1992
FBI agent Joseph Pistone, under the alias Donnie Brasco, infiltrates the Bonanno crime family in 1975, befriending hitman Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero and slowly gaining his trust. Donnie's deep cover assignment strains his marriage and family life, as he struggles to balance his identity as a husband and father with his dangerous role as a wiseguy. As Donnie becomes more entrenched in the Mafia, he witnesses escalating violence and participates in criminal activities, including a murder, which blurs the lines between his real and undercover lives. The FBI's operation culminates in the exposure of Donnie's true identity, leading to the arrest of numerous mobsters and the likely death of Lefty, who was marked for execution for bringing an agent into the family. Donnie, now a decorated agent, testifies against the Mafia, forever changed by his six years undercover and the profound impact it had on his life and the lives of those around him.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Undercover FBI agent Joe Pistone infiltrates the Mafia under the alias Donnie Brasco, forming a bond with veteran mobster Lefty Ruggiero.
Open full beat sheetJoseph D. Pistone is listed as FBI Agent. Athletic build, shark-like eyes, undercover agent infiltrating the Mafia. In the parsed data, Joseph D. Pistone is connected to 70 scenes, 86 dialogue lines, 87 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
70 scenes / 86 dialogue linesBenjamin Ruggiero is listed as Wiseguy. Gaunt, raspy-voiced, nervous, testy, 50s. In the parsed data, Benjamin Ruggiero is connected to 42 scenes, 59 dialogue lines, 59 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
42 scenes / 59 dialogue linesJohn Cerasani is listed as Wiseguy. Gun-metal hard, all business. In the parsed data, John Cerasani is connected to 21 scenes, 10 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 61.
21 scenes / 10 dialogue linesDominick Napolitano is listed as Wiseguy. Fireplug muscles, dyed black hair, sleepy but dangerous. In the parsed data, Dominick Napolitano is connected to 20 scenes, 19 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 35.
20 scenes / 19 dialogue linesNicholas Santora is listed as Wiseguy. Teddy bear paunch, plays the fool. In the parsed data, Nicholas Santora is connected to 20 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 79.
20 scenes / 5 dialogue linesMaggie Pistone is listed as Joe's Wife. Pretty, strong-willed blonde, 30s. In the parsed data, Maggie Pistone is connected to 18 scenes, 26 dialogue lines, 26 text mentions, first appearing around scene 11.
18 scenes / 26 dialogue linesJules Bonovolonta is listed as FBI Supervisor. Green Beret veteran, pugnacious. In the parsed data, Jules Bonovolonta is connected to 10 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 13 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
10 scenes / 13 dialogue linesClendon Hogue is listed as FBI Official. Barrel chest, shrewd eyes, new to the job. In the parsed data, Clendon Hogue is connected to 10 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 74.
10 scenes / 4 dialogue linesGuy Berada is listed as FBI Supervisor. Bronx bull, unlit cigar. In the parsed data, Guy Berada is connected to 9 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 59.
9 scenes / 1 dialogue linesPat Marshall is listed as FBI Case Agent. Compulsively organized, haunted eyes. In the parsed data, Pat Marshall is connected to 8 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 74.
8 scenes / 3 dialogue linesClarence LeBow is listed as Assistant Section Chief. Brooks Brothers suit, heavy starch. In the parsed data, Clarence LeBow is connected to 6 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
6 scenes / 6 dialogue linesAnthony Bruno Indelicato is listed as Wiseguy. Pale, balding, coked out. In the parsed data, Anthony Bruno Indelicato is connected to 3 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 89.
3 scenes / 5 dialogue linesAlphonse Indelicato is listed as Wiseguy. Barrel chest, 50s. In the parsed data, Alphonse Indelicato is connected to 2 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 89.
2 scenes / 4 dialogue lineschar_16 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_16 is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 61.
2 scenes / 0 dialogue lineschar_17 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_17 is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 61.
2 scenes / 0 dialogue linesCarmine Galante is listed as Mafia Boss. Fat, bald, huge cigar. In the parsed data, Carmine Galante is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 21.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesSanto Trafficante is listed as Mafia Boss. Feeble old man, pork pie hat. In the parsed data, Santo Trafficante is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 73.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesAerial view of FBI Headquarters in 1981.
Hogue, Jules, Marshall, and LeBow discuss the status of an undercover agent and a potential Mafia war.
Jules Bonovolonta, Pat Marshall, Clarence LeBow, Clendon HogueJoe Pistone's farewell drink before going undercover in 1975.
