1 00:00:07,407 --> 00:00:11,410 (Narrator) From the chaos of the New York City streets... 2 00:00:11,412 --> 00:00:16,114 (Gunshot firing) Rises a legion of visionary gangsters. 3 00:00:16,116 --> 00:00:19,250 Vicious killers and criminal geniuses 4 00:00:19,252 --> 00:00:21,719 determined to create their own version 5 00:00:21,721 --> 00:00:24,154 of the American dream. 6 00:00:24,156 --> 00:00:27,290 Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, 7 00:00:27,292 --> 00:00:30,259 Bugsy Siegel, Vito Genovese, 8 00:00:30,261 --> 00:00:33,362 and Frank Costello form alliances 9 00:00:33,364 --> 00:00:36,164 and revolutionize the underworld. 10 00:00:36,166 --> 00:00:39,734 You're looking at guys dressed in $250 suits and diamond rings. 11 00:00:39,736 --> 00:00:44,338 (Collective chatter) These guys don't get up early in the morning. 12 00:00:44,340 --> 00:00:47,741 They don't have to punch a clock. 13 00:00:47,743 --> 00:00:50,243 (Rapid gunfire) (Narrator) Over a 50-year period, 14 00:00:50,245 --> 00:00:53,546 these ambitious, young immigrants come together 15 00:00:53,548 --> 00:00:54,746 to form the American mafia, 16 00:00:54,748 --> 00:01:00,152 (applause) Making millions, killing thousands... 17 00:01:00,154 --> 00:01:05,723 (Gunshot firing) And changing the face of crime, forever. 18 00:01:05,725 --> 00:01:08,792 Their authority stretches across two continents, 19 00:01:08,794 --> 00:01:13,062 impacting global wars... 20 00:01:13,064 --> 00:01:16,098 And creating empires. 21 00:01:16,100 --> 00:01:18,600 (Rudy Giuliani) I don't think anyone has really described 22 00:01:18,602 --> 00:01:22,337 the grip the mafia had on America. 23 00:01:22,339 --> 00:01:25,373 There's none that had the institutional tentacles 24 00:01:25,375 --> 00:01:26,640 of the mafia. 25 00:01:26,642 --> 00:01:29,509 Totally criminal, totally amoral, 26 00:01:29,511 --> 00:01:32,712 totally horrible, but totally brilliant. 27 00:01:32,714 --> 00:01:37,616 ♪♪ 28 00:01:37,618 --> 00:01:39,718 (Gunshot firing) 29 00:01:39,720 --> 00:01:42,087 Just get it done, now. 30 00:01:42,089 --> 00:01:44,322 (Gunshot firing) 31 00:01:46,792 --> 00:01:50,094 ♪ This ain't no time ♪ 32 00:01:50,096 --> 00:01:53,864 ♪ to feel sorry for myself ♪ 33 00:01:53,866 --> 00:01:57,100 ♪ I can't help it ♪ 34 00:01:57,102 --> 00:01:59,402 ♪ cause there's nobody else ♪ 35 00:02:00,871 --> 00:02:06,341 ♪ I'll walk these streets with your name on my tongue ♪ 36 00:02:08,110 --> 00:02:13,180 ♪ but I dare not speak only there it belongs ♪ 37 00:02:15,283 --> 00:02:18,484 ♪ cause there's got to be a better way ♪ 38 00:02:20,687 --> 00:02:22,688 ♪ get away ♪ 39 00:02:30,396 --> 00:02:32,363 (Horn honking) 40 00:02:32,365 --> 00:02:39,436 ♪♪ 41 00:02:42,373 --> 00:02:47,577 ♪♪ 42 00:02:56,385 --> 00:02:57,484 (Indistinct chatter) 43 00:02:57,486 --> 00:02:59,387 (Narrator) In the fall of 1931... 44 00:02:59,389 --> 00:03:01,155 Lucky, good to see you. 45 00:03:01,157 --> 00:03:03,290 ... Charles "Lucky" Luciano 46 00:03:03,292 --> 00:03:06,192 calls the most powerful gangsters in America... 47 00:03:06,194 --> 00:03:07,393 Al. 48 00:03:07,395 --> 00:03:10,929 ... to a hotel in Chicago, 49 00:03:10,931 --> 00:03:13,631 for a meeting that will soon change everything. 50 00:03:17,636 --> 00:03:20,704 The blood on the streets must stop, 51 00:03:20,706 --> 00:03:23,707 and these cycles of revenge must end. 52 00:03:23,709 --> 00:03:25,942 We may be criminals, 53 00:03:25,944 --> 00:03:29,178 but that doesn't mean we're savages. 54 00:03:29,180 --> 00:03:33,248 We have to run our business like a business. 55 00:03:33,250 --> 00:03:35,550 To begin, we start organizing our families, 56 00:03:35,552 --> 00:03:37,552 like we did in sicily. 57 00:03:37,554 --> 00:03:39,620 The capos, the crews, the consiglieres, 58 00:03:39,622 --> 00:03:42,889 all reporting to the head of the family, 59 00:03:42,891 --> 00:03:47,393 but there will be no more boss of bosses. 60 00:03:47,395 --> 00:03:50,295 Instead, we'll have a board of directors, 61 00:03:50,297 --> 00:03:53,464 a commission run by the heads of the five New York families. 62 00:03:53,466 --> 00:03:56,967 They will have the final say in all matters, 63 00:03:56,969 --> 00:03:58,935 even life and death. 64 00:03:58,937 --> 00:04:06,208 ♪♪ 65 00:04:07,944 --> 00:04:10,578 To peace and profits. 66 00:04:10,580 --> 00:04:14,315 (Applause) 67 00:04:14,317 --> 00:04:16,283 (Narrator) In a single move, 68 00:04:16,285 --> 00:04:18,551 Luciano creates the most powerful 69 00:04:18,553 --> 00:04:22,655 organized crime syndicate America has ever seen. 70 00:04:22,657 --> 00:04:25,290 Uniting thousands of ruthless criminals 71 00:04:25,292 --> 00:04:28,526 across the country... 72 00:04:28,528 --> 00:04:34,598 And bringing order to a multimillion-dollar operation. 