Product description MAFIA: THE HISTORY OF THE MOB IN AMERICA .com 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
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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. See more
Reviews
4.5
All from verified purchases
T**S
Covers the Early Half of Mafia History
This documentary brings the history of the mob up to the assassination of JFK. Even though we see a glimpse of John Gotti in the opening film clips, more recent history is not discussed. That being said, the presentation was very interesting. It gives, I think, a very thorough overview of Mafia history from it's very beginnings in America and explains the nature of it's roots. Sure much of the material is well-known, but it was sensational at the time and could hardly be ignored. The documentary is built on great archival film and photographs interspersed with many interesting and more recent interviews with those who had first-hand experience with mob activities, The odd combination of lawless brutality with personal principle in the lives of well-known Mafia personalities is also highlighted. Many had a sort of Robin Hood mystique about them. Most people probably have no idea of the extent of the Mafia's reach economically and politically. Unless you've read so many books on the subject you've become jaded, I can't imagine anyone interested in the history of the Mafia wouldn't find this documentary fascinating.
J**2
How could you give a bad review!!
How could you give a bad review!!
O**N
Very good
Nothing better than to know that a criminal can do, what the mafia did, how they did it, is amazing, not the right way, but it was worth knowing.
M**R
diferent- little bias in some parts and in others they ...
diferent- little bias in some parts and in others they left parts out, one section would stated one thing saying that some one responsible for it then the next section would tell you some one else was
J**E
A Good Buy
I buy a lot of Books and DVDs about Organized Crime, the Mafia, La Cosa Nostra. For me it's a passion, more than just entertainment. Since last year, I bought over 10 documentaries about the Mafia. I recently bought this one, "Mafia - The History of the Mob in America", and I wasn't disappointed by it.Starting with the Prohibition years, this groundbreaking investigation traces the origins of the ethnic gangs that dominated criminal activities by turning them into family enterprises. Leading historians recall how they changed the face of crime in America. Meet legendary figures and trace their exploits through rare photos, footage and period accounts. Get the real story behind the Kennedy connection, and see how the Mob helped to win WWII and piled up huge profits at the same time. On this DVD set you'll find 5 episodes, each episode is 45 minutes long. The episodes are hosted by Bill Kurtis. As always he's doing a great job.DISC 1- The Prohibition Years/Birth of the American Mafia: The program covers Prohibition and its profitability in America's big cities, and the arrival of the mob's first families from Sicily. Vintage newsreels and Hollywood re-enactments of mob life tell the story. In addition, a series of flamboyant Mafia historians and enthusiasts give interviews, first-hand accounts, and analyses that fill in the gaps. This collection provides a broad overview of one of the most popular facets of criminology.- The Kennedys and the Mob: The relationship between the Mafia and the Kennedy family is explored; Joseph Kennedy's past, the possibility that John F. Kennedy might have won the elections because of the mob, and more. Only a few minutes are dedicated to the Kennedy Assassination, so if you're interested in this subject buy another DVD. This show is not about Conspiracy theories around the assassination, it's nothing more than a biography of the Kennedy family. Disappointing episode, I was expecting more.DISC 2- Unions and the Mob: The program explores how organized crime attempted to wrestle control of the unions from the Communists. Political connections and mass penetration into the work force are explored. This is by far the most interesting episode of this set. A must see.- Empire of Crime: This episode shows how organized crime first came to the United States and how it changed and evolved over time. The program covers the beginning of World War II when the mob was in a gold mine of money-making and power-charged opportunities.Overall this is a solid set. This is not the best documentary series about organized crime available on dvd (CRIME INC is much better), but overall this set will be a good addition to your collection. :)
G**5
Criminal Justice
A superb product that I used to effectively teach an undergraduate course. This video offered an interesting historical perspective on organized crime.
W**L
good
good
W**Y
Great Value!
Great Value! It was a really great and awesome movie and I couldn't find it any cheaper any where else.
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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.