Joseph D. Pistone, Jules Bonovolonta, Pat Marshall, Clarence LeBowJoe plays football with his daughters.
Joseph D. Pistone, Maggie PistoneJoe and Maggie discuss his new undercover assignment.
Joseph D. Pistone, Maggie PistoneLefty and the crew argue about cars while Donnie watches from the bar.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, John CerasaniLefty retrieves items from his car trunk.
Benjamin RuggieroLefty tries to sell a diamond ring to Donnie.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin RuggieroDonnie leaves the restaurant.
Joseph D. PistoneLefty confirms the ring is a fake.
Benjamin RuggieroJoe drives his family to visit grandparents.
Joseph D. Pistone, Maggie PistoneThe family arrives at the grandparents' house.
Maggie PistoneWiseguys play cards at a storefront for fenced goods while the payphone rings.
Nicholas Santora, John CerasaniFBI agents record a phone call from the ACERG storefront.
Lefty inquires about Donnie's reputation on a payphone while watching him at the bar.
Benjamin Ruggiero, Joseph D. PistoneHogue listens to the recorded conversation between Lefty and Jilly.
Clendon HogueLefty schools Donnie on the rules of being a wiseguy while driving.
Benjamin Ruggiero, Joseph D. PistoneDonnie intimidates a restaurant owner to collect a debt.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin RuggieroLefty scolds Donnie for paying for a drink.
Benjamin Ruggiero, Joseph D. PistoneLefty inspects Donnie's car for a wire.
Benjamin Ruggiero, Joseph D. PistoneLefty and Donnie arrive at a social club where they encounter other mobsters.
Benjamin Ruggiero, Joseph D. Pistone, Alphonse Indelicato, Anthony Bruno Indelicato, Carmine GalanteLefty and Donnie talk about pigeons and money on the roof.
Benjamin Ruggiero, Joseph D. PistoneDonnie meets with Berada to discuss Lefty.
Joseph D. Pistone, Guy BeradaFBI officials discuss the surveillance operation.
Clendon Hogue, Jules Bonovolonta, Clarence LeBowFBI agents set up surveillance at a church hall.
FBI technicians monitor the listening devices.
LeBow and Jules discuss putting an agent inside the church hall.
Clarence LeBow, Jules Bonovolonta, Clendon HogueDonnie and Maggie argue about his moustache and his lifestyle.
Joseph D. Pistone, Maggie PistoneDonnie watches his daughter Terry return home late.
Joseph D. PistoneDonnie checks in with Lefty via phone.
Clendon Hogue, Benjamin Ruggiero, Joseph D. PistoneLefty and Donnie discuss the murder of Carmine Galante.
Benjamin Ruggiero, Joseph D. PistoneLefty arrives at the lounge, fearing for his life.
Benjamin RuggieroLefty sits in the lounge, visibly nervous.
Benjamin Ruggiero, Nicholas Santora, John CerasaniDonnie prepares to enter the Motion Lounge, arming himself with a combat knife.
Joseph D. PistoneDonnie enters the lounge, meeting Lefty, Nicky, Boobie, and Sonny.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, John CerasaniThe group exits the lounge to find a new Mercedes.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Dominick NapolitanoSonny drives the group while Lefty and Donnie feel nervous.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, John CerasaniThe group arrives at a freight hangar.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, John CerasaniLefty discovers a lion cub inside the hangar.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, John CerasaniDonnie, Lefty, and the lion depart.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, John CerasaniLefty and Donnie drive with the lion.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin RuggieroLefty orders food for the lion.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin RuggieroLefty and Donnie discuss their lives and frustrations.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin RuggieroDonnie's family hosts a confirmation party while Donnie argues on the phone.
Joseph D. Pistone, Maggie PistoneMaggie demands a divorce.
Joseph D. Pistone, Maggie PistoneDonnie and Maggie attend therapy.
Joseph D. Pistone, Maggie PistoneDonnie and Maggie argue in the car, leading to a near-accident.
Joseph D. Pistone, Maggie PistoneDonnie questions Maggie's behavior.
Joseph D. Pistone, Maggie PistoneDonnie vacuums compulsively.
Joseph D. PistoneA special phone is installed.
Joseph D. Pistone, Maggie PistoneDonnie realizes he is being followed by Maggie.
Joseph D. Pistone, Maggie PistoneBerada arrives at FBI headquarters.
Pat Marshall, Guy BeradaBerada is questioned about expenses.
Clendon Hogue, Guy BeradaDonnie and Berada discuss money and raises.
Joseph D. Pistone, Guy BeradaBerada defends Donnie's methods.