73 00:04:34,600 --> 00:04:39,336 It's the birth of the modern American mafia, 74 00:04:39,338 --> 00:04:42,672 and it all began more than two decades earlier. 75 00:04:44,474 --> 00:04:51,546 ♪♪ 76 00:04:59,388 --> 00:05:06,426 In 1906, nearly 900,000 immigrants pour into New York City. 77 00:05:06,428 --> 00:05:11,431 Among them, is a nine-year-old sicilian named Charles Luciano. 78 00:05:11,433 --> 00:05:16,035 ♪♪ 79 00:05:16,037 --> 00:05:21,506 Luciano and his family arrive with hopes of a better life, 80 00:05:21,508 --> 00:05:26,377 but what they find is nothing like what they expected. 81 00:05:30,582 --> 00:05:33,283 More than four million people live in New York City, 82 00:05:33,285 --> 00:05:37,353 piled into highly segregated tenements. 83 00:05:37,355 --> 00:05:40,622 And while most fight to scrape out an honest living, 84 00:05:40,624 --> 00:05:43,658 others turn to crime. 85 00:05:43,660 --> 00:05:45,393 As neighborhoods sprang up, 86 00:05:45,395 --> 00:05:47,895 whether they were Jewish, Irish, or Italian, 87 00:05:47,897 --> 00:05:49,496 you had exploiters. 88 00:05:49,498 --> 00:05:51,030 You had gangsters. 89 00:05:51,032 --> 00:05:53,499 They plundered from their own people. 90 00:05:53,501 --> 00:05:55,400 Shaked down storekeepers. 91 00:05:55,402 --> 00:05:56,601 If you didn't pay money for them, 92 00:05:56,603 --> 00:05:57,935 you might be beaten up. 93 00:05:57,937 --> 00:05:59,369 And it was easy money for them, 94 00:05:59,371 --> 00:06:01,971 and it was an easy market. 95 00:06:01,973 --> 00:06:03,505 (Narrator) Across the city, 96 00:06:04,940 --> 00:06:06,607 hundreds of unorganized gangs terrorize entire blocks 97 00:06:07,575 --> 00:06:09,042 in a chaotic turf war. 98 00:06:09,044 --> 00:06:14,013 There's a wide array of mobsters in New York City. 99 00:06:14,015 --> 00:06:16,515 There's mobs upon mob. It is damn dangerous 100 00:06:16,517 --> 00:06:21,620 because they are knocking each other off on the streets. 101 00:06:21,622 --> 00:06:23,655 (Gunshot firing, woman screams) 102 00:06:27,526 --> 00:06:30,427 (Baby crying) 103 00:06:30,429 --> 00:06:32,529 (Narrator) In this unstable environment, 104 00:06:33,464 --> 00:06:37,400 Luciano's family struggles to survive. 105 00:06:37,402 --> 00:06:41,504 (Door opens, closes) 106 00:06:41,506 --> 00:06:44,640 And as Luciano's father fails to find work, 107 00:06:44,642 --> 00:06:47,075 he turns to alcohol, 108 00:06:47,077 --> 00:06:50,511 and takes his frustrations out on his family. 109 00:06:50,513 --> 00:06:53,480 (Speaking in Italian) 110 00:06:54,815 --> 00:07:01,887 ♪♪ 111 00:07:05,591 --> 00:07:07,024 (Narrator) By age 15, 112 00:07:07,026 --> 00:07:09,359 Luciano has dropped out of school. 113 00:07:09,361 --> 00:07:11,627 And like most teenagers from the lower east side, 114 00:07:11,629 --> 00:07:13,462 he's hit the streets, 115 00:07:13,464 --> 00:07:15,430 looking for ways to support his family. 116 00:07:15,432 --> 00:07:16,631 Next hand. Next hand. 117 00:07:16,633 --> 00:07:18,466 For the people that I grew up with, 118 00:07:18,468 --> 00:07:21,001 who ended up getting involved in crime, 119 00:07:21,003 --> 00:07:22,569 there was nothing else. 120 00:07:22,571 --> 00:07:24,470 They didn't have a great education. 121 00:07:24,472 --> 00:07:27,606 In-in those days, if you came from a poor environment, 122 00:07:27,608 --> 00:07:31,042 this was a way of-of earning money. 123 00:07:31,044 --> 00:07:34,444 (Narrator) Luciano decides to join one of the dozens of gangs in his neighborhood. 124 00:07:34,446 --> 00:07:38,047 But, while most immigrants stick to their own kind, 125 00:07:38,049 --> 00:07:42,017 Luciano teams up with a couple of tough Jewish teenagers 126 00:07:42,019 --> 00:07:48,122 named Meyer Lansky and Benjamin "bugsy" Siegel. 127 00:07:48,124 --> 00:07:50,124 My grandfather, Meyer Lansky, 128 00:07:50,126 --> 00:07:53,427 met Lucky Luciano on the streets of New York. 129 00:07:53,429 --> 00:07:55,429 He was being run down for some money 130 00:07:55,431 --> 00:07:57,931 to cross over to the other neighborhood. 131 00:07:57,933 --> 00:08:01,701 My 5'4" grandfather said, "I'm not giving you any money. 132 00:08:01,703 --> 00:08:03,936 "You'll have to fight me for it." 133 00:08:03,938 --> 00:08:06,004 (Grunts) 134 00:08:07,539 --> 00:08:12,409 And at that point, Luciano respected him. 135 00:08:13,144 --> 00:08:14,944 He said he was the bravest man he ever met. 136 00:08:14,946 --> 00:08:16,044 (Collective chatter) 137 00:08:16,046 --> 00:08:17,913 (Narrator) Meyer Lansky is a Russian immigrant 138 00:08:18,115 --> 00:08:20,115 with a knack for mathematics, 139 00:08:20,117 --> 00:08:21,683 whose parents came to America 140 00:08:21,685 --> 00:08:23,651 to avoid religious persecution. 