Intertexts and Allusions in The Sopranos

Compiled by David Lavery (Seasons 1-5) and

Sarah Caitlin Lavery (Season 6)

This compendium brings together previously published catalogs from This Thing of Ours (Seasons 1-3) and Reading The Sopranos (Seasons 4-5) and new materials from The Essential Sopranos Reader).

Intertext/Allusion	Context	Annotation
54	Speaking of A. J.'s new career goal of becoming an event planner, Carmela notes that he watches that Mike Meyers film—54–about Steve Rubell all the time (5.13).	1998 film, directed by Mark Christopher, about the trendy Club 54 in New York.
A&E	While staying with Tony in the hospital, Carmela watches a special on A&E called "Growing up Soprano" featuring an interview with A. J. (6.3).	A television network which originally focused programming on biographies, documentaries, and drama series (especially crime dramas and mysteries).
Adams, Grizzly	After their wine heist, Christopher calls one of the bikers they stole from "that Grizzly Adams motherfucker" (6.9).	(1812-1860) A famed United States outdoorsman and a performer in P. T. Barnum's shows, later popularized by a television series starring Dan Haggerty in 1977.
Albatross	Johnny Boy Soprano calls Livia a "fucking albicore around my neck" when she refuses to consider a move to Nevada.	In Coleridge's "Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner," a sailor kills an albatross, bringing a curse upon him and his ship.
Albinoni, Tomaso	Richard LaPenna suggests his music would make the perfect score for the clash between Native American and Italian protestors on Columbus Day (4.3).	(1671–1751) influential Italian composer.
Ali, Mohammed	At the construction site, the boys ask Finn to settle a debate about who would win in an in-their-prime fight between Ali and Tyson (5.9).	(1942–). American boxer, born Cassius Clay, one of the greatest heavyweight champions of the 20th Century and one of the most famous athletes in the world.
All debts public and private”	The title of the first episode of Season Four (4.1).	These words are to be found on US currency.
All Happy Families”	The title of a fifth season episode (5.4).	The first sentence of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is “All happy families resemble one another, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”
Al-Qaeda	Johnny Sack blames a failed Vespa theft on increased port security because of it (5.10).	The shadowy Islamic terrorist network, lead by Osama Bid Laden, behind the 911 attacks.
“American Girl"	Carmela plays this song for Tony to keep him engaged while in a coma. She tells him they played it in Tony's car an entire weekend at Long Beach Island (6.2).	The second single from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' self-titled debut album. The song is believed to be about a girl who committed suicide by jumping from the Beaty Towers dormitory at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where Petty grew up.
American Idol	At Bobby's funeral, Meadow and friends discuss this show, questioning whether or not recording artist Jennifer Hudson was the winner. Carlo's son Jason comments that "Jason G." was the winner of Italian American Idol and that he could say "'fuck' more times in a sentence than any other contestant" (6.21).	A reality competition to find new solo musical talent, created by Simon Fuller. It debuted in 2002 on the Fox network and has since become one of the most popular shows on American television, with similar shows created in countless countries.
Anarchy, State, Utopia	Larry Arthur, a witness in Matt Bevilaqua's murder, sits in his living room reading Anarchy, State and Utopia just prior to learning that he will be testifying against a mob boss (and developing instant amnesia about what he saw) (2.10).	Work of political philosophy by Robert Nozick, originally published in 1977.
Andretti, Mario	Tony calls AJ, playing a car-racing video game "Andretti" (1.4).	(1940–) Famous race car driver, born in Italy.
Animal Farm	Mr. Wexler explains to Carmela that A. J. has turned in a “surprisingly cogent” draft on it (5.6).	Anti-Stalinist allegory by British writer George Orwell, published in 1944.
Aqua Teen Hunger Force	A. J. watches this cartoon while battling a hangover after a night out clubbing (6.8).	An animated television series shown on Cartoon Network as part of its Adult Swim late-night programming block, following three anthropomorphic fast food items and their next-door neighbor in suburban New Jersey.
A-Team, The	Adriana watches it on TV while she waits for Christopher to come home (4.7).	American television series (1983–1987), created by David Chase's friend and collaborator Stephen J. Cannell, starring George Peppard and Mr. T.
Atkins	Vito Spatafore asks Agent Dwight Harris if this diet is the reason for his weight loss. Harris responds that it's instead due to a parasite he caught while serving the Terrorism Department in Pakistan (6.1).	A low-carbohydrate diet created by Dr. Robert Atkins. He later popularized the Atkins diet in a series of books, starting with Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution in 1972. The diet is the driving force behind the "low-carb craze" during the new millennium.
Baccall, Lauren	Christopher and Little Carmine run into this actress while in Los Angeles trying to garner interest in their film project. Christopher tells her he loved her in The Haves and the Have-Nots and later robs her for her awards' show swag (6.7).	(1924- ) An American film and stage legend known for her husky voice and perhaps best known for being a film noir leading lady in such films as The Big Sleep (1946) and Dark Passage (1947).
Bailey's Irish Cream	Christopher warns his mother to stay off it (4.1).	A popular liqueur.
Baldwin, Daniel	This actor plays the mob boss in Christopher's art-imitates-life mafia film Cleaver (6.14).	(1960- ) An American actor, producer and director and the second oldest of the four Baldwin brothers, all of whom are actors.
Barrymore, John	At Uncle Junior's Feech greets Tony with “Hey, John Barrymore” (5.2).	(1882–1942) Distinguished American actor and ladies man, most famous for his portrayal of Hamlet.
“Bartleby”	With Rosie Aprile's depression in mind, Janice laments, “Ah, Bartleby. Ah, humanity” (4.2).	These are the last words of an 1854 novella by Herman Melville about a depressed scrivener who “would prefer not to” do anything.
Basic Instinct	Jackie Aprile, Jr. and Dino Zerilli watch the notorious Sharon Stone interrogation scene from Basic Instinct while planning a soon-to-fail heist (3.12).	1992 Paul Verhoeven film in which a detective (Michael Douglas) tracks a female serial killer (Stone).
