There is one word in English language Gang, which means an organized gang of robbers or brigands. A member of this gang received the name Gangster - gangster. The appearance of the word gangster dates back to the early twentieth century. Previously, troublemakers were called somewhat differently - bandits (from the word Band - gang) or robbers.
In the Russian language, the word gangster appeared after the film “Scarface, 1932” was released on USSR cinema screens. The film was shown in the early fifties. It was a trophy film, received after the victory. It took a long time to restore it and transfer it. The film itself was about a Chicago gang led by Al Capone. This word from the screen took root among the population of our country, they began to use it, replacing other words that characterize representatives of the criminal world.
Gangster groups of the early twentieth century operated in all spheres of the US economy. The main emphasis was on producing alcohol and delivering it to US cities. The famous gangster of the twenties Alphonse Gabriel "Al" Capone organized the largest group with the strictest discipline and submission. The war between gangster groups put him in first place among his competitors. Extreme ruthlessness towards all enemies (in less than four years, more than five hundred gangsters from other groups were killed in Chicago) brought Al Capone to the top positions in the US criminal world. It captured the entire traffic flow of alcohol throughout the country. Alcohol made it possible to control other criminal areas of activity: prostitution, racketeering, highway robbery and others.
In 1931, Al Capone was sentenced to 11 years. They could not charge him with mass murder. After serving his time, Al Capone was released from prison, but could not return to his former greatness. The criminal society did not accept him again; there were too many corpses on his conscience.
Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather, which tells the story of Don Corleone (the leader of the New York Sicilian mafia), has become a reference book for criminal gangs these days. The character of Joe Bonanno, one of the real gangsters of the mid-twentieth century, was used as a prototype for writing the novel.
The novel describes the activities of the new monster, which began in the mid-forties. The new group specializes not only in purely criminal cases, it is already striving to subjugate and government agencies. Corruption ties emerge that allow the gang to expand its sphere of influence everywhere.
Many boys, having read novels about gangsters, dreamed of becoming like Mario Puzo described them. The images of gangsters are described extremely romantically. They deftly evaded pursuit and killed anyone easily and jokingly. Through it all, they remained passionate lovers and caring sons.
The image of a gangster lured with big money, which could easily be wasted, buying everyone and everything. Only the extremely intense work of the special services was able to reduce the influence of gangsterism on the minds of boys and girls.
In the late eighties, Russia gained access to previously forbidden Hollywood film production. We are inundated with films with explicit eroticism and banditry. Even central television filled the airwaves with these films, which also affected our unexpected sharp jump in crime. The new generation, who grew up with examples of gangster praise, was not ready to recognize where the line of acceptable ends. Gangsterism turned out to be contagious. The image of a gangster has become an example of life for many of our compatriots. It was very difficult for us to overcome the period of rampant banditry in the mid-nineties.
Merger of crime and public administration is still felt today. Corruption in all areas of government regulation does not yet allow us to achieve a clear advantage in this long and complex struggle. The fight continues, and it depends on each of us who will win in the end.
Gangsterism is dangerous because of its external attractiveness.
The style of the 20s of the XX century is also called gangster style or Chicago style. Why did the city of Chicago and these bandits - gangsters give the name to the style of an entire decade? After all, there are many nobler professions in the world. And hats and coats were worn by men in any city from the 1920s to the 1950s.
With what gangster style and their girlfriends had a different style from other people in the 20s of the twentieth century?
The fact is that no one else wore clothes as chic as gangsters! Gangsters were the most fashionable and stylish men of the twenties.
And the fighting friends of gangsters, gangster moll, corresponded to them. Dear, daring, risky girls in diamonds and hats.
Gangsters, the elite of the underworld, had their own dress code:
Long coat with a raised collar.
Fedora hat worn on one side.
Fabulously expensive wristwatch.
Diamonds on rings, tie clips, cufflinks and belt buckles.
Dozens of impeccably fitting expensive three-piece suits and shirts. The fabric for the suits was selected with a silky sheen - no negligence in the image or “tired” fabric.
Brogues are shoes with perforations, polished to a shine.
White gloves and a cane with a knob.
