame, and a trip down memory lane, this jambalaya of things early 60's (circa 1979) will be of most interest to the 60ish crowd for nostalgia reasons though the comedy and drama are timeless. Of the same ilk as "Hollywood Knights" or "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" though it didn't launch as many careers and is probably the lesser of the lot. (B-)
Wanderers vs American Graffiti
posted on 11 Sep 2008I was born and raised in California. I love the Wanderers for the many characters. It was great to see a different take on life in the sixties from mine. I can't believe I didn't know about this movie before. I love American Graffiti too. Just two different life styles of movies. I think all the actors did a good job. You have to cut some of them some slack since they had never acted before. I certainly have seen worse. To say that the Wanderers was the real American Graffiti. I don't think is correct. Just a different way of growing up. I don't think any of the big cities in CA have the same vibe as the inter-city feel of either the Bronx or any of the other Burroughs. All of the cities here are spread out. You know huge land mass. We didn't have the separation of kids by ethnicity. We were all civil to each other. There were some cliques. The jocks, cheerleaders vs the geeks and regular people. No clubs or gangs in my school. Maybe the big cities had some. Since I have never been NY, I have to assume Richard Prices memories are correct. Just as George Lucas is correct of his teen years. I lived it, the same time period just as he depicted in his movie. CA was and still is a car culture. You had status based on your car, whoever had the coolest one was top dog. Everyone had to have a car to drive, even if it was your parents. We were always on the move. We had the parties just as they did, and listened to the same music, did the same dances. We didn't dress up for parties like in the movie. We were more laid back. School dress wasn't all that different either. I still love the music from that time. A huge Dion fan, always was always will be. We are as much the same as we are different. To reflect back it does seem like it was the best of times. Sometimes wish I could go back, it was great!
great movie
posted on 24 Aug 2008i loved this movie. i grew up in the 70's, not the 60's, but i've always liked gang movies. i think i liked the warriors better, but the thing that intrigued me most about this movie was the "ducky boys". while everyone else talks about the baldies, the ducky boys were far more interesting. why didn't they talk? why were they all in church and receiving communion? they seemed like the scariest. i'd rather face down the baldies than the ducky boys any day. in the warriors, i thought the baseball furies were the same way - mysterious, cool face make-up too. but those ducky boys for some reason stick with me. could they talk? or were they all mute? pretty freaky. by the way, i don't think karen allen is good-looking. i'm sorry all you k.a. fans. my oldest brother had a thing for her, which i never understood. i'm more of a salma hayek fan. still, this was a great movie, and one of my top DVD picks, behind Excalibur, monty python and the holy grail, brave heart, and the warriors. well worth the purchase price!
This is IT!
posted on 31 Jul 2008This movie is awesome. It is the single best movie in the teenage/gang type movies and I have no idea why this movie is not alot more known, it is clearly a lost classic and highly underrated. This movie is way better then "The Outsiders" "Grease" or any other film in this similar genre. 10/10 easy.
LEAVE THE KID ALONE....and let him watch this movie!
posted on 01 Jul 2008These were the OLDEST''TEENAGERS''since the Sweathogs!I mean,not one looked at least 18.That said,this is a wanderfull movie.The music,the acting,the chemistry,the atmosphere,everything worked.it had drama,comedy,horror(enter Ducky's Boys),action,and a love story(even though Terror's a lil too old for her!)The plot is basic gang rivalry set in the age of the do wop.We are introduced to the core members of a local gang,the Wanderers.Not a drug dealing,neighborhood wrecking gang.But the loveable,wiseguys you find bowling and hanging out.Tension mounts between rival gang the Del Bombers and the battle is set.Calmer heads prevail and the fight turns into a football game,which turns into a bonding inspired fight.There are subplots;1 Wanderer stealing anothers girlfriend,1 Wanderer becoming a traitor,the home lives of 2 Wanderers,to keep the pacing just right.I am glad to see this on DVD.Too bad theres no extras.Anyway,theres no question youll enjoy this movie,but would you ever mess with the Wongs?
Absolutely perfect tale of early 60s Bronx gangland
posted on 25 Jun 2008While "The Wanderers" is hardly an accurate depiction of gang warfare, that hardly matters. Its one of the most entertaining and powerful coming-of-age dramas I've ever seen. The hyper-stylized direction vividly brings the characters and period detail to life. The film is wonderfully evocative of early 60s Bronx and rich with atmosphere. The soundtrack of classic oldies gives the film its extra push. Fortunately, this is no case of style over substance. The characters are all drawn out, and while the screenplay is admittedly manipulative and hardly realistic, this doesn't really matter with a cast of characters this memorable. There's a certain depth to the manner in which the gangs realize they're becoming a thing of the past entirely.The direction by Philip Kaufman is, as mentioned above, fantastic and great at telling the story. The acting, by the cast comprised of mostly familiar faces or unknowns, is great as well. It really makes one miss the 70s when a film didn't need a wide array of established stars, just great character acting. However, the lack of stars may have contributed to the films meager success. Another factor was the release of another similarly titled gang picture the same year "The Warriors". While "The Warriors" is an enjoyable cult flick, "The Wanderers" is easily superior to it in every way. Its a much more seriously minded picture and would hardly cause actual violence like "The Warriors" allegedly did. Its still unfortunately overlooked, but as far as I'm concerned, its portrayal of this changing period in America is at least five times better and more poignant than "American Graffiti". A masterpiece! (10/10)
I Wander at how anyone doesn't like this movie
posted on 13 Jun 2008Philip Kaufman is a great director (true some of his films are not my cup of tea, so to speak, such as "Quills" & "the Unbearable Lightness of Being", but he's had his hand in "The Right Stuff", "Indiana Jones" & "the Outlaw Josey Wales", and that ALONE qualifies him for greatness) This film is one of my favorite coming-of-age movies, having never read the book it was based on didn't deter me from falling in love with this movie. The whole cast does spot-on performances and you grow to really feel for these characters and while it seems a bit episodic, it all ties together in the end. Many memorable scenes and an amazingly good soundtrack. Definately in my top 20 of all-time.My Grade: ADVD Extras: Commentary by Philip Kaufman; Theatrical Trailer
Great
posted on 26 May 2008I really liked this film. Yes, it's a coming-of age story that was ignored by most critics at the time of its release, probably blinded by the "American Graffiti" fog. I think The Wanderers is better and more enjoyable than "American Graffiti", which was fun and engaging, but slight. The Wanderers provides much more insights into the time and era of the 1960's. If Warner Bros. were smart, they would rerelease this in a letterboxed Special Edition on tape and DVD.
