BBC Radio 4, 5 July 2010
Set in Las Vegas and the wild landscapes of Colorado, Badfellas
was a farcical comedy focusing on the desperate efforts of Jan (Nicola Stevenson) to marry her long-term fiance Danny (Ricky
Tomlinson). She had tried several times before but without success - due in no small part to Danny's feckless attitude. He
preferred the traditional vices - drink and gambling - normally bringing along his brother Bernie (Johnny Vegas) to help him.
In Las Vegas it seemed as if the louche atmosphere affects everyone. Bernie and Danny
lose all their money in an arm-wrestling contest - where Danny is out-manoeuvred by a woman - while Jan has a run of bad luck
at the gambling table. Their troubles seem at an end when an Elvis impersonator (Rupert Degas) sends them out to the desert
to collect a bag containing $10,000. However they are kidnapped, and seem to be about die when they are rescued by the impersonator,
who turns out to be Salvatore, the son of the local Mafia leader.
A loud, raucous comedy with plenty of fast-moving action, Badfellas offered
an entertaining diversion, allowing the two star comedians-turned-actors plenty of opportunity to show off their verbal skills.
The director was Dirk Maggs.
