What's the Difference between Wiseguy the Book and Goodfellas the Movie?
In the Book |
In the Movie |
Henry Hill
|
Henry Hill
Portrayed by: Ray Liotta
|
Jimmy Burke
|
Jimmy Conway
Portrayed by: Robert DeNiro
|
Thomas DeSimone
|
Tommy DeVito
Portrayed by: Joe Pesci
|
Paul Vario
|
Paul Cicero
Portrayed by: Paul Sorvino
|
In the Book |
In the Movie |
Henry joins the Army but is eventually discharged. |
He never joins the army. |
Henry's first date with Karen is a double date with one of Paulie's sons. |
The double date is with Tommy.
|
When the group of gangsters greet and cheer Henry after his first court date, Paulie is absent because he is serving a short jail sentence. |
Paulie is present and leads the other wise guys in congratulating Henry. |
The famous "funny like a clown" scene does not appear. |
The "funny like a clown" scene was suggested by Joe Pesci, who had once fallen for the same prank.
|
Jimmy is described as "24 or 25" when he first meets Henry. |
Jimmy is described as "28 or 29" when he first meets Henry. (Robert DeNiro was 46 or 47 during filming) |
Henry and his family is called and harassed by a mysterious person. This leads to Henry beating up a gay man. |
This does not happen.
|
Karen goes to Paulie after Henry is arrested. He gives her money and tells her he has to turn his back on Henry. |
In the movie Henry goes to Paulie himself. |