Highly underated movie, a classic
posted on 02 May 2008This is a movie that will stay in my mind at least for a long time. The rhythm, the soundtrack, the different aspects of the plot, the photography, every detail was perfect.
You dont have to be a baby boomer or be from the Bronx to like this movie. Im a generation X guy, never lived in the Bronx and this has become to be one of my favorite movies.
The atmosphere of the movie is a blue collar neighborhood, nothing spectacular brights there, but the mentality, romanticism and values of that time represented in this movie, made this look like this as a perfect era. It also made me understand the nostalgy of the baby boomers.
The final scene, (dont read this if you havent seen the movie), where Joey and Perry left New York,in my opinion represents the exodus of the people that lived in the inner city toward the suburbs or the new promising west states. A symbol of this phenomenum was,the traumatic for many, departure of the Brooklyn Dodgers to the new great city in that time, Los Angeles.
There are other parts of the movie that deserves an anthropological and sociological analysis.
This film is a timeless jewel, I think I was lucky the day I saw this on cable for the first time. Before watching this, I never imagined this movie could be that great. And definitively, the box office and the critics never made justice to this film. This was the perfect closer for perhaps the greatest decade of cinema.
If you like an conclusion that follows from the premise then this is not the one.
posted on 15 Jan 2008Most of the movies that chronicle this era end up being a bit too, um....smarmy. In my opinion "The Wanderers" is a less smarmy, but more probable version of American Graffitti (a great movie, which I love).It is more probable than AG because AG is told from an adult removed, years later, an old man (re)telling the stories of his youth; whereas The Wanderers dissolves into a fantasy at the end. A fantasy that a boy/man would have.
This is the sixties and there ain't no flower power here....
posted on 03 Jan 2008This is the best "coming of age" movie I've seen. It has the perfect balance of tough NY city teen fights, late fifties/early sixties rock, love (gettin' knocked up), and life in general. All the characters are played very well and the story is a perfect slice of time in the kid's lives. There is a lot of insight into the minds of the lead characters but a lot of the supporting characters don't get developed very well. None the less, it's a must see if you like movies about teen life.
Walk like a man!!!
posted on 16 Jul 2007Great film of the late 70's. Ken Wahl did a excellent job as Richie, a Italian gang member in the early 60's dealing with friendship, race and poverty in the Bronx. Shows in great depth of how people of different origins were looked upon in the early 60's. What I liked most about the film is how they were able to overcome their differences to celebrate Richie's marriage and stick together against the Ducky Boys.
A wonderfully affectionate teen gang coming-of-age treat
posted on 31 Aug 2009The Bronx, 1963. The 50's style greaser gang the Wanderers find themselves becoming obsolete as the world changes all around them. The beginning of the Vietnam war and the assassination of President Kennedy signify the end of innocence while these lovably macho and rugged Italian-American lugs deal with gang fights, racial conflicts, finishing high school, and the awkward, yet inevitable transition from adolescence to adulthood. Director/co-writer Philip Kaufman delivers a vivid, funny, moving and sometimes even surreal evocation of a magical period in time; he makes especially inspired use of the authentically gritty urban locations and a fantastic golden oldies soundtrack. The uniformly terrific acting from the top-drawer cast rates as a substantial asset, with especially stand-out work from Ken Wahl as proud, charismatic gang leader Richie, John Friedrich as brash, excitable shrimp Joey, Karen Allen as the sassy Nina, Toni Kalem as Richie's sweet, but overbearing girlfriend Despie Galasso, Alan Rosenberg as the bumbling Turkey, Tony Ganios as the intimidating, but good-hearted and protective Perry, Linda Manz as scrappy tomboy Peewee, Erland van Lidth as fearsome, hulking behemoth Terror, Dolph Sweet as smooth, hearty bowling alley owner Chubby Galasso, William Andrews as Joey's abusive, muscular pop Emilio, and Val Avery as decent, but ineffectual history teacher Mr. Sharp. Among the film's many memorable moments are: the Wanderers hassling attractive women on the street with a raunchy pastime called "elbow t**," a genuinely erotic strip poker game, the Wanderers getting lost in a rival gangs' neighborhood (this particular set piece is very eerie and nightmarish), a football game which degenerates into a savage brawl with the scary and strange gang the Ducky Boys, and the mass a cappella rendition of Dion's classic song "The Wanderers" at Richie's bachelor party. Michael Chapman's slick cinematography gives the picture an attractive bright and glossy look. The dialogue is often profane, yet still eloquent (favorite line: "Don't take no wooden p**sy!"). But what really makes this movie so special and poignant is the extremely touching loyalty and camaraderie the main characters have for each other. A tad uneven in spots, but overall a gloriously rough'n'ready gem.