141 00:08:23,653 --> 00:08:25,185 (Man) Seven, oh! 142 00:08:25,187 --> 00:08:27,954 (Grunting) 143 00:08:27,956 --> 00:08:29,254 (Narrator) While Bugsy Siegel 144 00:08:29,256 --> 00:08:32,024 is an intimidating Jewish kid from Brooklyn, 145 00:08:32,026 --> 00:08:37,029 known for his charm, and also his violent outbursts. 146 00:08:37,031 --> 00:08:40,065 Bugsy Siegel got his nickname because when you were bugs, 147 00:08:40,067 --> 00:08:41,166 you were nuts. 148 00:08:41,168 --> 00:08:48,038 ♪♪ 149 00:08:48,040 --> 00:08:50,040 (Narrator) Combining their unique talents, 150 00:08:50,042 --> 00:08:53,476 Luciano, Lansky, and Siegel begin to establish themselves 151 00:08:53,478 --> 00:08:55,511 as an up and coming criminal force 152 00:08:55,513 --> 00:08:57,513 on the lower east side. 153 00:08:57,515 --> 00:09:01,116 (Rich Cohen) Luciano was really an American. 154 00:09:01,118 --> 00:09:03,084 He didn't have the prejudice 155 00:09:03,086 --> 00:09:05,519 of the-the generation older than him. 156 00:09:05,521 --> 00:09:08,154 He didn't really care about somebody's background. 157 00:09:08,156 --> 00:09:10,623 Whereas, a guy older than him might say, 158 00:09:10,625 --> 00:09:12,725 "this is a Jew, and I'm not doing business with him. 159 00:09:12,727 --> 00:09:14,193 "We don't do business with them." 160 00:09:15,161 --> 00:09:16,161 He could see, this guy and me, together, 161 00:09:16,163 --> 00:09:20,565 we can make something, and it sorta carried him. 162 00:09:20,567 --> 00:09:23,701 (Narrator) As his crew starts to have small-time success, 163 00:09:23,703 --> 00:09:27,137 Luciano sets his sights on joining the ranks 164 00:09:27,139 --> 00:09:31,074 of a much bigger operation. 165 00:09:31,076 --> 00:09:34,110 (Collective chatter) 166 00:09:35,011 --> 00:09:37,612 One of the more powerful gangsters in New York 167 00:09:37,614 --> 00:09:44,251 is a brutal sicilian thug named Joe Masseria. 168 00:09:44,253 --> 00:09:47,988 Masseria rules through violence and intimidation, 169 00:09:47,990 --> 00:09:50,256 and is now asserting his dominance 170 00:09:50,258 --> 00:09:55,628 in Luciano's neighborhood. 171 00:09:55,630 --> 00:09:57,563 Working for Masseria would be a fast track 172 00:09:57,565 --> 00:10:01,166 to the big leagues. 173 00:10:01,168 --> 00:10:03,168 But, to get in with the gangster, 174 00:10:03,170 --> 00:10:07,205 Luciano knows he'll need an opportunity to prove his worth. 175 00:10:10,742 --> 00:10:14,144 (Frank Costello) Come on, pay! 176 00:10:14,146 --> 00:10:16,079 (Man) I don't got it. I swear. 177 00:10:16,081 --> 00:10:19,015 He's lyin'. 178 00:10:19,017 --> 00:10:20,349 (Grunts) 179 00:10:20,351 --> 00:10:21,983 (Frank Costello) Just pay already. 180 00:10:21,985 --> 00:10:26,153 Please, I can't. I swear. 181 00:10:26,155 --> 00:10:28,654 (Gunshot firing) 182 00:10:32,091 --> 00:10:33,391 See what he has on him. Come on. 183 00:10:33,393 --> 00:10:35,126 Let's go. 184 00:10:40,965 --> 00:10:43,366 Looks like 50 bucks. 185 00:10:43,368 --> 00:10:45,901 See if he has any gold in his mouth. 186 00:10:45,903 --> 00:10:47,936 What? 187 00:10:52,141 --> 00:10:53,341 A couple fillings. 188 00:10:53,343 --> 00:10:54,909 Good. That's good. 189 00:10:54,911 --> 00:10:56,377 Get 'em. 190 00:11:01,082 --> 00:11:03,983 (Narrator) One of the newest recruits in Masseria's operation 191 00:11:03,985 --> 00:11:06,318 is a 20-year-old Italian immigrant 192 00:11:06,320 --> 00:11:09,020 named Frank Costello. 193 00:11:13,992 --> 00:11:15,058 Oh, Christ. 194 00:11:15,060 --> 00:11:16,759 (Cocks gun) 195 00:11:22,131 --> 00:11:25,066 Go on. Get outta here. 196 00:11:25,068 --> 00:11:26,067 Wait. 197 00:11:26,069 --> 00:11:29,003 Wait. 198 00:11:29,005 --> 00:11:32,373 Maybe we can give you a hand. 199 00:11:32,375 --> 00:11:34,007 Bugs. 200 00:11:34,009 --> 00:11:41,080 ♪♪ 201 00:11:51,891 --> 00:11:54,893 ♪♪ 202 00:12:28,760 --> 00:12:30,961 Meyer Lansky, 203 00:12:30,963 --> 00:12:33,129 and Bugsy Siegel 204 00:12:33,131 --> 00:12:35,931 are rising in the ranks of the New York underworld, 205 00:12:35,933 --> 00:12:38,967 after proving themselves as valuable recruits 206 00:12:38,969 --> 00:12:43,971 to up-and-coming gangster, Frank Costello. 207 00:12:43,973 --> 00:12:45,939 Over the next few years, 208 00:12:45,941 --> 00:12:49,742 they run successful rackets for Costello... 209 00:12:49,744 --> 00:12:53,979 Under Joe Masseria, a ruthless criminal kingpin. 210 00:12:56,916 --> 00:12:58,415 By 1919, the crew was nothing more 211 00:12:59,084 --> 00:13:00,951 than a group of petty criminals, 212 00:13:00,953 --> 00:13:04,020 making money through small-time gambling rings 213 00:13:04,022 --> 00:13:06,022 and protection shakedowns. 