The Definitive Guide to the Mob

While organized crime has maintained an enduring hold on America's imagination, the subject is fraught with numerous exaggerations and misconceptions. Michael Franzese is in a unique position to dispel some of these myths. Born into a mob family, Franzese became a "made man" for the Colombo family, and was ultimately known as the "yuppie don." This History Channel documentary interweaves Franzese's story with an exploration of the dark world of organized crime. According to Franzese, mobsters are always on the lookout for the "next score," whether it be numbers running, bookmaking, loan sharking, extortion, or infiltrating labor unions or legitimate businesses. Franzese got his start in 1970s New York, witnessed the near fatal assassination of mob boss Joe Colombo at a 1971 "Unity Day" rally, and became a player in the "mobbed up" business of the construction of the World Trade Center. He eventually reaped a bonanza with an elaborate gas tax scam that made him rich, but also drew attention from the feds, and became a target within the mob itself. Franzese talks about the classic "sit down" between gang leaders, the made man initiation ceremony, why some mobsters shun the drug trade, the Five Families of New York, and the main reason that some gangsters get whacked. Franzese eventually served eight years in prison, left the "evil life," and has somehow managed to stay alive. Serving up colorful observations on key figures such as John Gotti, the social clubs where much business is conducted, and why the old Italian crime families are down (but not out), this fast-moving, informative documentary will be a delight for true crime fans. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (S. Rees)