September 19: Goodfellas (1990)

Milestone Years

• 35th Anniversary: September 19, 2025
• 40th Anniversary: September 19, 2030
• 50th Anniversary: September 19, 2040

Inspiration Behind the Movie

Martin Scorsese was inspired by Nicholas Pileggi’s book “Wiseguy,” which chronicled the real life of mob associate Henry Hill. Scorsese wanted to create an unfiltered, energetic look into the rise and fall of a gangster, using real events and firsthand accounts to capture the allure and eventual collapse of mob life.

You Might Not Know

• The famous “Funny how?” scene was improvised by Joe Pesci based on a real-life experience.
• The legendary Copacabana tracking shot was done in one continuous take using a Steadicam.
• Real mobster Henry Hill said the film was about 95% accurate to his actual life story.
• Ray Liotta used a recording of an FBI wiretap to perfect his voice for Henry Hill.
• Scorsese gave the cast freedom to improvise, shaping much of the film’s raw, authentic dialogue.

Food Ideas

• Spaghetti with marinara—just like the prison dinner scene
• Meatball subs or sliders with Italian seasoning
• Antipasto skewers with olives, cheese, and cured meats
• Cannoli for dessert—”Leave the gun, take the cannoli” vibes
• Classic red wine or Italian soda for a mob-approved drink

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a mob movie night featuring Goodfellas and The Godfather
• Dress up in classic mobster fashion—suits, ties, and slick hair
• Create a 1970s-style Italian dinner party with themed dishes
• Rewatch with director commentary for behind-the-scenes insights
• Read “Wiseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi for deeper context

Filming Locations

• Queens and Brooklyn, New York were used for neighborhood scenes
• The Copacabana interior was recreated for the iconic long shot
• Montclair, New Jersey stood in for suburban locations
• Some real-life mob haunts were used to add authenticity
• Many locations are still visitable for fans of film tourism