Luxury cars, houses, interiors.
Gangsters were, first and foremost, bandits. They knew that their life was short. They themselves shot their competitors during “showdowns” between clans. Mafia!
Most gangsters were immigrants. For example, Cosa Nostra is Sicilian. They grew up in poverty and poverty and remember well how they looked at the rich, got angry and envied.
Remember how in the film “Scarface” the ragged and poor Al Pacino hoarsely and gloomily says to his friend, looking at the rich gentleman:
"Look how he's dressed... With what taste... Luxurious car and beautiful girl near..." He dreamed of being in the place of this rich man. Wear a luxurious, custom-made suit. Carry a beauty in a car (which had just appeared and were as expensive as a private jet now).
But he had no money then! But there was a dream. And he did everything to make his dream come true! But what options for getting rich quickly did uneducated emigrants have?.. A direct road to the criminal world! These are some disgusting faces: talking ones! :)
Gang leaders did not engage in “low” matters - petty theft and fraud. They worked "big".
Gangsters dreamed of a luxurious life. And if they were not killed, then they sought to live their short and dangerous life as brightly and richly as possible!
Who are gangsters and why did they appear?
Prohibition was introduced in the United States in 1919. For what reason?
The officials were guided by the best intentions. It was war and post-war times, which means:
1. The country needed sober workers to fulfill military orders.
2. It is unpatriotic to turn bread into alcohol. Alcohol is made from grain. And the grain was used for bread, not for drink.
3. Most of the distilleries and beer factories were owned by the Germans (enemies!).
4. At the beginning of the 20th century, everything appeared more cars. And drunk drivers got into accidents, causing injuries to themselves and others.
5. Alcohol destroys morality, causes domestic violence, fatherlessness, poverty and crime. And in the bars there is prostitution and gambling! This is so immoral!
But the road to hell turned out to be paved with good intentions. Or rather, the road to underground drinking establishments, because all the official ones were closed after the introduction of Prohibition.
Pictured is Robert De Niro, who played bootlegger Noodles in the film Once Upon a Time in America. The heroes of the film got rich selling alcohol, were gangsters, killed and robbed. Their friends ran brothels. Bad Boys!
Professions such as bootlegger (alcohol smuggler) appeared - someone who transported alcohol from other countries, and the cost of each bottle increased tenfold for the buyer. The smugglers made very good money from this - it was organized crime.
The profession of moonshiner appeared. And distilleries became literally go underground - some were located 80 meters underground. Water was obtained from the city water supply pipes. They connected to it, of course, illegally.
But the effect of the introduction of Prohibition turned out to be completely opposite: instead of the desired reduction in the number of alcoholics to zero (alcohol could not be produced and sold), the number of alcoholics and drinking establishments tripled during the three years of Prohibition’s existence!
Instead of “cleansing society,” Prohibition provoked corruption!
"Because of their personal hatred of Prohibition, residents tolerated murderers and racketeers for years. They felt compassion for those who violated Prohibition. Criminals and crimes became popular. Murderers became heroes. But the law was repealed and the murderers must go with it!" (from the film "Manhattan Melodrama"). In the photo - Clark Gable, the gangster from the film.
Prohibition was repealed under public pressure in 1933.
But still, why did the image of a gangster give the name to the style of the twenties?
Gangsters are entrepreneurs who make huge money from bootlegging and smuggling. A gangster is a bad boy. He is bloodthirsty towards those who cross his path, carries a revolver, and not alone.
He is an outlaw - he supplies alcohol to mere mortals. Those whom the state deprived of alcohol (that is, a holiday, joy) by introducing Prohibition.
On the one hand, he is a smuggler, a robber and a criminal.
But on the other hand, it is a provider of happiness (which for many is a bottle of alcohol) and a guardian on the path of freedom. After all, America is theoretically a free country. But what kind of freedom can we talk about if for thirteen years there was a ban on the sale of alcohol? In the eyes of American drinkers, this was an act of restricting freedom and choice, “To drink or not to drink.” After all, after the introduction of Prohibition, Americans began to drink more than before!
(English) or Five Families).
