Lantern-Media - Bronx Gangs Documentary Diary

Another big interview day for us here at Lantern-Media. We got an interview with Mark Lesly.

For those of you who are fans of the movie "The Wanderers", you will absolutely remember Mark as the creepiest Ducky Boy (sorry Mark, but its true) - He was the one who pulled the knife on Del Bomber football player Clinton Stitch (Michael Wright) when the football rolled off into the bushes.

Talking to Mark and re-watching the scenes in the Wanderers again, I realized he is also the Ducky Boy who got most of the Ducky face time in the movie.

I'd like to take this moment to publicly thank Alissa from North Dakota for helping me get in touch with Mark. Without her, this interview would not have taken place..

Being Mark had the reputation of being the creepiest Ducky Boy in the movie, I was a little worried about meeting him. But within minutes after I showed up at his place, all worries were over. Mark was one of the nicest guys. Not only was he helpful & interesting, but he was very gracious in indulging some of my goofy fanboy requests... (what can I say - I love the movie -- Read my Wanderers tribute page to see why)

During the interview, I found out some cool behind-the-scenes stuff about the making of the movie and some of the insight into what made the movie version of the Ducky Boys tick. In case you haven't been reading this journal religiously, the real-life Ducky Boys are not the murderous "Stunted Irish Madmen" that author Richard Price portrayed them in his book (and eventual movie) "The Wanderers". (By the way, in case you didn't know, "The Wanderers" is also a book by Richard Price and is definitely worth reading)

If you've been reading this, you also know that I don't like to give too much away here, but I'll make an exception today (I'm in the holiday mood LOL)

The first is not mine (and as such, may disappear without warning), but its currently on YouTube, and it shows the full scene that Mark's big scene is (at the 1 minute mark).

The second is a short clip from our interview where he addresses the aforementioned Alissa from North Dakota... But you can see his motivation for his football scene. And I think he would be happy to know we consider him the creepiest Ducky Boy! :)

So, I want to thank Mark Lesly for a great interview and for not pulling a blade on me!

A repeat request for my current and ex-Bronxite Readers
**** Times getting short, so if you are willing to share, get them in soon, before its too late!

I'd also like to put out a request for any old video clips or pictures from the Bronx -- particularly if it relates to the following:

Botanical Gardens & Bronx Park

The Fordham Road to Gun Hill Road section between Webster & Jerome Avenues.

Anything related to Bronx Gangs of the 1960's - particularly the Ducky Boys.

Here's the deal: We're poor independent film-makers and really can't pay you for these clips & photos, but if you contribute something that I can use in the final product and you are willing and able to sign the proper release forms, here's what you will get in return:

Two passes to the premiere of the documentary to be held in NYC.

A DVD copy of the final Bronx Gangs documentary.

Your name prominently displayed in the credits of the documentary as a contributor.

Our undying gratitude.

On a side note, I am considering putting up a web page of the actual Bronx locations where the Wanderers movie was filmed (or was supposed to represent). I don't know if I will have the time in the near future, but if anyone wants to do this for me, i will gladly put it up (or link to it) and give you all the credit for it. Please e-mail me (below)if you are interested