Batali, Mario	Carmela watches Mario Eats Italy on TV while she cooks (4.8).	The famous Italian chef Mario Batali hosts Mario Eats Italy on The Food Network.
Batman	Silvio makes a reference to throwing acid in Johnny Sack's face during his trial, similar to the way that Harvey Dent was transformed into Two-Face in DC Comics' Batman universe (6.10).	Harvey Dent, formerly the District Attorney of Gotham City and an ally of Batman, goes insane and becomes the crime boss Two-Face after the left half of his face is hideously disfigured in the famous comic book series.
Bay of Pigs, The	Fran Felstein tells Tony her affair with JFK began just before the Bay of Pigs (5.7). See also Kennedy, John Fitzgerald.	Botched, secret invasion of Cuba, intended to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist rule of the Island, and one of the major failure of the Kennedy presidency.
Beatles	Father Phil and Carmela discuss Christ's teachings and The Beatles (1.5).	British rock and roll band whose music had a profound effect on cultural history.
Beatles, The	Trying to find “common ground” with A. J., Carmela makes small talk about Ringo Starr and Pete Best (5.4).	British group whose music forever changed the face of rock and roll.
Beethoven	Bobby Bacala's children watch it on TV after Sunday dinner (5.7).	1992 movie about a St. Bernard, starring Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt.
Bening, Annette	In Tony's “test dream” she appears as Finn's mother (5.11).	(1958–). American film actress, star of such movies as The Grifters, Bugsy, and American Beauty, and wife of actor/director Warren Beatty.
Beowulf	Addict and screenwriter JT tells the group at a Writer's Guild meeting that they are all mythologizing their inner narratives, just like Grendel in Beowulf (6.3).	An Old English epic poem of unknown authorship. It dates back from between the 8th and the early 11th century and is commonly cited as one of the most important works in Anglo-Saxon literature.
Bernhard, Sandra	Christopher gives Janeane Garofalo and Sandra Bernhard obscene Italian dialogue advice (2.7).	(1955–) Sardonic American comic and actress.
Best, Pete	See Beatles, The (5.4).	The original drummer of the Beatles.
Beverly Hillbillies	In a flashback Livia refuses to move the family to Las Vegas, claiming "Oakies and misfits, that's who goes there. Losers, the beverly hillbilly" (1.7).	American television show (1962–71) about a poor, uneducated family from the Ozarks who become millionaires after discovering oil.
Billy Budd	A. J. has to write a paper on it which leads to a later discussion about its possible gay subtext (4.12).	Posthumously published novella by Herman Melville about the fatal clash between master-at-arms Claggart, a sinister ship's officer, and an innocent sailor.
Birds, The	Tony wonders whether his watching of The Birds on TV influenced his dream of the birds making off with his penis (1.1).	1963 film by Alfred Hitchcock.
Blood, Sweat and Tears	Silvio, looking for a nowhere-to-be-found Vito, tells his wife that he just stopped by to drop off Blood, Sweat and Tears tickets with backstage passes (6.6).	An American music group, originally formed in 1967 in New York City, noted for its fusing of rock, blues, pop music, horn arrangements and jazz improvisation into a hybrid that came to be known as jazz-rock.
Body by Jake	Adriana watches an infomercial for it while waiting for Christopher to come home (4.5).	A popular American line of home exercise equipment.
Bogart, Humphrey	Humphrey Bogart's picture is on the wall in the pork store during Christopher's whack of Emil Kolar (1.1).	(1899–1957) American movie star, who got his start in gangster films.
Borat	Meadow tells A. J. she just watched this film on cable, saying "you can watch it 50 times and it's still hilarious" (6.19).	A 2006 mockumentary film, written, produced by, and starring the British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen in the title role of a fictitious Kazakh journalist traveling through the United States, recording real-life interactions with Americans.
Born Yesterday	Under Christopher's urging, JT tells Tony he based the mob boss character and his love triangle in Cleaver off of this film, which Tony later watches (6.14).	A 1950 film about a corrupt tycoon who brings his showgirl mistress with him to Washington to try to buy a Congressman.
Boss, Hugo.	"Jackie Aprile, Jr. tells Meadow, "You wanna know what I"m interested in? Men's fashion. Not the faggy part of it, but, like, to be Hugo Boss."	German designer of men's clothing.
Boyz II Men	After failing to whack Tony Soprano, two young African American hitmen are referred to as (1) "the Jamaican bobsled team"  and (2) Boyz II Men (1.12).	Popular 1990s African-American R and B boy group.
Brazelton, T. Barry	Tony expresses his anger about AJ's expulsion from Verbu20m Dei by telling Carmela that he's had enough of Brazelton (3.13).	Child psychologist, the Doctor Spock of Baby Boomers.
bris	Hesh advises Tony to "Make like a mohel. Finish his bris,"  in order to secure the agreement of motel owner Ariel (1.3).	The Jewish ceremony of circumcision.
Brown, James	Tony calls Christopher's mom "fucking James Brown" after she breaks down in tears at his funeral (6.18).	(1933-2006) "The Godfather of Soul," an American entertainer recognized as one of the most influential figures in 20th century popular music and for his feverish, emotional dancing.
Bruno Magli	Paulie's improvised shoe (made of carpet and twine) causes Chris to proclaim "Bruno Magli here!" (3.11).	Footprints left at the scene of the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson seemed to indicate a pair of Bruno Magli shoes owned by O. J. Simpson.
Brylcream	"The federal marshalls are so far up my ass I can taste Brylcream"  (2003).	Grooming product, popular into the 1960s when longer hair styles made it passé.
Bugsy	In Tony's “test dream” Annette Bening insists that “There's something Bugsy about [Tony]” (5.11).	1991 biopic about gangster Bugsy Siegel, directed by Warren Beatty, and starring Beatty and Annette Bening.
Bunche, Ralph	At a construction site Patsy Parisi attacks a bystander with a crow bar who is about to call the cops, asking the African American “Who do you think you are, Ralph Bunche or something?” (4.2).	(1904–1971). African American educator and diplomat who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950.
