Mafia - The History of the Mob in America

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.

How could you give a bad review!!

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.

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

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. :)

A superb product that I used to effectively teach an undergraduate course. This video offered an interesting historical perspective on organized crime.

good

Great Value! It was a really great and awesome movie and I couldn't find it any cheaper any where else.