Two Family House

In 1956, Buddy Visalo, a dreamer from Staten Island, reflects on his aspirations to become a crooner. He is haunted by a choice he made years ago that set the course for his life.

During his military service, Buddy almost achieved fame during a USO performance with Arthur Godfrey. Faced with an ultimatum from his fiancée, Estelle, he chose love over ambition, a decision he would regret.

Buddy decides to purchase a dilapidated two-family house, envisioning a life where he can sing and manage a bar on the ground floor. His plan includes living upstairs with Estelle, but reality soon complicates his dreams.

Estelle remains skeptical of Buddy's ambitions, preferring a stable, conventional life. She consistently undermines Buddy's self-belief with her doubts, adding to the tension in their relationship.

Buddy discovers that the upstairs tenants, Jim O'Neary and his pregnant wife, Mary, have no intention of leaving. Their refusal to pay rent complicates Buddy's plans even further.

When Mary gives birth, it is revealed that the child is of African descent, leading to a shameful realization for Jim. This revelation adds tension to Buddy's already-strained situation with his tenants.

Faced with guilt after evicting Mary and her newborn, Buddy decides to take action. He helps her locate a new apartment while she deals with the emotional turmoil of the adoption process.

The story explores themes of racial prejudice and the societal limitations placed upon Buddy and his community. Such beliefs are woven into the fabric of the narrative, affecting relationships and aspirations.

Buddy’s journey is marked by his struggle to define himself and achieve his dreams amidst societal pressures. His mantra, 'I just wanna be somebody,' becomes a guiding force in his pursuit of identity.

Through encounters with his peers and the complexities of his relationships, Buddy learns harsh truths about ambition and reality. The narrative encapsulates the essence of following one's bliss, echoing Joseph Campbell's teachings.

Buddy confronts the various schemes he has devised over the years to achieve success and grapples with the consequences of his choices. His determination to pursue his dreams faces relentless obstacles.

As Buddy navigates his tumultuous path, the weight of his past decisions weighs heavily on him. Each choice shapes his future, and he reflects on the sacrifices he has made in pursuit of his dreams.

The relationships Buddy builds throughout the story combine to reveal his vulnerabilities and strengths. The enduring chemistry among the characters contributes to the richness of the narrative.

In the end, Buddy reflects on his journey and the dreams that have shaped his life. He comes to understand that the pursuit of happiness can take many forms, and it is never too late to follow one's bliss.