Bush, George W.	Being tested for mental competence, Uncle Junior correctly identifies the current President of the United States (4.9).	George Walker Bush became the 43^rd President of the United States in 2001.
Caan, James	A Mohawk tells Silvio that Iron Eyes Cody's possible non-Indianness matters about as much as his not being Italian (4.3).	(1940–). Jewish American actor best known for his role as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather.
“Called the English teacher Daddio”	Entering a meeting with Mr. Wegler, Tony says “Let me guess. He [A. J.] called the English teacher daddio?” (5.4).	Lyrics from the hit 1959 song “Charlie Brown” by The Coasters.
Camelot	The title of a fifth season episode is “In Camelot” (5.7).	Originally the legendary palace of King Arthur, “Camelot” came to be a name for the presidency of John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
Camus, Albert	See existentialists.	(1913–60) French writer and philosopher, author of books like The Stranger and The Myth of Sisyphus.
Cannon	In Tony's memory of his mother's miscarriage, and his father's infidelity with Fran Felstein he is watching it on TV (5.7).	The private detective drama Cannon, starring William Conrad, ran from 1971 to 1976.
Canoe	When Livia asks Uncle Junior what cologne he is wearing (adding that he smells like a French prostitute), Junior answers that he is wearing Canoe.	Men's cologne, manufactured by Dana, available in the United States since the 1930s.
Canon, The	Meadow tells her mother she read “half the canon” while lying by the pool (4.2).	The “official” list of acceptable/sanctioned writers in the Western tradition.
Carnac the Magnificent	Phil says he could sense that Vito was in town, to which Tony responds, "You're fucking 'Carnac the Great,' now, too" (6.12)?	A role played by Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and later continued on Late Show with David Letterman. Carnac was a psychic with a large elaborate turban.
Carrey, Jim	Christopher speaks admiringly of the box-office take of Jim Carrey in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000) (3.10).	(1992–) Popular 1990s comic and actor.
Casablanca	: Carmela quotes Casablanca to Father Phil (1.5).	1942 Michael Curtiz film starring Humphrey Bogart that has become one of the most popular movies of all time.
Casino	When asked what gangster films she and her friends like, Meadow mentions Casino (1.5). See also Pesci, Joe.	1995 Martin Scorsese film about gambling and the mob in Las Vegas.
Castaneda, Carlos	Carlos Castaneda, quoted by Dr Melfi, is mistaken for a boxer by Tony (2006). "Who the fuck listens to prize fighters?"  Tony replies.	(1931–1998) American anthropologist, author of books about his apprenticeship to a Yaqui Indian sorcerer.
Catskills	Ariel makes a joke when the gang has come to strong-arm him; Paulie asks "What is this, the Catskills? We got Shecky Greene here"  (1.3).	A range of the Appalachian Mountains and resort area in the state of New York, home to a variety of clubs where Jewish-American comedians honed their craft.
CCCY vs. Kentucky	When Bobby Bacala recalls, after his death, that Carmine was a great man who invented, point shaving, Uncle Junior names the game and year, “CCNY vs. Kentucky, 1951” (5.2).	A basketball game between City College of New York and the University of Kentucky was fixed by mob interference, the tip of the iceberg of a larger betting scandal stretching back several years and involving seven schools.
Chase, Chevy	While driving through Maryland, Paulie sees a road sign for the town Chevy Chase but mistakes it to be a reference to the actor. He asks whatever happened to him (6.15).	(1943- ) An American Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer, and actor who got his start on Saturday Night Live and found fame with his National Lampoon's Vacation film series.
Chef Boyardee	Tony tells Silvio that Italian self-esteem doesn"t come from “Columbus or The Godfather or fuckin" Chef-Boyardee” (4.3)	A popular line of low quality canned Italian food that introduced the cuisine to many Americans.
chemosabe	Brendan Filone describes Jackie Aprile as being "chemosabe" in his battle with cancer (1.1).	On TV's The Lone Ranger (1949–57), sidekick Tonto frequently used the word "kemosabe"  to refer to his partne, a word that apparently means "faithful friend"  in the Potowatomie language.
Chicken Soup for the Soul	Tony's Russian goomah Irina reads Chicken Soup for the Soul (2.12).	Jack Canfield's 1995 collection of feelgood stories that spawned an entire industry of similar books.
Children's Television Workshop	Dr. Freid's daughter is marrying one of their puppeteers (5.4).	The PBS-affiliated organization that produces the long-running children's television program Sesame Street.
Christmas Carol, A	In Tony's “test dream” it is playing on the TV in his kitchen (5.11).	The classic, often filmed, Charles Dickens novel about Ebeneezer Scrooge. The version in this episode appears to be the 1938 black and white film starring Reginald Owen as Scrooge.
Churchill, Sir Winston	Tony watches a History Channel documentary about him and asks Carmela if she saw “that TV movie about him” (4.5).	Albert Finney played Winston Churchill in The Gathering Storm (2002), an HBO movie about the run-up to World War II.
Churchill, Winston	Winston Churchill and Napoleon are both called to mind by Silvio (1012), seeking to explain Tony's depression to Christopher: "A lot of top guys have dark moods. That Winston Churchill, drank a quart of brandy before breakfast. Napoleon, he was a moody fuck too."	(1874–1965) British politician and writer, Prime Minister during World War II.
Cinderella Man	Carmela finds out that A. J. has been fired from Blockbuster after she tries to rent Cinderella Man; Tony calls it a "classic" (6.11).	A 2005 film directed by Ron Howard about the life of heavyweight boxing champion James J. Braddock.
Citizen Kane	The first movie the mob wives watch in their new film club (5.2).	1941 film by first time director Orson Welles (who also starred as Kane), often considered the greatest film ever made.
Clark, Mary Higgins	Carmela comments sarcastically that her books have been Meadow's only summer reading after her first year at Columbia (4.2).	(1929–). Prolific American author of bestselling suspense novels.