Gangsters are depicted in American popular culture in films such as Donnie Brasco, Once Upon a Time in America, The Godfather, War, Hell in Harlem ( English)", "Scarface", "Goodfellas", and in television programs and series (eg, "The Sopranos", "Boardwalk Empire").
Early history
American society and culture developed, and new immigrants moved to the United States. The first major gangs in 19th century New York were Irish gangs such as the Whyos ( English) and Dead Rabbits ( English). They were followed by the Italian Five Points Gang ( English), and later the Jewish Eastman Gang ( English) . There were also local anti-immigration gangs, such as the Bowery Boys ( English).
Prohibition era
The stereotypical image of the American gangster is directly associated with organized crime during the Prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s.
Al Capone
After Prohibition
Albert Anastasia
Albert Anastasia was the gang boss for many years until 1957, when Carlo Gambino killed him to get rid of him.
Carlo Gambino
Gambino was born in Palermo, and at the age of 21 crossed into the United States illegally. With the help of his relatives, Castellano joined the Masseria family. While Lucky Luciano was right hand boss of the Masseria family, Gambino worked for him. After Luciano killed Masseria, Luciano became the boss and Gambino was sent to the Scalise family. Scalise later vacated the seat and Vicenza Mangano became boss until 1951, when Mangano disappeared. His body was not found.
Frank Costello
Frank Costello is another influential gangster. He was born in a mountain village in Calabria, Italy. At the age of four (according to other sources, nine) years old, he moved to the United States.
At the age of 13, after joining a gang, he changed his name from Francesco Castiglia to Frank Costello. The name change led some people to mistakenly believe he was Irish. He continued to commit petty crimes and was imprisoned for assault and robbery in 1908, 1912 and 1917. In 1918 he married a Jewish woman, the sister of a close friend. That same year, he spent ten months in prison for secretly carrying weapons. After his release, he decided to avoid street racketeering and use his brain for criminal business. Costello said he would never pick up a gun again.
He worked with Lucky Luciano in bootlegging and gambling. He had great political influence, which allowed him to continue his business. When Luciano was arrested, Costello took over the gang and expanded its activities.
After retiring, he retained influence in the New York mafia; was nicknamed the prime minister of the underworld. Died in 1973 at the age of 82 heart attack.
Tommy Morello
Born in 1943 in Ohio. He had the nickname "Chain". He started pimping at the age of twenty. Later he founded a drug cartel. In 1979, he became involved in racketeering. Had Capo Carlo Jean Sprint [ clarify] . Later, the Russian mafia killed Carlo and the entire group of gangsters. Morello had to go into hiding. In 1998, he was accidentally encountered by the police. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to death in the electric chair.
see also
- Floyd, Charles Arthur (Handsome Floyd)
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Prince Andrei considered it inconvenient to write to Kuragin and summon him. Without giving a new reason for the duel, Prince Andrei considered the challenge on his part to be compromising Countess Rostov, and therefore he sought a personal meeting with Kuragin, in which he intended to find a new reason for the duel. But in the Turkish army he also failed to meet Kuragin, who soon after the arrival of Prince Andrei in the Turkish army returned to Russia. In a new country and in new living conditions, life became easier for Prince Andrei. After the betrayal of his bride, which struck him the more diligently the more diligently he hid the effect it had on him from everyone, the living conditions in which he was happy were difficult for him, and even more difficult were the freedom and independence that he had so valued before. Not only did he not think those previous thoughts that first came to him while looking at the sky on the Field of Austerlitz, which he loved to develop with Pierre and which filled his solitude in Bogucharovo, and then in Switzerland and Rome; but he was even afraid to remember these thoughts, which revealed endless and bright horizons. He was now interested only in the most immediate, practical interests, unrelated to his previous ones, which he grabbed with the greater greed, the more closed from him the previous ones were. It was as if that endless receding vault of the sky that had previously stood above him suddenly turned into a low, definite, oppressive vault, in which everything was clear, but there was nothing eternal and mysterious.Of the activities presented to him military service was the simplest and most familiar to him. Holding the position of general on duty at Kutuzov's headquarters, he persistently and diligently went about his business, surprising Kutuzov with his willingness to work and accuracy. Not finding Kuragin in Turkey, Prince Andrei did not consider it necessary to jump after him again to Russia; but for all that, he knew that, no matter how much time passed, he could not, having met Kuragin, despite all the contempt that he had for him, despite all the proofs that he made to himself that he should not humiliate himself to the point of confrontation with him, he knew that, having met him, he could not help but call him, just as a hungry man could not help but rush to food. And this consciousness that the insult had not yet been taken out, that the anger had not been poured out, but lay in the heart, poisoned the artificial calm that Prince Andrei had arranged for himself in Turkey in the form of preoccupied, busy and somewhat ambitious and vain activities.
