BUDDY, The Rise and Fall of America's Most Notorious Mayor

Product Description

2008 EMMY AWARD WINNER.
As the longest-serving mayor in modern day history, Vincent A. "Buddy" Cianci remains one of the country's most controversial political figures. Cianci's unflagging popularity and extraordinary career comebacks have baffled political analysts and frustrated federal investigators. Brilliant and aggressive, charming and ruthless, Cianci is described by supporters and critics alike as a political survivor.

Cherry Arnold's EMMY award-winning documentary paints a complex and compelling portrait about the often contradictory and always audacious public figure who became the youngest man and the first Italian-American to become mayor of Providence, as well as the first Republican to unseat a Democrat stronghold of more than thirty years. From "Buddy's" early promise as an attorney prosecuting organized crime to his success overseeing Providence's "renaissance," the film tracks Cianci's entanglements with city council opposition, union skirmishes, personal scandals, and criminal indictments. The result is a fascinating study of American local politics and a surprising tale of a man who, in the words of one commentator, "has a city as his mistress."

DVD EXTRAS
* Buddy Cianci's first post-prison interview
* "A Promise for Change," a documentary (1976) about Buddy Cianci's first run for Mayor in 1974
* Chapter Selections
* Film Out-Takes
* Special DVD packaging, featuring rare photos, campaign materials, and press coverage of Buddy Cianci's 30-year political career.

Review

"Riveting, Educational and Funny!" --The Mercury

"Arnold captures Cianci's vivid personality." **** (Four Stars) --The Providence Journal

"Don't Miss This Film!" --The Boston Phoenix