Cleaver, Eldridge	Moe refers to him as the model for his own renunciation of violence (4.7).	(1935–1998). Black militant leader of the 1960s, later a pacifist Christian, author of  the autobiography Soul on Ice.
CliffsNotes	Tony tells Melfi that he is familiar with Prince Matchabelli through Carmela's CliffsNotes version (3.6).	Academic study aids used by students since 1958.
CliffsNotes	A. J.'s English teacher Carmela tries to help A. J. understand Lord of the Flies using them. Later, Tom Fiske describes his latest paper as 10% effort and 90% CliffsNotes (5.6).	Academic study aids used by students since 1958.
Clooney, George	When a hospital orderly seeks to prevent Tony's verbal assault on his supposedly stroke-affected mother, he is called "George Clooney" and told to mind his own business (1013).	(1961–) American actor who rose to fame on the television program ER and went on to become a major film star.
Cobain, Kurt	The suicides of Kurt Cobain (1.9) and Ernest Hemingway (1.8) are evoked.	(1967–93). Lead singer of the Seattle Grunge band Nirvana, who committed suicide.
Cochran, Johnny	When one of the two boys who stole AJ biology teacher's Saturn demands to see a lawyer, Big Pussy shoves a gun barrel in his mouth and says "I"ve got fuckin" Johnny Cochran right here" (1.2).	Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, known for taking on racially-charged cases. Rose to national fame as O.J. Simpson's attorney.
Cody, Iron Eyes	Ralphie insists that the actor and Native American icon was not really an Indian (4.3).	(1907–1991). Actor and Native American activist, born Espera Oscar DeCorti.
Color Tile	Carmela and Furio make plans to meet at one of their stores (4.12).	American store chain selling flooring of all kinds.
Columbine High School Massacre	Christopher says that Vito's disturbed son Vito Jr. is probably sitting in his room "planning another Columbine" (6.16).	On April 20, 1999 two senior students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, embarked on a massacre in their Littleton, Colorado high school, killing 12 students and one teacher in the fourth deadliest school incident in history.
“Comfortably Numb"	On his way down the stairs after waking up, Tony sings this song (6.18). In the following episode, Christopher plays the same song off The Departed soundtrack right before their car accident (6.19).	A song by the English progressive rock band Pink Floyd, which was released on the 1979 double album The Wall.
Cooper, Gary	Tony laments to Dr Melfi that there are no Gary Coopers anymore (1.1).	(1901–61) Stoic American actor, best known for his heroic roles in westerns and other films.
Copa, The	Fran Felstein claims to have first met JFK there (5.7). See also Kennedy, John Fitzgerald.	A swanky New York night club, the Copacabana has been a prominent setting in both television (I Love Lucy) and film (GoodFellas).
Cops	Christopher watches (and comments skeptically on) Fox's Cops.	Fox Television docudrama that uses actual police documentary video footage.
Corleone, Don	A. J.'s friend wants to know why his dad doesn"t have that “Don Coreleone money” (4.6). Feech calls Tony “Don Corleone” after he gives him a share of a big poker game (5.4).	The godfather of The Godather, played in the 1972 film by Marlon Brando and (as a young man) by Robert DeNiro in the 1974 film.
Corleone, Fredo	English teacher Tom Fiske compares A. J. to him (5.6).	The ineffectual, bumbling, traitorous Corleone son, played by John Cazale in both The Godfather and The Godfather II.
Course in Miracles, A	The receptionist at Eleuthera House is reading it when Christopher checks in (4.10).	A self-help manual published by The Foundation for Inner Peace.
Crane, Ichabod	Tony B. confessed to Christopher that “some very sorry people” once called him this (5.10).	The gangly, fearful school teacher in Washington Irving's “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
Crater, Judge	Judge Crater is the punch-line of an Uncle Junior joke (2.11).	Judge Joseph F. Crater mysteriously disappeared from New York in 1930, becoming one of the most famous missing persons of the century.
“Creeps in this petty pace”	Johnny Sack refers to waiting for Carmine to die using this phrase (4.13).	From the famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy in Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Crime and Punishment	Dr Krakower recommends to Carmela that Tony read Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment – in prison (3.7).	1867 novel by the Russian writer Dostoevsky (1821–81).
Crying Game, The	Christopher tells Jon Favreau and Amy Safir about a Mafioso's encounter with a transsexual, immediately reminding the d-girl of Crying Game (2.7).	1992 film by Neil Jordan about a man who becomes involved with the IRA and falls for a beautiful transsexual.
CSI	On the hunt for Vito, Carlo tells Tony his detective friend can track somebody "from the corn in his shit." Tony says he saw that on CSI (6.7).	An American crime drama television series that follows criminologists as they use physical evidence to solve grisly crimes. A ratings smash for CBS.
Cuban Missile Crisis	See Thirteen Days.	1962 Cold War confrontation between the United and the USSR, precipitated by the Soviet Union's placement of missiles in Cuba.
Cuomo, Mario	Meadow uses the example of Mario Cuomo to refute her father's theory of discrimination against Italians as the socio-economic root of the Mafia: Tony: "There was a time, Mead, when the Italian people didn"t have a lot of options. Meadow: "You mean like Mario Cuomo?" (1.5).	(1932–). Former Governor of New York, often mentioned as a Presidential candidate.
Cuomo, Mario	A D"Angelis" relative visiting Hugh's 75th birthday party is considered very special because he once shook hands with him (5.8).	(1932–). Italian-American lawyer and politician, governor of New York from 1983–1994 and one-time Presidential candidate.
Curb Your Enthusiasm	Uncle Junior watches it on TV and, in his dementia, thinks Larry David is himself and Jeff Garlin is Tony (5.3).	HBO comedy series (2000–) created by and starring Seinfeld co-creator Larry David.
Dali, Salvatore	Paulie greets Salvatore Vito with “There he is, Salvatore, my dolly” (5.3).	(1904–1989). Eccentric, bizarre Spanish painter, the most notorious artist of the surrealist movement.