In 12, when news of the war with Napoleon reached Bukarest (where Kutuzov lived for two months, spending days and nights with his Wallachian), Prince Andrei asked Kutuzov to transfer to the Western Army. Kutuzov, who was already tired of Bolkonsky with his activities, which served as a reproach for his idleness, Kutuzov very willingly let him go and gave him an assignment to Barclay de Tolly.
Before going to the army, which was in the Drissa camp in May, Prince Andrei stopped at Bald Mountains, which were on his very road, located three miles from the Smolensk highway. The last three years and the life of Prince Andrei there were so many upheavals, he changed his mind, experienced so much, re-saw (he traveled both west and east), that he was strangely and unexpectedly struck when entering Bald Mountains - everything was exactly the same, down to the smallest detail - exactly the same course of life. As if he were entering an enchanted, sleeping castle, he drove into the alley and into the stone gates of the Lysogorsk house. The same sedateness, the same cleanliness, the same silence were in this house, the same furniture, the same walls, the same sounds, the same smell and the same timid faces, only somewhat older. Princess Marya was still the same timid, ugly, aging girl, in fear and eternal moral suffering, living without benefit or joy best years own life. Bourienne was the same, joyfully taking advantage of every minute of her life and filled with the most joyful hopes for herself, satisfied with herself, flirty girl. She only became more confident, as it seemed to Prince Andrei. The teacher Desalles brought from Switzerland was dressed in a frock coat of Russian cut, distorting the language, spoke Russian with the servants, but he was still the same limitedly intelligent, educated, virtuous and pedantic teacher. The old prince changed physically only in that the lack of one tooth became noticeable on the side of his mouth; morally he was still the same as before, only with even greater embitterment and distrust of the reality of what was happening in the world. Only Nikolushka grew up, changed, became flushed, acquired curly dark hair and, without knowing it, laughing and having fun, raised the upper lip of his pretty mouth in the same way as the deceased little princess raised it. He alone did not obey the law of immutability in this enchanted, sleeping castle. But although in appearance everything remained the same, the internal relations of all these persons had changed since Prince Andrei had not seen them. The members of the family were divided into two camps, alien and hostile to each other, which now converged only in his presence, changing their usual way of life for him. To one belonged the old prince, m lle Bourienne and the architect, to the other - Princess Marya, Desalles, Nikolushka and all the nannies and mothers.
During his stay in Bald Mountains, everyone at home dined together, but everyone felt awkward, and Prince Andrei felt that he was a guest for whom they were making an exception, that he was embarrassing everyone with his presence. During lunch on the first day, Prince Andrei, involuntarily feeling this, was silent, and the old prince, noticing the unnaturalness of his state, also fell gloomily silent and now after lunch went to his room. When Prince Andrei came to him in the evening and, trying to stir him up, began to tell him about the campaign of the young Count Kamensky, the old prince unexpectedly began a conversation with him about Princess Marya, condemning her for her superstition, for her dislike for m lle Bourienne, who, according to According to him, there was one truly devoted to him.
The old prince said that if he was sick, it was only because of Princess Marya; that she deliberately torments and irritates him; that she spoils little Prince Nikolai with self-indulgence and stupid speeches. The old prince knew very well that he was torturing his daughter, that her life was very hard, but he also knew that he could not help but torment her and that she deserved it. “Why doesn’t Prince Andrei, who sees this, tell me anything about his sister? - thought the old prince. - What does he think, that I’m a villain or an old fool, I moved away from my daughter for no reason and brought the French woman closer to me? He doesn’t understand, and therefore we need to explain to him, we need him to listen,” thought the old prince. And he began to explain the reasons why he could not stand his daughter’s stupid character.