214 00:13:10,894 --> 00:13:14,229 Seeing an opportunity to strengthen their crew, 215 00:13:14,231 --> 00:13:17,031 Frank Costello brings in a new soldier. 216 00:13:18,967 --> 00:13:20,968 (Vito Genovese) Guys, we gotta move. We gotta move. 217 00:13:20,970 --> 00:13:23,036 We got 16 boxes up here. We gotta get 'em outta here. 218 00:13:23,038 --> 00:13:24,337 Let's go. 219 00:13:24,339 --> 00:13:25,504 Come on, guys. Two at a time. 220 00:13:25,506 --> 00:13:26,604 Three at a time. Let's go. 221 00:13:26,606 --> 00:13:28,306 Let's go. Let's keep it movin'. 222 00:13:28,308 --> 00:13:29,240 It's all right. 223 00:13:29,242 --> 00:13:31,775 Hey, Frank. Vito. 224 00:13:31,777 --> 00:13:32,976 I want you to meet my associate, 225 00:13:32,978 --> 00:13:34,110 Charlie Luciano. 226 00:13:34,112 --> 00:13:35,978 Nice to meet ya. Likewise. 227 00:13:35,980 --> 00:13:37,813 Vito's in the import-export business. 228 00:13:37,815 --> 00:13:40,048 Mostly import. 229 00:13:40,050 --> 00:13:44,185 (Narrator) Vito Genovese is a low-level sicilian thug, 230 00:13:44,187 --> 00:13:47,855 and has earned a reputation as a lethal enforcer. 231 00:13:47,857 --> 00:13:50,557 (Grunting) 232 00:13:50,559 --> 00:13:52,091 Busted! 233 00:13:52,093 --> 00:13:56,862 Vito Genovese was almost a classical tough guy. 234 00:13:56,864 --> 00:13:59,397 Who'd be a guy who-who beat up innocent victims. 235 00:13:59,399 --> 00:14:00,998 Who would slug anybody. 236 00:14:01,000 --> 00:14:04,001 Who would kick a dog when he was down. 237 00:14:04,003 --> 00:14:06,937 There was nothing, no atrocity he wouldn't pull. 238 00:14:06,939 --> 00:14:09,005 Toughest guy in the world. 239 00:14:09,007 --> 00:14:10,473 And he wanted that reputation. 240 00:14:10,475 --> 00:14:15,544 ♪♪ 241 00:14:15,546 --> 00:14:18,013 (Laughter) Wasn't that crazy? You're a sick bastard, man. 242 00:14:18,015 --> 00:14:18,980 (Indistinct). 243 00:14:18,982 --> 00:14:20,047 Got a smokin' hot rack, though. 244 00:14:20,049 --> 00:14:23,183 (Collective chatter) 245 00:14:23,185 --> 00:14:24,817 Whoo-hoo-hoo. 246 00:14:24,819 --> 00:14:25,951 Hey, Charlie, there ya go. 247 00:14:25,953 --> 00:14:27,452 Smokes. 248 00:14:27,454 --> 00:14:28,920 (Narrator) With Vito Genovese on board, 249 00:14:28,922 --> 00:14:30,855 they're ready to transform their crew 250 00:14:30,857 --> 00:14:35,159 from low-level street thugs into a legitimate gang. 251 00:14:35,161 --> 00:14:39,229 Meyer Lansky is the money man. 252 00:14:39,231 --> 00:14:40,897 Bugsy Siegel is the suave charmer 253 00:14:40,899 --> 00:14:44,133 with ruthless instincts. 254 00:14:44,135 --> 00:14:46,068 Frank Costello has all the connections 255 00:14:46,070 --> 00:14:50,005 and knows how to play the system. 256 00:14:50,007 --> 00:14:53,207 And Luciano is a visionary with relentless ambition. 257 00:14:56,077 --> 00:15:00,546 They know all they need now is the right opportunity. 258 00:15:03,917 --> 00:15:06,485 On January 17th, 1920, 259 00:15:06,487 --> 00:15:10,121 the government passes the 18th amendment, 260 00:15:10,123 --> 00:15:14,859 and prohibition goes into effect, 261 00:15:15,627 --> 00:15:18,629 making the sale and distribution of alcohol illegal. 262 00:15:18,631 --> 00:15:20,497 The theory was, 263 00:15:20,499 --> 00:15:24,567 prohibition would, uh, decrease, uh, alcoholism, 264 00:15:24,569 --> 00:15:26,869 and it would increase the morals 265 00:15:27,637 --> 00:15:29,004 and the moral fiber of Americans. 266 00:15:29,006 --> 00:15:33,541 The whole concept backfired. 267 00:15:33,543 --> 00:15:35,442 (Narrator) Instead of cleaning up America, 268 00:15:35,444 --> 00:15:39,612 prohibition plays into the hands of the gangsters, 269 00:15:39,614 --> 00:15:45,150 creating a billion-dollar industry virtually overnight. 270 00:15:45,152 --> 00:15:46,651 Prohibition was one of the best things 271 00:15:46,653 --> 00:15:49,553 the government ever did for the mob. 272 00:15:49,555 --> 00:15:51,421 Because supply and demand, 273 00:15:51,423 --> 00:15:53,556 and the demand was people wanted to drink 274 00:15:53,558 --> 00:15:56,659 and there was no supply. 275 00:15:56,661 --> 00:15:59,895 So, the gangsters made a lot of money on it. 276 00:16:03,099 --> 00:16:05,100 I want these payments coming in every two weeks. 277 00:16:05,102 --> 00:16:08,036 If a guy doesn't pay, kill him. 278 00:16:08,038 --> 00:16:09,470 Come on. You're pissing me off. 279 00:16:09,472 --> 00:16:12,072 Get outta here. 280 00:16:12,074 --> 00:16:16,676 (Narrator) Joe Masseria has been running gambling rackets, 281 00:16:16,678 --> 00:16:18,544 but he changes his entire business plan 282 00:16:18,546 --> 00:16:22,915 to take advantage of prohibition. 