Darin, Bobby	Paulie asks Walden "what fuck kind of a name is [Walden] for an Italian?" Walden responds that he was named after Mr. Bobby Darin, "Walden Robert Cassotto" (6.21).	(1936-1973) An Italian-American singer, actor and musician born as Walden Robert Cassotto who found fame in the 1960s in a range of music genres, including pop, jazz, folk, and country.
David, Larry	See Curb Your Enthusiasm (5.3).	(1947–). Acerbic American comic, co-creator of the hit sitcom Seinfeld (1989–1998) for NBC and, later, Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–) for HBO, in which he also starred.
Davis, Bette	Tony refers to his mother as a "fuckin" Bette Davis" (2006).	(1908–1989) Beautiful, talented, but notoriously difficult Hollywood film actress.
De Niro, Robert	Carmela and Father Phil discuss how Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) would have been very different with Robert De Niro in the lead instead of Willem Daffoe.	(1943–) Great American actor, best known for his work in a number of films with director Martin Scorsese and his portrayal of the young Vito Corleone in The Godfather II.
Death in Venice	A. J.'s next reading assignment after Billy Budd (4.12).	A 1930 novella by Thomas Mann about a writer who falls in love with a young boy.
Dementia 13	Noah Tannenbaum takes Meadow to see Dementia 13 (3.6).	The 1963 debut film of Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola.
Departed, The	Just before the car accident that claims his life, Christopher puts in The Departed soundtrack and calls it "fucking killer." Tony says he also owns it (6.19).	A 2006 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and winner of four Academy Awards about the Irish Mob.
Devil in the White City	Vito's lover Jim Witowski reads this bestselling novel in bed (6.10).	A 2003 non-fiction book by Erik Larson that tells the story of the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893 to commemorate Christopher Columbus's discovery of America.
Devil's Advocate, The	Christopher cites the character arcs of Richard Kimble (The Fugitive) and the Keannu Reeves character (Kevin Lomax) in The Devil's Advocate as he wonders what his own arc is (1.8).	1997 Taylor Hackford film starring Keannu Reeves.
DeWalt	Tony tells Tony B. that he can"t find this tool (5.4).	An American company that makes power tools primarily for home use.
Dickinson, Angie	Sex with Angie Dickinson (by Uncle Junior) is fantasized (1013).	(1931–) Beautiful but not very talented film and television actress.
Die Hard	See Rasputin.	1988 John McTiernan film in which Bruce Willis plays a resilient copy who thwarts a group of terrorists.
DiMaggio, Joe	Vito tells Tony that the guy from the planning commission overseeing the municipal swimming pool bids is willing to play ball, saying he's "fucking Joe DiMaggio" (6.5).	(1914-1999) An American baseball player for the New York Yankees, voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. DiMaggio was a 3-time MVP winner and 13-time All-Star and the only player to be selected for the All-Star Game in every season he played.
Donnie Brasco	A member of the posse of gangster rapper Massive Genius calls out to Christopher, "Yo, Donnie Brasco" (1.10).	1997 Mike Newell film, starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp, about an FBI agent who goes undercover with the mob.
Dr. Phil	Tony quotes him to Dr. Melfi on the ethics of dating your psychiatrist (5.1).	Dr. Phillip C. McGraw (1950–) parlayed his appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show into a role as one of the major self-help guru of the early 21st Century.
Dr. Strangelove	J. T. Dolan has a poster of it hanging in his apartment, which Little Paulie will later smash over his head (5.7).	1963 black comedy film about nuclear war, directed by Stanley Kubrick.
Dreamgirls	Meadow's boyfriend Patrick Parisi invites A. J. to join their conversation about this film while at Bobby's funeral, sending A. J. on a rant about "living in a fucking dream" (6.21).	A 2006 Oscar-winning American musical film, following the lives of three young women who form an R&B singing trio in Detroit, Michigan called "The Dreamettes."
Dylan, Bob	A. J.'s girlfriend Rhiannon plays Dylan's song "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" right before their car catches fire. She remarks that although the song was written decades ago because "it's about, like, right now" (6.21).	An American singer-songwriter, musician, painter and poet and a mA. J.or figure in popular music for five decades. The song played was written in 1964 and has been described by one his biographers as a "grim masterpiece."
Earl Scheib	Tony wonders if Feech has already gone there since his release from prison (5.1).	A chain of American auto painting and collision stores.
Eloise and Abelard	In after-sex pillow talk, Mr. Wexler tells Carmela about them, after she finds their letters as bathroom reading material (5.6).	A 12th Century priest and a nun whose affair was circumvented by the church but continued in a famous, later published series of love letters.
Emmy Award	A pawn shop dealer won"t give J. T. Dolan more than $15 for his (5.7).	The Emmies are the annual awards, TV's most prestigious, given by the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences.
Enron	Tony counters Carmela's investment plans by insisting he doesn"t have connections of this type (4.1).	Energy-trading corporation, destroyed in the early 21st century by the largest ever American business scandal.
Enya	Alan Sapinsly claims he has no problem working with a mobster, having been involved in “that Neapolitan copyright thing” for her (4.13).	(1961–). Irish-born Celtic and New Age musician.
Erin Brokovich	Carmela's parents disagree on whether Erin Brokovich is a a good movie (3.6).	2000 Steven Soderberg film starring Julia Roberts.
Estrada, Erik	Christopher refers to him when Little Paulie voices his concern over cops on their cigarette run to North Carolina (5.5).	Puerto Rican-American actor who starred in the police series CHiPs (1977–83).
Evans, Dale	Sex with Dale Evans is fantasized (by Paulie Walnuts) (3.11).	(1912–2001) American actress and singer, longtime wife and partner of cowboy star and singer Roy Rogers.
Existentialists	AJ becomes deeply depressed after reading the existentialists at school (Sartre, Kierkegaard, Camus, Heidegger are evoked, and of course the German philosopher "Niche", and an English teacher, of course, is blamed – and the Internet) and learning that life is meaningless ("Death just shows the ultimate absurdity of life") (2.7).	Philosophical and literary movement, originating in Europe and coming into prominence after World War II.