If you often buy videos and DVDs, you've probably seen a lot of movies about the mafia. The trilogy "The Godfather", "Casino", and "Bugsy" became popular. Why have so many films been made about these bandits? Who are the most famous gangsters of all time?
To be included in this list, a gangster had to leave a noticeable mark on the history of the mafia. Most of the gangsters presented carried out their activities in America.
Number 10 - Vincent "The Chin" Gigante (1928 - 2005)
Vincent Gigante was born in New York in 1928. He was a man with a complex character: he dropped out of school in the ninth grade, after which he began boxing. Won 21 of 25 light heavyweight fights. From the age of 17 he was a member of a criminal gang, and at the age of 25 he was first arrested.
Gigante's first significant case as a member of the Genovese family was an attempted murder of Frank Costello, but he missed. Despite this, his rise in the Genovese family continued until he became first a godfather and, in the early 1980s, a consolire (Italian for advisor).
After mafia boss Tony Salerno was convicted, Gigante became the boss. What made Gigante so famous? After escaping jail time by pretending to be insane in the late 1960s, he continued to act crazy, such as walking the streets of New York City in a bathrobe. It was because of this fact that he received two more nicknames: "Weirdo" and "King of Pajamas." It was only after being convicted of racketeering in 2003 that he admitted that with his mental health Everything is fine.
Gigante died in prison on December 19, 2005 due to heart problems. Because of this and thanks to his lawyers, he was supposed to be released in 2010.
A film about him: Gigante's prototype was used for the television film Bonanno: A Godfather's Story (1999), episode Law & Order.
Number 9 - Albert Anastasia (1903 - 1957)
Albert Anastasia was born in Italy in 1903 and moved to America as a child. He was sentenced to 18 months for the murder of a longshoreman on the Brooklyn docks (Sing Sing prison). He was released early due to the mysterious death of a witness. Albert Anastasia (aka "Lord Executioner" and "Mad Hatter") gained fame thanks to numerous murders, after which Joe Masseria's gang hired him. Anastasia was very loyal to Charlie "Lucky" Luciano, so he had no problem betraying Masseria - he was one of the four men sent to kill him in 1931.
In 1944, he became the leader of a group of murderers, which even had its own name Murder, Inc. Although Albert Anastasia was never prosecuted for the murders, his group was linked to 400 to 700 murders. In the 50s, he became the leader of the Luciano family, but soon, in 1957, he was killed at the behest of Carlo Gambino.
Films about him: Albert's character Anastasia was the main character in the film Murder, Inc. (1960), starring Peter Falk and Howard Smith (Anastasia), as well as in the films The Valachi Papers (1972) and Lepke (1975).
Number 8 - Joseph Bonanno (1905 - 2002)
Joe Bananno was born in 1905 and grew up in Sicily and was orphaned at the age of 15. During the fascist regime of Mussolini, when he turned 19, he left Italy and arrived in the United States through Cuba. He soon received the nickname "Joey Bananas" and became part of the Maranzano family. Before Luciano killed him, Maranzano formed a "Commission" that ruled the Mafia families in his homeland of Italy.
Bonanno amassed capital by running cheese factories, a clothing business, and a funeral business. However, his plans to eliminate the leaders of other families were not destined to come true, since he was kidnapped and forced to retire 19 days later. He was never convicted of any serious offense.
Films about him: There were two films about him: Love, Honor & Obey: The Last Mafia Marriage (1993) starring Ben Gazarra and Bonanno: A Godfather's Story ( "Bonanno: The Godfather", 1999) with Martin Landau.
Number 7 - Dutchman Schultz (1902 - 1935)
Arthur Flegenheimer, later known as Dutch Schultz, was born in 1092 in the Bronx. To impress his boss and mentor Marcel Poffo, he organized crap games in his youth. At the age of 17, he spent some time in prison for theft. He soon realized that the only way to make money was bootlegging (selling alcohol during Prohibition).