283 00:16:22,917 --> 00:16:24,616 Masseria creates an underground network 284 00:16:24,618 --> 00:16:28,052 of bootlegging distilleries in warehouses, 285 00:16:28,054 --> 00:16:31,522 selling his own product at a curbside liquor market 286 00:16:31,524 --> 00:16:32,990 and secret drinking establishments 287 00:16:32,992 --> 00:16:35,625 called "speakeasies." 288 00:16:35,627 --> 00:16:37,526 In just months, 289 00:16:37,528 --> 00:16:41,129 there are as many as 100,000 speakeasies in New York, 290 00:16:41,131 --> 00:16:44,699 and thousands of them are selling Masseria's liquor. 291 00:16:44,701 --> 00:16:48,502 Prohibition probably reverses Joe Masseria's fortunes 292 00:16:48,504 --> 00:16:50,604 more than anybody else in the underworld. 293 00:16:50,606 --> 00:16:53,707 He goes from being petty bootlegger, 294 00:16:53,709 --> 00:16:55,475 to the king of the underworld. 295 00:16:55,477 --> 00:16:59,579 Joe Masseria becomes Joe the boss. 296 00:16:59,581 --> 00:17:03,215 (Narrator) Thanks to prohibition, Masseria's empire expands, 297 00:17:03,217 --> 00:17:05,550 and now covers half of Manhattan. 298 00:17:11,189 --> 00:17:13,623 (Indistinct chatter) 299 00:17:13,625 --> 00:17:15,091 Take that over there. 300 00:17:15,093 --> 00:17:16,592 Now, this guy's been short all week. 301 00:17:16,594 --> 00:17:18,393 Yeah, who is it? Send 'em to Vito. 302 00:17:18,395 --> 00:17:20,461 No, I want you to have a boy talk to him. 303 00:17:20,463 --> 00:17:21,861 (Narrator) Working with Costello, 304 00:17:21,863 --> 00:17:25,232 Luciano and his crew are bringing in money for Masseria. 305 00:17:25,634 --> 00:17:27,700 But not enough to get noticed. 306 00:17:27,702 --> 00:17:30,569 Meyer, come here. 307 00:17:30,571 --> 00:17:33,538 (Narrator) Luciano begins to devise a plan. 308 00:17:33,540 --> 00:17:36,140 One that he hopes will get Masseria's attention. 309 00:17:36,142 --> 00:17:37,207 Get things movin'. Get it movin', man. 310 00:17:37,209 --> 00:17:39,976 I know, I know, I know. I understand. 311 00:17:39,978 --> 00:17:42,111 The mafia people, like Luciano, 312 00:17:42,113 --> 00:17:44,079 were ambitious. 313 00:17:44,081 --> 00:17:45,713 They were entrepreneurial. 314 00:17:45,715 --> 00:17:48,549 They were not willing to exist on the lowest level 315 00:17:48,551 --> 00:17:50,050 of the social pecking order. 316 00:17:50,052 --> 00:17:53,453 They were opportunistic people. 317 00:17:53,455 --> 00:17:55,021 The booze is comin' right through here, 318 00:17:55,023 --> 00:17:57,556 right up the coast of New Jersey. 319 00:17:57,558 --> 00:17:59,524 It's headin' to Philly. 320 00:17:59,526 --> 00:18:01,092 It's gonna be good stuff. 321 00:18:01,094 --> 00:18:04,195 Are we sure about that route? 322 00:18:04,197 --> 00:18:05,663 We tracked it for a couple weeks. 323 00:18:05,665 --> 00:18:07,665 Yeah. This is the big time, boys. 324 00:18:07,667 --> 00:18:12,236 (Narrator) Luciano decides to hijack a rival gang's truck, 325 00:18:12,238 --> 00:18:17,574 filled with illegal booze, and deliver it to Masseria. 326 00:18:17,576 --> 00:18:19,275 If he can pull it off, 327 00:18:19,277 --> 00:18:22,544 he'll have a chance to move up in Masseria's organization 328 00:18:22,546 --> 00:18:25,446 and finally earn some big money. 329 00:18:25,448 --> 00:18:29,616 If anybody wants to back out, now's the time. 330 00:18:29,618 --> 00:18:33,553 Luciano emerged from this whole group 331 00:18:33,555 --> 00:18:35,621 because he was not afraid to make decisions. 332 00:18:35,623 --> 00:18:37,456 He was a leader. 333 00:18:37,458 --> 00:18:40,392 Salud. 334 00:18:49,201 --> 00:18:56,273 ♪♪ 335 00:18:59,277 --> 00:19:06,349 ♪♪ 336 00:19:08,251 --> 00:19:10,650 (Joe Mantegna) This country has a history of the old west. 337 00:19:10,652 --> 00:19:12,787 I mean, you know, we were the pioneers, and cowboys, 338 00:19:12,789 --> 00:19:14,255 and the gunslingers, and all that. 339 00:19:14,257 --> 00:19:16,523 I mean, you know, jump cut 100 years, 340 00:19:16,525 --> 00:19:19,291 and now you got the mob. 341 00:19:22,094 --> 00:19:24,628 It-they're just-they're just cowboys in pinstripe suits. 342 00:19:26,398 --> 00:19:33,470 ♪♪ 343 00:19:36,474 --> 00:19:41,811 ♪♪ 344 00:19:43,947 --> 00:19:45,714 Need some help? 345 00:19:45,716 --> 00:19:52,320 ♪♪ 346 00:19:52,322 --> 00:19:54,322 Not exactly. 347 00:19:54,324 --> 00:19:57,258 (Cocks guns) 348 00:19:57,260 --> 00:19:59,293 (Rapid gunfire, man groans) 349 00:19:59,295 --> 00:20:06,366 ♪♪ 350 00:20:11,805 --> 00:20:14,640 (Man) don't you know whose truck this is? 351 00:20:14,642 --> 00:20:16,842 Masseria. 352 00:20:16,844 --> 00:20:18,610 Joe Masseria. 353 00:20:18,612 --> 00:20:25,683 ♪♪ 354 00:20:30,455 --> 00:20:34,957 (Narrator) Luciano and his crew have just pulled off a huge heist. 