MovieChat Forums > The Valachi Papers (1972) Discussion > Other films on the old time gangsters?

Other films on the old time gangsters?

posted 18 years ago by doo-buzz
5 replies | jump to latest

Can anyone recommend other films based on the true events of the old 20's, 30's gangsters? (maranzano, masseria etc.)

I read alot of mafia books and I am facinated by this period but the best films seem to be made about the 60's to 80's era.

If there has'nt been one there should be - a 4 hour epic or 3 part saga from the days of the black hand extorsionists, the morellos to the rise of masseria and then luciano, the birth of the 5 families to the murder inc. days.

There are so many interesting characters and stories that are crying out to be made into a movie - well thought out with a top director and actors. The Godfather but factual.

[–] matandocabos777 18 years ago

1.Miller's Crossing
2.The Funeral starring Christopher Walken
3.Bonanno: A Godfather's Story, but its just so so

[–] FortySecondStreetFreak 16 years ago

Try these for 'based on' true stories:

"Lepke", "Dillinger", "Murder Inc", "The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond", "Capone" (numerous), "Bonnie and Clyde", "The St Valentine's Day Massacre", "The Cotton Club".

These (and so many others" for fictional, mainly fictional ("Little Caesar"and "Scrarface" are partly based on Al Capone) stories;

"The Godfather 1 & 2", "Miller's Crossing", "The Roaring Twenties", "Little Caesar", "Last Man Standing", "Scarface" (Muni), "Public Enemy", "Boxcar Bertha".

[–] CinnaBlaze 13 years ago

I know this is a long time since your post but I figured why not reply! I just saw "Gangland: The Verne Miller Story" alternate title "The Verne Miller Story" yesterday and really enjoyed it although some facts seemed to be a bit off according to some research I did on him AFTER watching it. It was that interesting to me to do the follow up! Scott Glenn portrayed Miller who ended up a trusted gunman for Capone supposedly - but that is one of the parts that may be a bit off per Wilkepedia. He was the leader of the Kansas City Massacre, which proved to be fact. Regardless of the "skewed" parts of his story the movie is very enjoyable and kept me interested the entire time - Glenn gives an excellent performance. I am not sure if this is the type of movie you are looking for but hope it helps! I thought it was worth the watch as did other reviewers on IMDB.

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[–] bradford-1 11 years ago

Talk about a long-running thread! Let's not forget ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA, which is about Jewish mobsters during Prohibition.
"May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?"

[–] cdjunkee-1 9 years ago

I would like to add "Bloody Mama" and "Mean Streets" to the list. Both worth watching I think.