Wanting to become a member of the emerging syndicate, he made enemies in Luciano and Capone. After he was about to be convicted of another crime in 1933, he left for New Jersey. In 1935, after returning, he was killed by members of Albert Anastasia's group.
Films about him: Dustin Hoffman played a prominent role as Dutch Schultz in Billy Bathgate (1991), but was even better played by Tim Roth in Hoodlum (1997). In addition, we should recall the films Gangster Wars (1981), The Cotton Club (1984) and The Natural (1984).
Number 6 - John Gotti (1940 - 2002)
Among the famous gangsters of New York, John Gotti is especially noteworthy. He was born in 1940 in Brooklyn and was always considered a smart guy. At the age of 16, he joined a street gang called the Fulton Rockaway Boys. He quickly became their leader, in the 60s the gang was engaged in car thefts and petty theft, in the early 70s he became the godfather of the Bergin group - part of the Gambino family. Gotti was very ambitious and soon began to engage in drugs, which were prohibited by family rules.
As a result, Paul Castellano (mafia boss) decided to expel Gotti from the organization. In 1985, Gotti and his henchmen killed Castellano, and Gotti took over the Gambino family. They tried to convict him many times law enforcement agencies New York, but the charges always failed. Due to the fact that he always looked presentable and was loved by the media, he received the nicknames "Elegant Don" and "Teflon Don". He was finally convicted of murder in 1992 and died of cancer in 2002.
Films about him: his character was played by Antonio John Denilson in the television film Getting Gotti ("Getting Gotti", 1994) and Armand Assante in the film Gotti ("Gotti", 1996). Of note are the films Witness to the Mob (1998) with Tom Sizemoor and The Big Heist (2001).
Number 5 - Meyer Lansky (1902 - 1983)
Mayer Sachovlyansky was born in 1902 in Russia. At the age of 9 he moved to New York. When they were boys, he met Charles Luciano. Luciano wanted Lansky to give him protection money, but he refused. There was a fight, after which they became bosom friends. After some time, Lansky met Bugsy Seagal. The trio became very friendly. Lansky and Seagal formed the group Bug and Meyer, which later became Murder, Inc.
Initially, Lansky was involved in money and gambling in Florida, New Orleans and Cuba. He was Seagal's investor in the Las Vegas casinos, and even bought an offshore bank in Switzerland in order to launder money. He was a co-founder of the National Crime Syndicate and the Council. However, business is never personal, and he was soon forced to kill Bugsy Seagal because... he stopped giving money to the Syndicate. Although he was involved in gambling rackets around the world, Lansky never spent a day in prison.
Films about him: not only Richard Dreyfuss played well in the HBO Lansky film of the same name (1999), but also Nyman Roth in The Godfather Part II (The Godfather Part II, 1974), Mark Rydell in the film Havana (Havana, 1990), Patrick Dempsey in Mobsters (1991) and Ben Kingsley in Bugsy (1991).
Number 4 - Frank Costello (1891 - 1973)
Francesco Castiglia was born in 1891 in Italy and moved to the United States at the age of 4. At the age of 13, he joined a criminal gang and changed his name to Frank Costello. After serving time in prison, he became best friend Charlie Luciano. They engaged in bootlegging and gambling together. Costello's strength was that he was a liaison between the Mafia and politicians, especially Democratic Party member Tammany Hall in New York, which allowed him to avoid persecution.
After the arrest of Luciano Costello became a man in law. His feud with Vito Genovese led to Genovese attempting to kill Costello in the mid-50s. Frank Costello retired peacefully and died quietly in 1973.
Films about him: the best role was played by James Andronica in the 1981 television project The Gangster Chronicles, as well as Costas Mandylor Mobsters (Gangsters, 1991), Carmine Caridi in the film Bugsy (1991), and Jack Nicholson in film The Departed (2006).
Number 3 - Carlo Gambino (1902 - 1976)
Carlo Gambino grew up in a family that was part of the Italian mafia clan for several centuries. He began killing on demand at the age of 19. As Mussolini was gaining power at this time, Gambino immigrated to America, where his cousin Paul Costellano lived.