355 00:20:34,959 --> 00:20:37,392 The only problem is, 356 00:20:37,394 --> 00:20:41,729 they've robbed a truck belonging to their own boss. 357 00:20:48,236 --> 00:20:50,337 (Rapid gunfire, man groans) 358 00:20:50,339 --> 00:20:53,306 (Narrator) In an effort to make a name for themselves, 359 00:20:53,308 --> 00:20:57,510 Charles Luciano and his gang have pulled off a daring heist, 360 00:20:57,512 --> 00:20:59,411 only to learn they've inadvertently stolen 361 00:20:59,413 --> 00:21:03,648 from their own boss, Joe Masseria. 362 00:21:12,323 --> 00:21:15,024 Luciano knows that he and his crew can't just return 363 00:21:15,026 --> 00:21:16,558 what they've stolen, 364 00:21:16,560 --> 00:21:18,560 as Masseria will make a brutal example 365 00:21:18,562 --> 00:21:20,728 of anyone who crosses him. 366 00:21:22,497 --> 00:21:24,297 (Knock on door) 367 00:21:30,537 --> 00:21:32,371 (Frank) It's Frank. Let me in. 368 00:21:45,318 --> 00:21:49,587 Masseria's got guys lookin' for us everywhere. 369 00:21:49,589 --> 00:21:51,755 We can't just stay holed up here forever. 370 00:21:53,624 --> 00:21:55,992 Let's just take him out. 371 00:21:55,994 --> 00:21:57,493 It's either him or us. It might as well be him, right? 372 00:21:58,461 --> 00:22:01,463 You can't just walk in there and take out Masseria. 373 00:22:01,465 --> 00:22:03,531 You're right... 374 00:22:03,533 --> 00:22:06,400 But we're not gonna be hunted down like dogs, either. 375 00:22:06,402 --> 00:22:11,438 What the hell are we gonna do, Charlie? 376 00:22:12,406 --> 00:22:13,072 I'll go see Masseria myself. 377 00:22:13,074 --> 00:22:18,376 ♪♪ 378 00:22:18,378 --> 00:22:21,045 Luciano was smart, but he was a tough guy, 379 00:22:21,047 --> 00:22:22,479 and he was a street guy. 380 00:22:22,481 --> 00:22:24,380 And you put that together, 381 00:22:24,382 --> 00:22:27,316 and you got this kinda unstoppable force. 382 00:22:33,056 --> 00:22:35,557 (Footsteps approaching) 383 00:22:35,559 --> 00:22:42,630 ♪♪ 384 00:22:45,567 --> 00:22:51,071 ♪♪ 385 00:22:56,943 --> 00:22:59,678 You got some big balls comin' over here like this. 386 00:23:01,047 --> 00:23:03,114 (Grunts) 387 00:23:11,655 --> 00:23:15,090 Tell me why I shouldn't kill you right now. 388 00:23:15,092 --> 00:23:17,759 I didn't know the trucks were yours. 389 00:23:17,761 --> 00:23:21,662 If I knew they were yours, i would ne-- shut up. 390 00:23:21,664 --> 00:23:24,998 Ever kill anyone, Luciano? 391 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,400 No. 392 00:23:33,006 --> 00:23:35,574 It's actually pretty easy. 393 00:23:35,576 --> 00:23:37,609 Some people say... 394 00:23:37,611 --> 00:23:40,445 It's an acquired taste. 395 00:23:40,447 --> 00:23:44,548 But, to me, it comes very naturally. 396 00:23:46,984 --> 00:23:48,084 (Cocks gun) 397 00:23:48,086 --> 00:23:49,718 Let me make it right. 398 00:23:49,720 --> 00:23:51,686 Too late. 399 00:23:53,155 --> 00:23:57,424 You give me a name... I'll murder for you. 400 00:23:57,426 --> 00:24:04,497 ♪♪ 401 00:24:18,177 --> 00:24:20,545 How'd it go with Masseria? 402 00:24:25,049 --> 00:24:28,418 I'm alive. 403 00:24:28,420 --> 00:24:30,186 Damn, they really worked you over. 404 00:24:33,557 --> 00:24:36,992 Thanks for taking the fall for us. 405 00:24:36,994 --> 00:24:39,159 don't thank me yet. 406 00:24:42,062 --> 00:24:44,430 I need your help. 407 00:24:44,432 --> 00:24:45,731 With what? 408 00:24:45,733 --> 00:24:48,066 Killing Umberto Valenti. 409 00:24:50,436 --> 00:24:52,170 What? 410 00:24:52,172 --> 00:24:54,939 If I don't kill him, we're all dead. 411 00:25:02,747 --> 00:25:04,781 (Narrator) Umberto Valenti is a feared assassin 412 00:25:04,783 --> 00:25:08,184 who's murdered over 20 men... 413 00:25:08,186 --> 00:25:11,620 (Collective screaming) And nearly killed Joe Masseria just days earlier. 414 00:25:11,622 --> 00:25:16,591 ♪♪ 415 00:25:16,593 --> 00:25:19,594 Luciano has never killed before. 416 00:25:19,596 --> 00:25:23,164 And now he must take out one of the most dangerous mobsters 417 00:25:23,166 --> 00:25:25,866 in New York. 418 00:25:25,868 --> 00:25:28,034 (michael green) There are mobsters who liked to kill. 419 00:25:28,036 --> 00:25:29,668 But, there are other mobsters, 420 00:25:29,670 --> 00:25:31,169 and Luciano is in this category, 421 00:25:31,171 --> 00:25:33,237 they'll kill when they must. 422 00:25:33,239 --> 00:25:37,007 And, he has to make some tough decisions. 423 00:25:37,009 --> 00:25:38,041 (Narrator) For weeks, 424 00:25:38,043 --> 00:25:41,244 Luciano and his crew plan the hit on Umberto Valenti, 425 00:25:41,246 --> 00:25:44,614 waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. 426 00:25:44,616 --> 00:25:48,684 I always felt that the mentality of a wise guy 427 00:25:48,686 --> 00:25:50,519 when he has to shoot somebody, 428 00:25:50,521 --> 00:25:54,256 it's no different from, uh, being in the trenches. 