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Big Night (film) Starring Stanley Tucci, Tony Shalhoub, Isabella Rossellini, Ian Holm, Minnie Driver Rated R, 1996 Producers: Campbell Scott, Jonathan Filley, David Kirkpatrick, Keith Samples Rysher Entertainment The brothers Primo and Secondo have come from Italy to America in hopes of running a successful, authentic Italian restaurant in 1950s-era New Jersey. Unfortunately they discover that they have an awful lot to learn about business in the New World. Much to their surprise, their newly opened Paradise Restaurant is not flooded with customers. The one customer they do have is unable toappreciate Primo's exquisitely prepared risotto because there is no spaghetti and meatballs on the side. When Primo hears this, he nearly becomes apoplectic with rage and Secondo must hastily try to mediate between the woman and his angry brother to whom he explains the philosophies of American business. Primo doesn't understand why the vulgar Americans would much rather eat the bastardized Italian foods served in stereotypical surroundings, such as the popular rival-restaurant Pascal's, when they could have the real thing at the Paradise. Things do not improve for the brothers and they go so deeply into debt that they are about to lose their business. In desperation, Secondo goes to Pascal for help. Pascal is all too happy to assist and so arranges for his good friend Louis Prima, a noted bandleader, to hold a dinner party at the Paradise, and Pascal arranges a menu. Secondo must then convince the volatile but brilliant Primo to cook the meal laid out by his hated rival. If the brothers can pull the dinner off without a hitch perhaps they will succeed. -- Sandra Brennan (All-Media Guide) |
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