An elderly man who makes money shining shoes has been summoned to a meeting with a mob boss. It seems that the elderly guy (Don Ameche) bears a close resemblance to a mobster being held for murder. So, they want the old guy to take the rap...and they, in turn, will pay him well for the time he spends in prison for the killing he actually didn't commit. Gino agrees to the arrangement...and as a way of rewarding him, one of the lower level mobsters, Jerry (Joe Montegna), takes him for a great weekend in Reno...after which Gino is supposed to turn himself in to the law for the murder.
When the pair arrive in Reno, they are mistaken for VERY big fish. Suddenly, the resort casino offers them the best room, the best service....anything they want. It's obvious they have mistaken the pair for some other folks...well-placed mobsters who must be treated with the best of care.
The day after their arrival, two messengers of a local mobster arrive. They want Gino and Jerry to accompany them for a meeting with their boss, Don Giuseppe. Despite Gino being a simple man, he and Giuseppe (Robert Prosky) hit it off very well...and soon Gino is asked to stay for a meeting with the boss' friends....who are all VERY high-ranking mobsters from across the country. Gino agrees...but Jerry is losing his mind at this point! He just wants to end their weekend and go home. What's next? See the film.
The best thing about this film is Don Ameche's gentle and understated performance. It's really lovely to watch...especially if you are a fan of classic Hollywood, as he was quite the matinee idol in the 1930s-40s. It also didn't hurt that the film was written by David Mamet AND, Shel Silverstein, of all people! Overall, a very nice slice of life film...one that is pleasant and sweet.