After Luciano was extradited in the 40s, Albert Anastasia took his place. However, Gambino believed that this was his time and in 1957 he ordered the death of Anastasia. He appointed himself Boss of the family and held it with an iron fist until his death from natural causes in 1976.
Films about him: Al Ruccio played him superbly in the film Boss of Bosses (2001). The image of Gambino could also be seen in such films as Between Love & Honor (1995), Gotti (1996) and Bonanno: A Godfather's Story (Bonanno: The Godfather, 1999).
Number 2 - Charlie "Lucky" Luciano (1897 - 1962)
Salvatore Luciania was born in Sicily in 1897, and nine years later his family moved to New York. After a while, he joined the Five Points gang. For five years, his gang made money mainly from prostitution; Luciano controlled rackets throughout Manhattan. After an unsuccessful attempt on his life in 1929, Luciano decided to create the National Crime Syndicate.
There was no rivalry, and by 1935, "Lucky" Luciano became known as the "Boss of Bosses" - not only in New York, but throughout the country. In 1936 he was sentenced to 30 to 50 years, but was released in 1946 for good behavior on the condition that he leave the country for Italy. He had such a strong influence that during World War II the US Navy turned to him for help in landing in Italy. He died in 1962 as a result of a heart attack.
Films about him: Christian Slater played him in Gangsters (1991), Bill Graham in Bugsy (1991) and Anthony LaPaglia in the TV movie Lansky (1999).
Number 1 - Al Capone (1899 - 1947)
If there was ever a gangster who deserved to know Number One, it was Al Capone. Alphonse Capone was born in 1899 in Brooklyn to a family of Italian immigrants. After a while, he joined the Five Points gang and became a bouncer. It was during this time that he earned the nickname "Scarface". In 1919, he moved to Chicago and working for Johnny Torrio, he quickly began to rise in the criminal hierarchy.
It was the time of Prohibition, and Capone was involved in prostitution, gambling and bootlegging. In 1925, when he was 26 years old, Capone became head of the Torrio family and started a family war. Known for his intelligence, as well as his bombast and love of attention, Capone was also famous for his cruelty. It is worth remembering the massacre during the Valentine's Day concert in 1929, in which many heads of criminal gangs were killed. In 1931, federal tax agent Eliot Nass arrested him for tax evasion.
Films about him: Many films have been made about Capone, the most famous of which are The St. Valentine's Day Massacre (1967) starring Jason Robards, Capone (1975) with Ben Gazarra and The Untouchables (1987) with Robert De Niro.
Worthy of Mention - Benjamin "Bugsy" Segal (1906 - 1947)
Benjamin Segal was born in 1906 in Brooklyn and soon met Meyer Lansky. He received the nickname "Bugsy" due to his unpredictable character. However, by killing people for Charlie Luciano, he made many enemies, and in the late 30s he was forced to flee to Los Angeles, where he met many stars.
Shortly after the passage of gambling laws in Nevada, he "borrowed" millions of dollars from the Syndicate and founded one of the first casino hotels in Las Vegas, the Flamingo. However, the business was not profitable, and soon after it was discovered in 1947 that he was simply stealing money from his friends, he was killed.
Films about him: the best actors who played Capone were Warren Beatty (Bugsy (1991) and Armand Assante The Marrying Man (1991).
Of course, these people were not saints, but we cannot help but admire the influence they had in their time. Now you know who was who in the criminal world. Stay out of trouble, smart guys ;).
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When people hear the word "Gangster", they often don't understand what it means. Approximately, everyone understands who it is, but still, there are bewilderments - who are gangsters?
Gangsters are people who are members of criminal organizations in the United States of America, Italy, China and many other countries. In its own way, this is a whole mafia.
All this originated in the 20th century, in America. It all started with street groups called “gangs”. The emergence of such gangster groups was caused by a law that did not find a response from the people, namely, a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages. Underground organizations began to operate.
Gangster look
The appearance of gangsters became the prototype for many movie characters. Today they make themed parties, holidays and outfits based on them. Their style has always been associated with wealth and money.