Faces of Death	Janice and Ralphie watch this on video (4.2).	1978 “documentary” by John Allen Schwartz, a compilation of gruesome death scenes, many real.
Fargo	"Pine Barrens" (3.11), directed by Coen Brothers" veteran Steve Buscemi, evokes the winter landscapes of Fargo.	1996 film by the Coen Brothers.
Fatal Attraction	Tony's affair with Gloria Trillo (in Season Three) begins to imitate the plot of Fatal Attraction.	1987 film by Adrian Lyne starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close about a married man's affair with a psychotic woman.
Father Knows Best	Asked by the soon-to-be-killed stripper Tracee whether he thinks she should have Ralph Cifaretto's baby and set up housekeeping, Tony sarcastically predicts a Father Knows Best future for them (3.6).	American television show (1954–1963) starring Robert Young.
Favreau, Jon	See Crying Game, The.	(1966–) American independent film producer (Swingers (1996)) and actor.
Favreau, Jon	Christopher recalls his encounter with him in “D-Girl” (5.7).	(1966–). American actor and director.
Fiedler, Leslie	In the debate over Billy Budd's gayness, Meadow cites his work, which leads Carmela to suggest that he might be gay as well (4.12).	(1917–2003). Iconoclastic American literary critic, best known for his against-the-grain readings of classic American literature, especially his suggestion that Huck and Jim, in Twain's great novel, have a “homoerotic” relationship.
Fields, W. C.	W. C. Fields fan Tony (1) uses his stolen DVD player to watch The Bank Dick (1.2), (2) quotes a Fields line when playing golf with the Wonderbread Wops (1.10), and (3) watches It's a Gift (1934) (3.9).The first evening after Tony moves back into the house he watches his It's a Gift on TV (5.12).	(1880–1946) American comic actor and writer, first in vaudeville, then in film.
Fluffernutter	Christopher asks his mother to make him one during a surprise visit (4.1).	A sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallows.
Fogg, Phileas	Vito calls Meadow's boyfriend Finn Detrolio this when he accosts him coming off the hospital elevator (6.4).	The main fictional character in the 1873 Jules Verne novel Around the World in Eighty Days.
Francis, Connie	Tony brings his mother some CDs as a gift, including one by Connie Francis (1.1). Dr Melfi chides her ex "You devote your energies to the protection of the dignity of Connie Francis" (1.8).	(1938–) American singer and actress of Italian ancestry.
Frankenstein	See Golem.	Name usually used for monster created by Dr Frankenstein in Mary Shelley's 1818 novel and in all the films based upon it.
Fresh Prince of Bel Air	Tony calls Jackie Aprile, Jr. "The Fresh Prince of New Jersey" (3.6).	1990–1996 television show that made Will Smith a star.
Frida	Finn and Meadow watch it on DVD (5.4).	2002 Julie Taymor film about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
From Here to Eternity	The title of From Here to Eternity is echoed in the title of "From Where to Eternity" (2009).	1953 film by Fred Zinnemann, starring Frank Sinatra, based on a war novel by James Jones.
Fugitive, The	See Devil's Advocate, The.	1993 film by Andrew Davis, starring Harrison Ford.
Fugitive, The	Tony and the installer watch it on his new home theatre system (4.8).	1993 Harrison Ford movie, based on a popular 1963–1967 television program, about a doctor on the run after being falsely accused of murder.
Fuhrman, Mark	Christopher, unhappy with slow service in a mostly African American crowd in a restaurant, wonders aloud "What am I, Mark Fuhrman?" (1.10).	Los Angeles police detective, one of the prime investigators in the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson, revealed during the trial to be a racist.
Full Metal Jacket	The title of Full Metal Jacket is echoed in the title "Full Leather Jacket" (2008).	1987 anti-war film by Stanley Kubrick.
Garbo, Greta	Tony tells Svetlana she reminds him of her (4.10).	(1905–1990). Swedish-born film star of the 1920s and 1930s.
Garlin, Jeff	See Curb Your Enthusiasm (5.3).	American comic who plays Larry David's agent on Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Garofalo, Janeane	See Bernard, Sandra.	(1964–) American comic and actress.
Gaye, Marvin	While discussing Uncle Junior's fate after he shoots Tony, Vito remarks that he "Marvin Gaye-d" his own nephew (6.2).	(1939-1984) Gaye's father fatally shot him after the wildly successful singer moved back home. An argument allegedly started between his parents over misplaced business documents, and when Gaye attempted to intervene, his father killed him using a gun that Marvin Jr. had given him just four months before.
Giancana, Salvatore	The FBI agents questioning Carmela after Tony is shot say Uncle Junior keeps making pointed references to Sam Giancana. Carmela responds with, "You mean the Kennedy assassination? As related to this? My husband was three years old" (6.2).	(1908-1975) A mobster and boss of the Chicago Outfit from 1957–66. It is widely reputed that Giancana and other mobsters were recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency during the Kennedy administration to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Giancana is also rumored to be responsible for JFK's assassination because the President stepped up persecution of the Chicago mob.
Gilligan's Island	Tony, suffering from food poisoning, mumbles the theme song to Gilligan's Island.	Silly American television series (1964–67) about a bunch of castaways.
Giuliani, Rudolf	Giuliani is considered (unfavorably) as a candidate for cloning (1.2) and mentioned in 1.4 as well.	(1944–) Mayor of New York City (1993–), known for his crackdown on crime, his conservative cultural politics, and his stewardship in the wake of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
Gladiator	Throughout Season Three, Ralphie Cifaretto obsessively quotes lines from Gladiator.	Oscar-winning 2000 film by Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, about a former Roman general who seeks revenge against the emperor who betrayed him and killed his family.
Glass Menagerie, The	See Rebel without a Cause.	1944 play by Tennessee Williams.
Gleason, Jackie	Little Tony quotes Reginald van Gleason the Third to Tony“Boy are you fat” (5.2). Tony B. does an imitation of one of his characters again in 5.8.	(1916–1987). Rotund American film and television comic and variety show host, best known for The Honeymooners and The Jackie Gleason Show.
