Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Goose Bumps


You may remember this location from the film THE GODFATHER. You know the scene,
when Pete Clemenza says to the guy who just killed Paulie in the car, "Leave the gun...Take the cannolis."

In the last several months, I have driven along this road within Liberty State Park many times (twice yesterday). I have often wanted to shoot the scene but the light or whatever would always be a bit off. For example, yesterday, I stayed inside ALL DAY when it was nice outside and, once I finally got to the park, the clouds in the late afternoon made everything too dark. Today (Monday) had the same weather as yesterday but I got outside much earlier, since the Yankees didn't play until the evening. LOL! Anyway, I went again to the park.

Just like yesterday, I first walked along the Hudson River walkway taking pictures. This time, though, the sun shined almost the entire time, only briefly blocked by moving clouds. After the walk, as I drove out of the parking lot to go home, the GODFATHER scene came into my mind and I decided to try for the shot before calling it a night.

I drove over to the area and parked. After walking to the right spot, I lined up my framing and snapped the shutter. The camera saved the capture--and the battery died. "Oh, well,"
I thought, "I got it or I can come again."

Once I got home, I liked the resulting photo. However, I don't always remember character names, et cetera, so I looked up the film at imdb.com. Guess what? The actor Richard Castellano who played Clemenza was born today--September 4th--in 1933 in the Bronx. Of course, I had no idea beforehand. Happy birthday, Mr. Castellano--R.i.P.

7 comments:

Jess said...

And I didn't think you could get any more spooky than your last post. Well done.

Anonymous said...

So far, my favorite oti pic..thanks for always showing me a new side of our fair city...And RIP to Bruno Kirby...AKA the younger Clemenza...

Anonymous said...

Hey!!!
The last pic was amazing and this one is nice too.
And with the Godfather connection ...I'll make you an offer you cant refuse...

Anonymous said...

The extraordinary in the ordinary. This is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

thanks for reminding me, I loved that scene...although, I don't recall seeing Ms. Liberty in it...now I have to go back and watch the scene again. thanks again. the Godfather is the best movie ever!

yellowdoggranny said...

im like rose..i dont remember the statue being in it.but i was watching the car and the cannolie's...this is a terrific photo and im going to go get the movie and see it again..

Anonymous said...

i don't remember the statue as well! I have the godfather trilogy on DVD (it happens to be my fav movies) and have to watch that part. nice picture!