Joe Spinell was a popular and prolific character actor who it turns out was just as much of a colorful character in real life as he was on screen. Spinell was always at the movies as a kid, worked as a cab driver, and acted in stage plays that were put on for prisoners prior to making his film debut as a hit-man in "The Godfather." After that Spinell went on to appear in such 70's classics as "Rocky" and "Taxi Driver," plus lived one hell of a crazy lifestyle before dying quite suddenly at age 52. Robert Forster, Richard Lynch, Jason Miller, director William Lustig, producer Sonny Grosso, sister Grace Raimo, and close friend Luke Walter all not only relate some choice stories about Spinell's wild exploits, but also point out that Spinell was an actor who was game for anything with a natural and internalized way of doing his craft and, most importantly, was the kind of bighearted fellow who if he liked you was your buddy for life. Among the subjects covered herein are how Spinell was almost in "Jaws," the way he helped Sly Stallone out early in his career, Spinell getting arrested during the making of "The Ninth Configuration," his ill-fated marriage with porn actress Jean Jennings, the making of the movies "Maniac" and "The Last Horror Film" (these were rare showcases for Spinell as a lead instead of supporting actor), Spinell's problems with drugs and alcohol, and his increasingly self-destructive behavior in the wake of the death of his beloved mother who he lived with in an apartment in Queens, New York. Essential viewing for Spinell fans.

The Joe Spinell Story (2001) **** (out of 4)Excellent documentary from David Gregory takes a look at the life and career of character actor Joe Spinell who appeared in classics like TAXI DRIVER, THE GODFATHER and ROCKY but he will probably be best remembered for the controversial 1980 slasher MANIAC.William Lustig, Robert Forster, Buddy Giovinazzo, Patrick Jude, Joe Cirilo, Richard Lynch, Frank Pesce, Caroline Munro, Jason Miller and Luke Walter are among the people interviewed who share their stories of Spinell, his movies and his at times wild life.If you're a fan of MANIAC or just Spinell then this here is certainly a must-see. Gregory really made his mark as a director here and he has gone onto do some even greater films but this one here is certainly very special. Spinell isn't the type of actor who usually gets his own documentary so it's great to see so much detail and attention paid to him. There are some really great stories told here about how Spinell managed to get into so many classic movies.There's also a lot of talk about his wild side and some of the problems this caused in his life. There are some wonderful stories told by his friends including one by Lustig dealing with his "wife" and seeing her in "action" on the big screen. The stuff dealing with the production of MANIAC is great as is some footage of Spinell hanging out with Steven Spielberg on the morning of the Oscar nominations for JAWS.

This documentary (included on Anchor Bay's special edition DVD} is a fascinating look back at an excellent character and just plain all around crazy guy who lived a very fearless and uncompromising lifestyle. It talks to many of his friends and family and covers most of his major roles including "Maniac". It covers from his birth and rise in Hollywood to his untimely and mysterious death. The film isn't as polished as I would like but it suits a guy that was full of rough edges and had a heart of gold to go along with his talent and ambitions. Most of the stories told are quite fun and it's clear that Spinell lived life to its fullest.

Joe Spinell is best-known for writing, producing and starring in William Lustig's gritty, legendary horror movie "Maniac," the DVD of which showcases this documentary. "The Joe Spinell Story" plays like an A&E Biography, but more interesting because you really feel like you're unearthing something new here. A&E and the E! Network wouldn't even consider airing something on a "lowly" character actor. Too bad for them, but bully for you if you pick up the "Maniac" DVD. Spinell was an outstanding actor, who played all sorts of strange, diverse characters. His career is covered in this doc, but more importantly, you get a portrait of Spinell as a real person, with stories from Lustig, Jason Miller ("The Exorcist"), Robert Forster ("Jackie Brown"), plus other friends and family. The doc is funny, poignant and sometimes downright sad, but in the end you feel like you met the guy, perhaps even had a couple drinks with him. Watch it, then watch "Maniac" again. And then, search out Spinell's other work.