Product Details

• Format: Box set, Black & White, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 4
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: September 16, 1997
• Run Time: 250 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303111629
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #185,494 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.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

Product Description

Take a dark journey into the bloody history of organized crime in America. It's a saga of ruthless men and soaring profits, legendary shoot-outs and smoke filled rooms and an organization that has survived power struggles and the constant attention of the law. 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 like Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and Lepke Buchalter, 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 won themselves huge profits at the same time. With bootlegging, racketeering and murder at its soul, this four-part series is a sweeping saga of bloodshed, betrayal, and big business.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative Collection of Mafia History DVDs, August 7, 2002

By 

"socalireader" (Sylmar, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mafia - The History of the Mob in America (DVD)

This is definitely a collection worth having. The information is presented in a clear manner and well narrated. A must have for all Mafia buffs.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for all Mafia lovers..., October 28, 2003

By 

C. Conard "ExtremeAvalanche" (Fort Collins, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mafia - The History of the Mob in America (DVD)

This is a terrific DVD to have and watch if you would like to be informative on the Mafia's history. This DVd set will explain everything about movies such as The Godfather that might be confusing, as well as Mafia life in general. Buy this to learn more, but if you are uninterested in the Mafia, it probably isn't such a good idea to get.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, well organized and entertaining, July 16, 2006

By 

M. P. Wright (HOUSTON, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mafia - The History of the Mob in America (DVD)

This A&E documentary is informative, well organized and entertaining. The section on disc 1 about Joe Kennedy's mob connections from running illegal booze during prohibition and the well documented theory of mafia involvement in the JFK assassination is worth the price of admission. Highly recommended!