The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight is a 1969 novel written by Jimmy Breslin, and a film of the same name based on the book and released in 1971. The novel is a roman à clef based on the life of Joey Gallo.
In the film, Kid Sally Palumbo – the character based on Joe Gallo, also known as "Crazy Joey" – is played by Jerry Orbach. The Mafia comedy also features a young Robert De Niro as a member of an Italian cycling team who stays behind illegally in America after the cancellation of the race for which he had come to the country. For money, he is an adept thief as well as masquerading as a priest to con Mafia bosses into giving donations to a nonexistent charity.
This film is one of De Niro's earliest. Originally, Al Pacino signed up to play the part of Mario Trantino, but this was later given to De Niro when Pacino was given the part of Michael Corleone in The Godfather.

Release Date: December 21, 1971

Distrib: MGM