Casualties Of Love The Long Island Lolita Story 1993
Casualties of Love: The Long Island Lolita Story is a made-for-television movie that aired in the United States in 1993. The movie is based on the true story of Amy Fisher, who was dubbed the "Long Island Lolita" by the media after she shot and injured the wife of her lover, Joey Buttafuoco, in 1992. The movie was directed by John Herzfeld and starred Alyssa Milano as Amy Fisher and Jack Scalia as Joey Buttafuoco.
The Story
The movie begins by introducing Amy Fisher, a 17-year-old high school student who is infatuated with Joey Buttafuoco, a mechanic who runs an auto shop on Long Island. Amy becomes obsessed with Joey and begins sending him love letters and calling his shop repeatedly. Joey initially tries to reject Amy's advances, but eventually gives in and begins an affair with her.
As their relationship progresses, Amy becomes increasingly unstable and jealous. She threatens to reveal the affair to Joey's wife, Mary Jo, and even goes so far as to break into their home and steal a gun. On May 19, 1992, Amy shows up at the Buttafuoco home and shoots Mary Jo in the head, severely injuring her.
The movie then follows the aftermath of the shooting, including Amy's arrest and trial. Joey is also arrested for statutory rape after it is revealed that he had sex with Amy when she was only 16 years old. The movie ends with Amy being sentenced to 5-15 years in prison and Joey being sentenced to 6 months in jail and 5 years probation.
The Cast
Casualties of Love: The Long Island Lolita Story starred Alyssa Milano as Amy Fisher and Jack Scalia as Joey Buttafuoco. The movie also featured Phyllis Lyons as Mary Jo Buttafuoco, Leo Rossi as Detective Les Zoeller, and Lawrence Tierney as Joey's father.
Alyssa Milano was well-known to television audiences at the time, having starred in the popular shows Who's the Boss? and Melrose Place. She was praised by critics for her performance as Amy Fisher, with some calling it the best of her career up to that point.
Jack Scalia was also a well-known actor, having appeared in numerous television shows and movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He was praised for his portrayal of Joey Buttafuoco, with critics noting his ability to capture the character's charm and sleaziness.
The Reception
Casualties of Love: The Long Island Lolita Story was a ratings success for ABC, with an estimated 28 million viewers tuning in to watch the movie when it first aired on February 28, 1993. The movie was also well-received by critics, with many praising the performances of Milano and Scalia.
However, the movie received criticism from some who felt it glorified Amy Fisher and downplayed the seriousness of her crime. Mary Jo Buttafuoco herself spoke out against the movie, saying that it was inaccurate and portrayed her as a weak, helpless victim.
The Legacy
Casualties of Love: The Long Island Lolita Story has become a cultural touchstone, with the phrase "Long Island Lolita" becoming a shorthand for any young woman involved in a scandalous affair. The movie has also inspired numerous other adaptations and retellings of the Amy Fisher story, including several other made-for-television movies and documentaries.
The real-life Amy Fisher was released from prison in 1999 after serving 7 years. She has since become a writer and media personality, appearing on reality shows and publishing several books about her experiences. Joey Buttafuoco has also continued to make headlines, most recently for his involvement in a bizarre insurance fraud scheme.
Conclusion
Casualties of Love: The Long Island Lolita Story is a compelling and well-made movie that tells the story of one of the most infamous crimes of the 1990s. While the movie has its flaws and has been criticized for its portrayal of the real-life events, it remains a fascinating and entertaining look at a scandal that captivated the country.