429 00:25:54,258 --> 00:25:55,824 So, war is war. 430 00:25:55,826 --> 00:25:57,992 A soldier is a soldier, 431 00:25:57,994 --> 00:25:59,960 whether you're a soldier for the wise guys 432 00:25:59,962 --> 00:26:01,828 or you're a soldier for the government. 433 00:26:04,264 --> 00:26:11,536 ♪♪ 434 00:26:16,541 --> 00:26:21,711 (Meyer Lansky) There he is. 435 00:26:21,713 --> 00:26:23,212 You ready? 436 00:26:23,214 --> 00:26:30,285 ♪♪ 437 00:26:45,867 --> 00:26:48,268 (Meyer Lansky) There he is. 438 00:26:48,270 --> 00:26:50,069 You ready? 439 00:26:52,072 --> 00:26:59,144 ♪♪ 440 00:27:02,181 --> 00:27:09,253 ♪♪ 441 00:27:09,988 --> 00:27:12,289 (Rapid gunfire) 442 00:27:12,291 --> 00:27:15,158 (Collective screaming) 443 00:27:22,331 --> 00:27:23,430 (Sal Polisi) In the mob, 444 00:27:23,432 --> 00:27:26,200 you will get an order to commit a violent act. 445 00:27:26,202 --> 00:27:28,936 Now, you have to detach yourself from the act. 446 00:27:29,904 --> 00:27:33,306 You have to think that you are paying homage to the boss, 447 00:27:33,308 --> 00:27:35,241 and you're doing what's expected of you. 448 00:27:35,243 --> 00:27:37,876 So, you have to be strong-minded, 449 00:27:38,844 --> 00:27:40,744 and, uh, think you have a license to do it. 450 00:27:40,746 --> 00:27:43,012 You-you're just gonna do it, no matter what. 451 00:27:43,014 --> 00:27:46,749 (Sirens blaring) 452 00:27:46,751 --> 00:27:48,751 (Narrator) At age 25, 453 00:27:48,753 --> 00:27:51,854 Charles Luciano has committed his first murder. 454 00:27:51,856 --> 00:27:55,724 He saves himself and his crew, 455 00:27:55,726 --> 00:27:58,159 but he's also put himself under Masseria's control. 456 00:28:03,764 --> 00:28:07,032 (Indistinct chatter) 457 00:28:07,034 --> 00:28:13,071 (Narrator) Masseria sees the gangster's potential and promotes him. 458 00:28:13,073 --> 00:28:14,939 A lot of good it'd do you. 459 00:28:14,941 --> 00:28:16,674 Just listen for a second. 460 00:28:16,676 --> 00:28:18,842 (Narrator) Now in Masseria's inner circle, 461 00:28:19,810 --> 00:28:21,644 Luciano was ordered to run a high stakes racket, 462 00:28:21,646 --> 00:28:26,781 selling a recently outlawed painkiller... 463 00:28:26,783 --> 00:28:28,749 Known as heroin. 464 00:28:31,219 --> 00:28:32,819 (michael green) Heroin was legal in America 465 00:28:32,821 --> 00:28:34,854 into, well, the teens, 466 00:28:34,856 --> 00:28:37,122 and it's a drug that is legitimate. 467 00:28:37,124 --> 00:28:38,790 It was just being sold, 468 00:28:38,792 --> 00:28:42,193 and people could get to sleep a little more easily. 469 00:28:42,195 --> 00:28:46,263 There'd be heroin in things like cough syrup, 470 00:28:46,265 --> 00:28:48,898 in aspirin. 471 00:28:48,900 --> 00:28:53,235 (Narrator) Heroin usage quickly spirals out of control. 472 00:28:53,237 --> 00:28:57,639 And when the government finally makes it illegal, 473 00:28:57,641 --> 00:28:59,674 demand skyrockets. 474 00:29:02,411 --> 00:29:05,345 Heroin becomes Joe Masseria's biggest business. 475 00:29:09,083 --> 00:29:10,917 The myth of the mafia not dealing in drugs 476 00:29:10,919 --> 00:29:12,385 comes from "the godfather," 477 00:29:12,387 --> 00:29:15,421 when Don Corleone spoke the lines about, 478 00:29:15,423 --> 00:29:17,389 "we don't do that. It takes people's souls." 479 00:29:17,391 --> 00:29:19,924 I don't think there's any truth in it. 480 00:29:19,926 --> 00:29:23,394 They were interested in making money. 481 00:29:23,396 --> 00:29:30,667 ♪♪ 482 00:29:32,370 --> 00:29:33,903 (Luciano) Vito. 483 00:29:33,905 --> 00:29:35,003 Come on. 484 00:29:35,005 --> 00:29:37,539 (Narrator) Luciano and his crew devise ways of smuggling heroin 485 00:29:37,541 --> 00:29:39,107 to their clients, 486 00:29:39,109 --> 00:29:42,076 like disguising their deliveries in hatboxes. 487 00:29:42,078 --> 00:29:46,246 Their main customers are prostitutes, 488 00:29:46,248 --> 00:29:48,448 reliable addicts who can sell Luciano's drug 489 00:29:48,450 --> 00:29:50,983 out of local brothels. 490 00:29:55,555 --> 00:30:00,225 Luciano quickly becomes one of Masseria's top earners. 491 00:30:00,227 --> 00:30:03,094 Pulling in what he used to make in four months, 492 00:30:03,096 --> 00:30:05,262 in just one day. 493 00:30:05,264 --> 00:30:08,231 (Collective chatter, laughter) 494 00:30:08,233 --> 00:30:15,304 ♪♪ 495 00:30:18,274 --> 00:30:23,311 ♪♪ 496 00:30:51,272 --> 00:30:53,006 (Woman screams) 497 00:30:53,008 --> 00:30:54,841 (Collective shouting) 498 00:31:01,347 --> 00:31:05,550 (Indistinct chatter) 499 00:31:05,552 --> 00:31:08,286 (Narrator) Luciano was arrested for dealing heroin 500 00:31:08,288 --> 00:31:12,623 and sentenced to six months in prison. 