Godfather II, The	Drawing comparisons to it, A. J.'s friend asks if he's worried about his house being attacked. Devin Pillsbury wants to know if the Sopranos also have a place in Tahoe (4.6).	Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 sequel to The Godfather, starring Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro.
Godfather, The	The Godfather is referred to in numerous episodes. Paulie, for example, has a Godfather-themed car horn (1.11). See David Pattie's essay in this volume.	Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 gangster film, starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino.
Godfather, The	A. J.'s friend suggests he will never be drafted because his father will make an unrefuseable offer as in The Godfather.	Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 classic gangster film starring Marlon Brando.
Godfather, The II	Referred to in numerous episode. See David Pattie's essay in this volume.	Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 sequel to The Godfather, starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.
Godfather, The III	Carmela tells Father Phil that Tony is no fan of Godfather III: "Three was like, what happened?" (1.1). See also Pacino, Al and "Just when I thought I was out, they keep pulling me back in."	Francis Ford Coppola's long-delayed and largely unsuccessful 1990 sequel to The Godfather, starring Al Pacino and Andy Garcia.
Golem	Tony is compared to the Golem and then to Frankenstein by an Hasidic Jew who has sought his help and now wants nothing to do with him (1.3). Tony refers to the bearded Shlomo Teittleman as "ZZ Top."	In Hebrew legend, an artificial man/monster made out of clay by a rabbi to be his servant.
GoodFellas	Father Phil asks Carmela what Tony thinks of GoodFellas (1.1). The guests at a dinner party at the Cusamano house discuss it (1.10). When asked what kind of films he wants to write, Christopher replies "GoodFellas and shit" (2005).	1990 Martin Scorsese gangster film.
Google	Adriana tells Tony that she used it to find information on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (5.5).	Internet search engine; its tremendous turn-of-the-century success made its name a synonym for searching the Web.
Goya, Francisco	Tony compares Gloria Trillo's beauty to a painting by "Goyim" (3.12).	(1746–1828). Great Spanish painter, known for his portraits of royalty.
GQ	Tony refers to Mikey Palmice as "Mr. GQ" (1.4).	GQ is a magazine offering "fashion, sports, women, journalism, fitness and more for the modern man" (from the magazine's website).
Greene, Shecky	See Catskills.	(1926–). Jewish stand-up comic and actor.
Grumpy Old Men	Tony offers to loan his DVD player to Uncle Junior so he can watch Grumpy Old Men (1.2).	1993 film starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, that gave rise to a sequel.
Grunge	Tony refers to Grunge in a discussion of Janice's years in Seattle (2001).	"A soulful hard-rock variant that was instrumental to alternative music's early-"90s move overground" (from alt.culture.com).
Gunga Din	Livia complains that the woman in the room next door in the Green Grove, "a regular Gunga Din," is always running water (1.6).	Gunga Din was a character, an Indian boy serving as a water carrier for the British army, in poem by Rudyard Kipling.
Harpie	Janice claims she didn"t want to seem like one by complaining about Bobby Bacala's continued obsession with his dead wife (4.11).	According to the Internet Encyclopedia Mythica, “Harpies were described as beautiful, winged maidens. Later they became winged monsters with the face of an ugly old woman and equipped with crooked, sharp talons. They were represented carrying off persons to the underworld and inflicting punishment or tormenting them. Those persons were never seen again.”
“Harpo's Song”	The inspiration for Janice's son's name, Tony brings it up at a Sunday dinner in order to bate her into anger (5.10).	A 1973 song by Phoebe Snow.
Harry Potter books	Raymond Curto comments, enviously, that these are a “gold mine” (4.2).	The phenomenally successful Harry Potter books (seven in all, beginning in 1997), written by J. K. Rowling, have made their author the richest woman in the UK.
Hasidism/Hasidic.	Tony and his crew come to the aid of Shlomo Teittleman, an Hasidic jew, in securing a divorce for his daughter (1.3).	A Jewish religious movement founded in the 18^th Century in Poland.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel	On the wall at Bowdoin College on a college visit with Meadow, Tony reads "No man can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true" (1.5).	From Chapter 20 of The Scarlet Letter (1850) by American fiction writer Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864), a Bowdoin graduate.
Heidegger, Martin	See existentialists.	(1889–1976). German existential philosopher, author of such books as Being and Time (1927).
Helgenberger, Marg	Bobby Bacala responds to Janice's sleuthing—she deduces that he's been to the cemetery by the dirt on his shoes—by saying “What are you Marg Higinbrenner now” (4.11).	(1958- ). American actress best known for her role as a Las Vegas police forensic expert in the hit television drama C.S.I.:Crime Scene Investigation (2000–).
Hemingway, Ernest	See Cobain, Kurt.	(1899–1961). American novelist, who took his own life with a shotgun.
High Noon	In Tony's “test dream” it is playing on the TV at Vesuvio's (5.11).	Classic 1952 Fred Zinnemann Western starring Gary Cooper as a sheriff who must face a gang of revengeful outlaws on his own.
Hitler, Adolf	Ruben insists, in a remark that angers Hesh, that Columbus “was no better than Hitler” (4.3).	(1889–1945). Founder of the National Socialist Party (the Nazis) and Führer and chancellor of Germany (1933–1945), whose dreams of a Third Reich provoked World War II.
Hockney, David	Irina has a painting (of a swimming pool) that reminds her of David Hockey (1.3).	(1937–). Realistic British-American painter known for his pop art depictions of subjects like swimming pools and lawns.
Hogan's Heroes	When Tony's crew heists a collection of German World War II memorabilia, Big Pussy, in uniform, does an imitation of Colonel Klink from Hogan's Heroes (2.11).	Television sit-com (1965–71) set in a World War II POW camp.
Honeymooners, The	Tony, A. J., and Artie watch it on TV (5.4).	Classic 1950s television sitcom starring Jackie Gleason and Art Carney.
