<P> De Niro, who first viewed the play in Los Angeles in 1990, acquired the rights from Palminteri, intent on making the play his directorial debut . The duo then worked heavily together on the screenplay, with Palminteri aiming to retain many of the aspects of the original script, as it was based largely on his own childhood . Production began in 1991, and was funded in collaboration with De Niro's TriBeCa Productions and Savoy Pictures, as the first film released by each studio . </P> <P> Upon its release on September 29, A Bronx Tale achieved limited commercial success, grossing over $17 million domestically . However, it fared much better with critics, who praised the performances of the leads, and launched Palminteri's acting career, while also helping De Niro gain acceptance as a director . </P> <P> In 1960, Lorenzo Anello lives in Belmont, an Italian - American neighborhood in The Bronx, with his wife Rosina and his 9 - year old young son Calogero, who is fascinated by the local mobsters led by Sonny LoSpecchio . One day, Calogero witnesses a murder committed by Sonny in defense of an assaulted friend in his neighborhood . When Calogero chooses to keep quiet when questioned by NYPD detectives, Sonny takes a liking to him and gives him the nickname "C". Sonny's men offer Lorenzo a better paying job, but Lorenzo, preferring a law - abiding life as an MTA bus driver, politely declines . Sonny befriends Calogero and introduces him to his crew . Calogero earns tips amounting to $600 working in the Mafia bar and throwing dice, and is admonished harshly by Lorenzo when he discovers it . Lorenzo speaks severely to Sonny, returns the money, and angrily warns him to keep away from Calogero . </P> <P> Eight years later, Calogero has grown into a young man who has been visiting Sonny regularly without his father's knowledge . Calogero is also part of a gang of local Italian - American boys, which concerns Sonny, who warns Calogero to keep away from them and focus more on his schoolwork . Later on, Calogero meets an African American girl, Jane Williams, and is smitten with her . Despite the high level of racial tension and dislike between Italian Americans and African Americans, Calogero arranges a date with Jane . He asks for advice from both his father and Sonny, with the latter lending Calogero his car . Later, Calogero's friends beat up the black cyclists who ride through their neighborhood, despite Calogero's attempts to defend them . One of the cyclists turns out to be Jane's brother, Willie . Willie mistakes Calogero for one of the assailants and accuses "C" of beating him up when Calogero and Jane meet for their date . Calogero loses his temper over the accusation and Willie's lack of gratitude, responding by accidentally addressing him with a racial slur, which he instantly regrets . Jane leaves with Willie . </P>

Why did sonny shoot the guy in a bronx tale
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