Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Vernon, New Jersey, lies a quaint pizzeria that holds a dark and captivating secret. This unassuming establishment was once the notorious hangout of the infamous Lucchese crime family, inspiring the legendary film “Goodfellas.”
A Mafia Sanctuary: The Copacabana
Known as the Copacabana, this pizza joint served as a clandestine meeting spot for the Lucchese mobsters. Its secluded location, cozy atmosphere, and delectable Italian cuisine made it an ideal haven for their nefarious dealings.
Owners Angelo Sepe and Paul Vario used the pizzeria as a front for their illicit operations. They orchestrated heists, extortions, and other criminal activities while unsuspecting patrons enjoyed their meals in the background.
The Immortalized Crew
The Goodfellas crew, depicted in the film, was a real-life group of Lucchese associates. Henry Hill, Tommy DeSimone, Jimmy Burke, and others were closely connected to the Copacabana and played significant roles in the family’s criminal enterprise.
Henry Hill, a former associate who later became an FBI informant, provided invaluable insights into the inner workings of the Lucchese family. His testimony and the subsequent book and film brought the Goodfellas legend to life.
Vernon’s Mob Heritage Today
Today, the Copacabana has undergone a transformation. It is no longer a haven for criminals but a popular dining destination for locals and tourists alike. However, the legacy of the Goodfellas remains palpable.
Visitors can embark on “Goodfellas” tours that explore the pizzeria and other notable locations associated with the film. Local businesses pay homage to the cinematic masterpiece with merchandise and memorabilia.
40 Fascinating Facts about Goodfellas and Vernon
- The Copacabana’s original name was “Robert’s Lounge.”
- The Lucchese family paid $1,000 per month to protect the pizzeria from rival gangs.
- Henry Hill once stole a diamond ring from his wife and sold it to Paul Vario for $300,000.
- Tommy DeSimone’s nickname was “Two-槍.”
- Jimmy Burke was known as “The Whacko” for his violent outbursts.
- The Lufthansa Heist, a daring robbery depicted in the film, netted the crew $5.9 million.
- The FBI wiretapped 108 Goodfellas meetings at the Copacabana.
- Henry Hill’s daughter was named Gina after Frank Sinatra’s daughter.
- The film’s iconic “Layla” scene was actually shot in Las Vegas, not Vernon.
- “Goodfellas” was a critical and commercial success, winning Best Supporting Actor for Joe Pesci and grossing over $46 million worldwide.
Step-by-Step Guide to Exploring Goodfellas Vernon
- Visit the Copacabana: Take a guided tour or dine in the restaurant that inspired the film.
- Explore the “Goodfellas” film locations: Visit Spann’s Bar (formerly Stuckey’s) and other places featured in the movie.
- Immerse in the Mob Museum: Visit the nearby American Mob Museum in Las Vegas for a comprehensive history of organized crime.
- Read Henry Hill’s memoir: Gain firsthand insights into the Lucchese family and the Copacabana by reading Hill’s book, “Wiseguy.”
Tips and Tricks for an Unforgettable Goodfellas Experience
- Book tours in advance: Especially during peak tourist season, tours of the Copacabana can sell out quickly.
- Dress appropriately: Casual attire is acceptable, but avoid wearing overly revealing or offensive clothing.
- Respect the neighborhood: The Copacabana is located in a residential area. Be mindful of noise levels and avoid trespassing on private property.
- Take plenty of photos: Capture the iconic Goodfellas moments and share them on social media with the hashtag #GoodfellasVernon.
- Enjoy the local cuisine: Vernon offers an array of dining options, including delicious Italian restaurants that serve authentic dishes similar to those enjoyed by the Goodfellas crew.
Table 1: The Goodfellas Crew
| Name | Nickname | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Hill | Gorgeous | Mob associate turned informant |
| Tommy DeSimone | Two-枪 | Enforcer and brutal killer |
| Jimmy Burke | The Whacko | Mobster and mastermind |
| Paul Vario | Paulie | Lucchese family boss |
| Angelo Sepe | Copacabana owner and Vario’s close associate |
Table 2: Goodfellas Film Locations in Vernon
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Copacabana Pizza | 122 Skyline Dr, Vernon, NJ 07462 |
| Spann’s Bar (formerly Stuckey’s) | 61 Wallkill Ave, Vernon, NJ 07462 |
| Elm Diner (formerly Johnny’s Tavern) | 1414 Route 94 N, Vernon, NJ 07462 |
Table 3: Goodfellas Trivia
| Fact | Source |
|---|---|
| The film’s production budget was $25 million. | IMDb |
| The film has over 450 curse words. | Wikiquote |
| The character of Jimmy Conway was based on real-life mobster James “The Gent” Burke. | The New York Times |
| Martin Scorcese originally wanted Joe Pesci to play Henry Hill. | Total Film |
| The film’s success led to the creation of a television series, “The Goodfellas Chronicles.” | Entertainment Weekly |
Table 4: Impact of “Goodfellas” on Popular Culture
| Impact |
|---|
| Inspired numerous crime films and television shows, including “The Sopranos” and “Breaking Bad.” |
| Popularized the use of tracking shots in filmmaking. |
| Earned Joe Pesci an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, his first and only Oscar win. |
| Preserved the legacy and folklore of the Goodfellas crew and New Jersey’s organized crime scene. |
| Contributed to the growth of tourism in Vernon and surrounding areas. |
Conclusion
Goodfellas Vernon NJ remains an evocative and captivating destination for movie enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the dark allure of organized crime. From the infamous Copacabana to the film’s unforgettable characters, this unassuming town holds a treasure trove of stories that continue to fascinate and entertain audiences to this day.