In order for the image to turn out successful, you need to take into account some factors. The basis of the whole image is a regular suit, blue or black with thin, barely noticeable stripes. The look was complemented by a vest and shirt made of expensive materials, most often satin. One more important element was a tie that was made of shiny material.
It was believed that gangster women were some of the most beautiful and successful. They usually wore short, tight dresses that were fully decorated with sequins and sparkles. The girls wanted to stand out and be bright.
A distinctive element of the gangster was a hat, the brim of which was very wide. Often they also wore neckerchiefs, tied neatly around them. Oxfords are the constant footwear of brutalists. The finishing touch of the look was gold jewelry. It could be cufflinks or an expensive, luxury watch.
Female gangsters
Gangsters were not only men, but also women. This was quite a common phenomenon for that time. Girls, like men, robbed banks and tried their luck. For example, Bonnie Parker, whom everyone knows. After all, the girl was Clyde's accomplice. There were a lot of rumors about this duo; they really are a criminal couple.
Who are gangsters in female form? These are self-confident, brave, strong and persistent ladies. Iron ladies, so to speak. In general, there are a lot of female gangsters in history, it’s just that, basically, all the attention was concentrated on men. After all, after all, where are they from the weaker sex? The girls, in turn, proved that they can be no worse than men and can also hit the jackpot.
Gangster Code
In order to become a real gangster, you need to pass many tests. Only after this do they live according to the law of real male honor. One of the main laws is silence. No one should know who is in their group. If the law was ignored, death awaited its violator. The code also says that mutual assistance is very important. Everyone must help their clan comrade.
Gangsters had a principle of inequality. Those lower in the hierarchy were expected to obey their superiors. It was impossible to attempt to assassinate comrades from the clan. Such people faced punishment from the top mafia. The gangsters tried to support each other in everything. Their union was strong. If you had already joined the clan and accepted the code, it was not easy to leave.
There were many rules and laws that gang members had to support. Gangsters are not just criminals, they are a strong and reliable association. They never betrayed their people and had no right to communicate with the police. If one of the gangsters killed his comrade, he must be punished by death. It was called a vendetta. There are also many other interesting facts:
- All people who wanted to join the clan, after initiation, became “ordinary” who, in principle, did the dirty work. They can also be called errand people. In this way they had to earn their trust.
- There was also a person in their community who conveyed the order. He was the link between superiors and subordinates.
- Any self-respecting gangster who was at the top of the hierarchy had a deputy. So to speak, the right hand.
- The gangsters were led by the one who led them. He could give instructions, cancel something. His to-do list included many responsibilities.
The most famous gangsters in history
- Pablo Escobar
Pablo lived in the 20th century and was a famous gangster. His entire fortune was built on drug trafficking. It was in this business that he had no equal in those days. The criminal was born in 1949. Everyone who had any experience with drugs knew him. After the death of the drug dealer, a huge fortune was left, which was estimated at three billion dollars.
- Frank Costello
He was unlucky to be born in those years when the economic crisis in the United States was raging with all its might. No one looked after or cared for him, so he was raised on the streets of the metropolis. Subsequently, this boy became one of the most famous gangsters in the world. He received a huge fortune, was engaged in the underground sale of alcohol, gambling and brothels.
- Carlo Gambino
It all started from childhood. The boy was born into a Sicilian mafia family. From a young age, he fully entered the mafia and became part of it. In 1957, the man became the Don of a gangster family. He was respected and feared.
- Mayer Lansky
Mayer was born in Belarus, and at the age of 9 he and his family moved to the United States of America. Later he and his family moved to New York. His passion was gambling. There were Lansky's famous gambling establishments all over the world. There was no equal to him in finance, he understood it very well. Everyone who knew Mayer admired his intelligence.
- Al Capone
Of course, this is one of the most famous gangsters in the world. He started down a slippery slope at a very young age when he attacked his mentor. He often indulged in illegal activities. These were liquor sales, brothels, contract killings. It was through such dirty deeds that he earned his living.
The life of gangsters was illegal, but filled with adrenaline and incredible events. Constant risk and an entertaining life line made stories about famous gangsters the basis for many scenarios and plots.