Clendon Hogue, Guy BeradaDonnie demands guns for an operation.
Joseph D. Pistone, Guy BeradaThe FBI team discusses the risk to Donnie.
Pat Marshall, Clarence LeBow, Clendon Hogue, Guy BeradaDonnie convinces Berada to support his plan.
Joseph D. Pistone, Guy BeradaBerada lies to Hogue about the status of the operation.
Guy Berada, Clendon HogueLefty walks his lion, which urinates on cars, including Sonny's Mercedes.
Benjamin RuggieroSonny holds a meeting while Lefty destroys a parking meter; Sonny discovers his car is stolen.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, John Cerasani, char_16The crew stares at the empty space where the Mercedes was parked.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, John CerasaniA jetliner takes off.
Lefty confronts Donnie about his suggestion to go to Florida.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, John CerasaniDonnie and Lefty visit a club in Florida; Donnie talks to Maggie on the phone.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Maggie PistoneThe crew relaxes by the pool and discusses current events and the club.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, John CerasaniDonnie meets with FBI handlers to discuss the operation and his need for a boat.
Joseph D. Pistone, Jules Bonovolonta, Pat MarshallLefty tries to rent a boat; Boobie is seen dealing with Colombians.
Benjamin Ruggiero, John CerasaniDonnie encounters a lawyer who recognizes him; Donnie threatens Calvino.
Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, John CerasaniDonnie returns home to find he missed his daughter's birthday.
Joseph D. PistoneDonnie apologizes to his daughter for missing her party.
Joseph D. PistoneDonnie holds a family meeting to announce they are moving to Minnesota and changing their name to Anderson, causing conflict with his family.
Joseph D. Pistone, Maggie Pistone, char_16, char_17, char_18Lefty and the crew admire a new yacht, and Lefty prepares to meet Santo Trafficante.
Benjamin Ruggiero, Joseph D. Pistone, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, John Cerasani, Santo TrafficanteFBI agents discuss the impending hit on Sonny Black, realizing they have misinterpreted the target.
Jules Bonovolonta, Pat Marshall, Clarence LeBow, Clendon HogueSonny and Boobie reminisce about their childhood while driving, leading to a race.
Dominick Napolitano, John Cerasani, Joseph D. PistoneSonny kills Boobie during a race, with Donnie witnessing the event.
Dominick Napolitano, John Cerasani, Joseph D. Pistone, Benjamin Ruggiero, Nicholas SantoraLefty explains to Donnie why Sonny killed Boobie and warns him to stay in line.
Benjamin Ruggiero, Joseph D. PistoneDonnie destroys the recording of the murder.
Joseph D. PistoneDonnie sees news of the ABSCAM operation on TV.
Joseph D. Pistone, Dominick Napolitano, Nicholas Santora, Benjamin RuggieroDonnie finds a marijuana seed in his daughter's car.
Joseph D. PistoneFor years I tried to figure out what m ade Joe t ick. And t hen I finally figured it out--there's nothing ti cking. He' s got his rules and he's gonna live by his rules . The job is the job . Start what you finish. When he's in the FBI he wants to be the best and when he's in the Mafia h e wants t o be the"b est--like it's all some frigging basketball game.
I met your girls. I talked to Tommy for you I don't know how many fucking times. I don't know how many times I had dinner with you and Louise. I lived with you, Left-- partners. Five fucking years, I ever had a hundred bucks in my pocket, I gave you half. And the whole time I was a fucking rat. You're right.
You know what this means, don't you? You're gonna get straightened out. You become a made guy/ Donnie, you can lie, you can cheat, you can steal, you can whack out whoever you want and it's all completely legitimate. Being a made guy's the greatest thing in the world.
All my fucking life I hadda be S onny Red. Sonn y Red and Sonny Bla ck . I g ot up pe d. Th en he g ot upped . Fin ally the n ight has come. Tomo rrow morni ng I can j u st be ' S on n y' . N ot Re d. Th e one and only. 'Sonny'.
Two hundred in action and we came out with 35. That's fucking Boots- he runs that book like an old lady. That's gonna change. Who's this fucking guy?
The doctor says you 're gonna be okay. We j ust have to get you into rehabilitation as soon as we can. You'll be as goo d as new before you know it.
Don't tell me that ain't the same boat, Donnie! That's a fucking Federal boat! That's a Taiwan-made boat, there's only five like that in the world.
I got sent for, Donnie. With This Thing, you go in alive and you come out dead. And the one that kills you is your best fucking friend.
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