Mafia – The History of the Mob in America

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This collection of documentaries produced by A&E presents a broad overview of organized crime in America, beginning with immigrants who formed gangs soon after arriving in the late 19th century. The focus is on Italian-American gangsters, though there are mentions of Irish and Jewish gangs, which at various times cooperated with or competed against the Mafia, and one program in the collection presents interesting skeins of conjecture while seeking to document links between the Mob and the Kennedy political dynasty. The documentaries use vintage newsreel footage as well as clips of Hollywood versions of gang life to illustrate the narration provided by Bill Kurtis. Assorted mob experts appear on camera, and though much of the material they present is entertaining, it’s hard to say how credible much of it is. A flamboyant “Mob historian,” William Balsamo, speaks Brooklynese from behind sunglasses, and at times his scholarly insights could almost pass for the wisecracking Senate testimony of Willi Cicci in Godfather: Part II. Despite some sensationalistic excess, these programs do tell the generally accepted story of how organized crime boomed during Prohibition, infiltrated labor unions, and eventually found a gold mine in Las Vegas following World War II. –Robert J. McNamara

Product Description

An investigation and history of organized crime in the U.S., from its rise to prominence during Prohibition through the Kennedy family history with the Mob to its infiltration of the unions and expansion into legitimate businesses. 2 DVDs. 1993/color/4 hrs., 10 min/NR.

From the Back Cover

Mafia: The History of the Mob in America is a cold-blooded examination of organized crime in the twentieth century. Starting with the prohibition years, this groundbreaking investigation traces the origins of the ethnic gangs that capitalized on criminal activities by turning them into family enterprises. With men like Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and Lepke Buchalter at its heart, and bootlegging, racketeering, and murder at its soul, this four-part series is a sweeping saga of bloodshed, betrayal, and big business. 1. Prohibition spells 100 proof profit for local gangs…Until the “families” arrive from Sicily. 2. The Kennedy’s murky past returns to haunt them. 3. The Mafia takes on the Communists for control of the unions. 4. The Mob steps on a gold mine in World War II.