Synopsis: In the summer of 1942, two young boys are sent to stay with their stern, terrifying grandmother Kurnitz, their childlike Aunt Bella, and their mobster Uncle Louie in Yonkers, New York, where the bond and love of family is tested.

Cast:
Richard Dreyfuss .... Uncle Louie
Mercedes Ruehl .... Bella Kurnitz
Irene Worth .... Grandma Kurnitz
Brad Stoll .... Jay
Mike Damus .... Arty
David Strathairn .... Johnny
Robert Guy Miranda .... Hollywood Harry
Jack Laufer .... Eddie

Favorite Quotes:
• Johnny: "I wanna join the Army."
Aunt Bella: "The Army? Our Army!?"
Johnny: "Yeah! But they wouldn't take me. I couldn't pass the, the...whatever they give you, I couldn't pass."

• Aunt Bella: "Do you know what color my eyes are, Johnny?"
Johnny: "No, what?"
Aunt Bella: "You're lookin' right at 'em."
Johnny: "Oh, uh...I'm a little color blind."
Aunt Bella: "You have beautiful eyes."
Johnny: "Naw. Men don't have beautiful eyes."
Aunt Bella: "Yeah they do, don't tell me... You wanna kiss me?"
Johnny: "Yeah. Yeah I do, I really would."
Aunt Bella: "Then kiss me."
Johnny: "I will."
Aunt Bella: "I mean today. Sometime today, okay? We've done it before, you know. You gonna put your arms around me, or not?"
Johnny: "Don't tell me how to do it, I know how to do it."
Aunt Bella: "Then do it, don't say you're gonna do it."
Johnny: "I said okay." [They kiss gently, then more forcefully]
Aunt Bella: "Okay, that's enough... Johnny, I can't breathe! ...Johnny, I have to breathe!... Ok, that's enough for today..." [breaking off] "Woo! I don't know why they wouldn't take you into the Army!"

Notes:
• Lost In Yonkers is based off of the play by acclaimed writer Neil Simon. He won the Pulitzer Prize for this play and wrote the screenplay for the film.
• Mercedes Ruehl and Irene Worth had both previously starred in the Broadway production of Lost In Yonkers before appearing in the film version. Both had won Tony Awards for their stage performances.
• David and co-star Mercedes Ruehl later appeared in The Lysistrata Project together onstage.

Critical Praise & Commentary:
• "The film expands the pathos of Bella's predicament by bringing on Johnny (David Strathairn, in an especially touching, offbeat performance), the shy movie usher with whom Bella embarks on a tentative courtship. Late in the story, a surprisingly emotional scene between these two gives the film a welcome element of raw emotion." -Janet Maslin, The New York Times

• "Second only to Mercedes Ruehl is the beautiful performance of David Strathairn. One of Hollywood's most underappreciated acting talents, his role as Bella's would-be betrothed is touching, award-worthy, and much too brief." -Michael Stailey, DVD Verdict

Related Links:
eNotes - Lost In Yonkers (off site)