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Sure much of the material is well-known, but it was sensational at the time and could hardly be ignored. The documentary is built on great archival film and photographs interspersed with many interesting and more recent interviews with those who had first-hand experience with mob activities, The odd combination of lawless brutality with personal principle in the lives of well-known Mafia personalities is also highlighted. Many had a sort of Robin Hood mystique about them. Most people probably have no idea of the extent of the Mafia's reach economically and politically. Unless you've read so many books on the subject you've become jaded, I can't imagine anyone interested in the history of the Mafia wouldn't find this documentary fascinating."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"J***2"},"datePublished":"July 10, 2022","name":"How could you give a bad review!!","reviewBody":"How could you give a bad review!!"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"O***N"},"datePublished":"May 22, 2014","name":"Very good","reviewBody":"Nothing better than to know that a criminal can do, what the mafia did, how they did it, is amazing, not the right way, but it was worth knowing."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"3.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"M***R"},"datePublished":"September 20, 2015","name":"diferent- little bias in some parts and in others they ...","reviewBody":"diferent- little bias in some parts and in others they left parts out, one section would stated one thing saying that some one responsible for it then the next section would tell you some one else was"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"J***E"},"datePublished":"April 25, 2012","name":"A Good Buy","reviewBody":"I buy a lot of Books and DVDs about Organized Crime, the Mafia, La Cosa Nostra. For me it's a passion, more than just entertainment. Since last year, I bought over 10 documentaries about the Mafia. I recently bought this one, \"Mafia - The History of the Mob in America\", and I wasn't disappointed by it.Starting with the Prohibition years, this groundbreaking investigation traces the origins of the ethnic gangs that dominated criminal activities by turning them into family enterprises. Leading historians recall how they changed the face of crime in America. Meet legendary figures and trace their exploits through rare photos, footage and period accounts. Get the real story behind the Kennedy connection, and see how the Mob helped to win WWII and piled up huge profits at the same time. On this DVD set you'll find 5 episodes, each episode is 45 minutes long. The episodes are hosted by Bill Kurtis. As always he's doing a great job.DISC 1- The Prohibition Years/Birth of the American Mafia: The program covers Prohibition and its profitability in America's big cities, and the arrival of the mob's first families from Sicily. Vintage newsreels and Hollywood re-enactments of mob life tell the story. In addition, a series of flamboyant Mafia historians and enthusiasts give interviews, first-hand accounts, and analyses that fill in the gaps. This collection provides a broad overview of one of the most popular facets of criminology.- The Kennedys and the Mob: The relationship between the Mafia and the Kennedy family is explored; Joseph Kennedy's past, the possibility that John F. Kennedy might have won the elections because of the mob, and more. Only a few minutes are dedicated to the Kennedy Assassination, so if you're interested in this subject buy another DVD. This show is not about Conspiracy theories around the assassination, it's nothing more than a biography of the Kennedy family. Disappointing episode, I was expecting more.DISC 2- Unions and the Mob: The program explores how organized crime attempted to wrestle control of the unions from the Communists. Political connections and mass penetration into the work force are explored. This is by far the most interesting episode of this set. A must see.- Empire of Crime: This episode shows how organized crime first came to the United States and how it changed and evolved over time. The program covers the beginning of World War II when the mob was in a gold mine of money-making and power-charged opportunities.Overall this is a solid set. This is not the best documentary series about organized crime available on dvd (CRIME INC is much better), but overall this set will be a good addition to your collection. :)"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"G***5"},"datePublished":"August 15, 2013","name":"Criminal Justice","reviewBody":"A superb product that I used to effectively teach an undergraduate course. This video offered an interesting historical perspective on organized crime."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"W***L"},"datePublished":"October 27, 2018","name":"good","reviewBody":"good"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"W***Y"},"datePublished":"August 19, 2013","name":"Great Value!","reviewBody":"Great Value! It was a really great and awesome movie and I couldn't find it any cheaper any where else."}],"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.625,"bestRating":5,"ratingCount":8}}
