The Story Archive

American Buffalo

David Mamet · 1975 CE · Play · Modern / American · Contemporary

A junk-shop owner on the North Side works out that he was cheated over a buffalo nickel he sold for ninety dollars, and settles on stealing back the collection it came from. He means to send the boy who runs his errands, until a friend from the card game talks his way onto the job in the boy's place. Business used as the language of loyalty, in a profane rhythm that made Mamet's name in New York.

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