John Califano

Johnny Boy John Califano

JOHNNY CARUSO IS BORN into the urban turmoil of 1950s and '60s working-class Brooklyn. Wedged between the limited worldview of his parents-alcoholic and abusive Bellisario and browbeaten, unstable Maria-and his liberal-minded older brother and sister, young Johnny struggles to navigate his childhood and adolescence.

Overwhelmed by his family's thorny dynamics and grappling with low self-esteem, Johnny finds himself in a downward spiral, cheating on exams and shoplifting with friends. He is fortunate to have a few caring adults in his life, and eventually, with their help and his innate curiosity and resilience, Johnny is afforded an opportunity that promises to alter the course of his life.

JOHNNY BOY explores external chaos and the inner turmoil of a young protagonist who possesses intelligence, perseverance, and an unwavering sense of humanity. Told with honesty and passion, JOHNNY BOY is immersive and timeless, an authentic flesh-and-bones coming-of-age story infused with a cinematic megadose of twenty-first century realism.