Hootie and the Blowfish	Uncle Junior brings Carter a Hootie and the Blowfish CD in an attempt to cheer him up (6.15).	An American rock band that enjoyed widespread popularity in the second half of the 1990s with a debut album that is one of the best selling albums of all time.
Horse Whisperer, The	Ralphie tells Tony, who is talking to Pie-Oh-My, to stop this “horse-whispering shit” (4.8).	The Horse Whisperer was a 1998 film directed by (and starring) Robert Redford, based on the best-selling book by Nicholas Evans.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas	See Carrey, Jim.	2000 film by Ron Howard starring Jim Carrey.
How to Marry a Millionaire	Carmela watches it on TV while waiting for Tony to come home (4.12).	1953 film directed by Jean Negulesco and starring Betty Grable, Lauren Bacall, and Marilyn Monroe.
Hunchback of Notre Dame	See Quasimodo (4.1).	Novel by Victor Hugo (1802–1885), published in 1831.
Hunter, Catfish	Tony tries to convince Meadow that hating Coach Hauser should not prevent success by citing the difficult relationship of Catfish Hunter and Billy Martin.	Major league baseball pitcher with the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees.
Hurston, Zora Neale	At Livia's first visit to Green Grove, we learn that Zora Neale Hurston's novels will be discussed in an upcoming presentation (1.1).	(1903–1960) African-American writer, one of the major figures of the Harlem Renaissance.
Husserl, Edmund	See existentialists.	(1859–1938) Austrian-born German phenomenological philosopher.
“I don"t want my husband coming out of there with just a cock in his hand”	In Tony's “test dream” Finn's mother/Annette Bening uses these words when her husband and Tony go to the restroom (5.11).	This line recalls a similar one uttered in The Godfather (1972) by Sonny Corleone (James Caan) prior to the fateful meeting between Michael (Al Pacino) and Sollozzo and Captain McCluskey in an Italian restaurant.
I Dream of Jeannie	I Dream of Jeannie is echoed in the title "I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano" (1.13).	American television series (1965–70) about a genie in service to an astronaut.
“I Got you Babe”	Bobby Bacala and Janice sing it after returning home after Uncle Junior's mistrial is declared (4.13).	A 1965 hit song by Sonny and Cher.
“I Shot the Sheriff”	Tony listens to it in the kitchen (4.11).	A 1974 hit song by Eric Clapton, written by Bob Marley.
Impossible Dream, The”	See Man of La Mancha (4.12).	The most famous song from the musical Man of La Mancha, sung by Don Quixote.
It's a Wonderful Life	Tony watches (unhappily) It's a Wonderful Life on television (3.10).	1946 Frank Capra work, starring Jimmie Stewart, that has become a kind of holiday cult film.
Jamaican bobsled team	See Boyz II Men.	Unlikely participants in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.
Jamba Juice	The hugely popular franchise sends a Century 21 Real Estate agent to try to persuade Tony to sell a building he owns, the one he is renting to Caputo's Poultry (6.8).	A trendy chain of smoothie restaurants with over 700 locations operating in 30 states.
James, Henry	Meadow recommends her parents read him to learn more about “the restorative nature of travel” (4.2). See also Robbins, Anthony.	(1843–1916). Incomparable American-born, expatriate (in the UK) fiction writer, many of whose novels are about Americans abroad.
Jehovah's Witnesses	Tony claims that they are more interesting than Jack Massarone (4.2).	An apocalyptic Christian denomination that uses the Hebrew name for the divine being and actively proselytizes worldwide.
Jewel	Christopher "masterminding" robbery of the box office of a benefit concert by Jewel at Rutgers University for Amnesty International (3.3).	(1974–) Popular contemporary American folk/pop singer and poet.
Johnny Mnemonic	Christopher describes Uncle Pat's ability to remember where the Johnson brothers are buried being like him (5.10).	The titular character in a 1995 science fiction film, directed by Robert Longo, based on a short story by cyberpunk founder William Gibson.
Judas	After comparing Big Pussy to him, Rosie Aprile then adds that at least he didn"t go into any “Apostle Protection Program” (5.2).	The infamous apostle who betrayed Jesus after the Last Supper, making his whereabouts known to the Roman authorities.
Jughead, Monsignor	Tony refers to Father Phil as Monsignor Jughead (1.5).	Jughead is a character in Archie comic books.
“Just when I thought I was out, they keep pulling me back in.”	Silvio Dante quotes this line on several occasions, including 1.2 and 2001.	Al Pacino lines (as Michael Corleone) in Godfather III.
Kennedy, Jackie	Tony claims that she “thought the marriage was over” (5.7) because of Fran Felstein's affair with her husband.	(1929–1994). Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis was the wife of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, First Lady of the United States, and later the wife and widow of Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis.
Kennedy, Jackie	At Christopher's funeral, Tony calls his wife Kelli "Jackie Kennedy" because of her all-black ensemble and oversized sunglasses (6.18).	(1929-1994) The wife of the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy, who served as First Lady during his presidency from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. Known for her signature style and elegance.
Kennedy, John Fitzgerald	Being tested for mental competence, Uncle Junior incorrectly (but purposefully) identifies him as the POTUS preceding Bush (4.9). Fran Felstein claims to have  had an affair with him (5.7).	(1917–1963). 35th President of the United States (1961–1963), he had numerous affairs during his political career. He was assassinated in Dallas, Texas in November 1963.
Kerouac, Jack	Janice Soprano plans to make a self-help video to be called Lady Kerouac, or Packing for the Highway to a Woman's Self-Esteem (2002).	(1922–69) American novelist and poet, one of the founders of the Beat Movement. His most famous novel was On the Road.
Key Largo	While snorting coke in the opening montage of Season Two, Christopher watches Key Largo on TV (2001).	1948 John Huston gangster film starring Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart.
Kierkegaard, Sören	See existentialists. Big Pussy's son tells AJ: "You should start at the beginning. Take a look at Kierkegaard" (2.7).	(1813–55) Danish philosopher and theologian, the father of existentialism.
Kiley, Richard	See Man of La Mancha (4.12).