501 00:31:12,625 --> 00:31:17,260 He's proven himself a loyal member of Masseria's crew, 502 00:31:17,262 --> 00:31:20,863 but it's only landed him behind bars. 503 00:31:20,865 --> 00:31:24,099 (Prisoner chatter) 504 00:31:24,101 --> 00:31:26,501 While Luciano was left rotting in jail, 505 00:31:26,503 --> 00:31:30,638 Masseria continues to rake in the profits. 506 00:31:30,640 --> 00:31:35,509 Luciano begins to realize that if he truly wants to succeed, 507 00:31:35,511 --> 00:31:39,112 he'll have to find a way to become his own boss. 508 00:31:44,384 --> 00:31:51,456 ♪♪ 509 00:31:52,257 --> 00:31:53,890 After serving his prison sentence, 510 00:31:53,892 --> 00:31:56,425 Charles Luciano was a free man, 511 00:31:56,427 --> 00:32:00,395 determined to find a better way to succeed in crime. 512 00:32:04,500 --> 00:32:06,968 While Luciano was behind bars, 513 00:32:06,970 --> 00:32:09,503 his partner, Meyer Lansky, 514 00:32:09,505 --> 00:32:13,507 made an important new contact with another major bootlegger 515 00:32:13,509 --> 00:32:16,943 in New York City. 516 00:32:16,945 --> 00:32:20,379 His name is Arnold Rothstein. 517 00:32:20,381 --> 00:32:22,447 My grandfather met Arnold Rothstein 518 00:32:22,449 --> 00:32:24,449 at a bar mitzvah. 519 00:32:24,451 --> 00:32:26,484 They talked. They were introduced. 520 00:32:26,486 --> 00:32:29,420 Arnold Rothstein saw potential in my grandfather. 521 00:32:29,422 --> 00:32:32,389 They talked business for hours. 522 00:32:32,391 --> 00:32:34,591 There was an instant respect. 523 00:32:41,531 --> 00:32:43,698 (Narrator) Born to a middle class Jewish family, 524 00:32:43,700 --> 00:32:46,333 Rothstein disappointed his parents 525 00:32:46,335 --> 00:32:49,369 by gambling at a young age. 526 00:32:49,371 --> 00:32:51,571 He would go on to fix horse races, 527 00:32:51,573 --> 00:32:54,707 operate illegal casinos, 528 00:32:54,709 --> 00:32:56,375 and plan the most notorious sports betting scandal 529 00:32:56,377 --> 00:32:59,211 of all time. 530 00:32:59,213 --> 00:33:04,349 (Crowd cheering) 531 00:33:04,351 --> 00:33:07,952 (Selwyn Raab) Arnold Rothstein was known as the brain. 532 00:33:07,954 --> 00:33:10,955 One of his claims to fortune, or to acclaim, 533 00:33:10,957 --> 00:33:16,226 was that he had fixed the 1919 world series. 534 00:33:16,228 --> 00:33:20,630 (Narrator) It will come to be known as the "Black Sox Scandal." 535 00:33:20,632 --> 00:33:24,200 Arnold Rothstein bets heavily on the series, 536 00:33:24,202 --> 00:33:27,302 winning the modern day equivalent of $4 million. 537 00:33:30,639 --> 00:33:33,407 When prohibition goes into effect, 538 00:33:33,409 --> 00:33:37,411 Rothstein sees an opportunity to make a fortune. 539 00:33:37,413 --> 00:33:39,513 But, unlike Joe Masseria, 540 00:33:39,515 --> 00:33:42,983 Rothstein treats his operation like a legitimate business 541 00:33:42,985 --> 00:33:47,454 and earns a reputation around the city. 542 00:33:47,456 --> 00:33:49,355 (Rich Cohen) Arnold Rothstein was an influence and model, 543 00:33:49,357 --> 00:33:50,356 not just his vision for business, 544 00:33:50,358 --> 00:33:52,624 but his whole way of life. 545 00:33:52,626 --> 00:33:54,392 He could go into a ballroom 546 00:33:54,394 --> 00:33:56,293 and mix with the fanciest people in the city, 547 00:33:56,295 --> 00:33:58,295 or he could go downtown and handle himself 548 00:33:58,297 --> 00:34:00,397 with the biggest thugs in the city. 549 00:34:00,399 --> 00:34:04,567 His style influence becomes the modern gangster. 550 00:34:04,569 --> 00:34:07,303 So, any time you see a guy on a street corner 551 00:34:07,305 --> 00:34:09,471 pull out a big wad of bills all rolled together, 552 00:34:09,473 --> 00:34:11,306 that's Rothstein. 553 00:34:11,308 --> 00:34:17,578 ♪♪ 554 00:34:17,580 --> 00:34:21,281 That's good. 555 00:34:21,283 --> 00:34:24,317 All right, good. Yeah, hey. 556 00:34:24,319 --> 00:34:27,353 That's him. 557 00:34:27,355 --> 00:34:29,388 He's bringing more booze into Manhattan right now 558 00:34:29,390 --> 00:34:31,390 than anybody. 559 00:34:31,392 --> 00:34:33,258 Let's go. 560 00:34:33,260 --> 00:34:34,459 (Narrator) Meyer Lansky knows that 561 00:34:34,461 --> 00:34:36,559 working for a sophisticated gangster like Rothstein 562 00:34:36,561 --> 00:34:39,764 is the big opportunity that he and Luciano 563 00:34:39,766 --> 00:34:41,699 have been looking for. 564 00:34:41,701 --> 00:34:43,634 Mr. Rothstein, this is my friend, 565 00:34:43,636 --> 00:34:44,735 Charlie Luciano. 566 00:34:44,737 --> 00:34:47,237 (Luciano) Nice to meet you. 567 00:34:47,239 --> 00:34:49,372 Rothstein is very good 568 00:34:49,374 --> 00:34:53,409 at sizing up situations and people. 569 00:34:53,411 --> 00:34:58,446 Smart people recognize smartness in other people. 570 00:34:58,448 --> 00:35:01,415 Yeah, I'll tell you what. 571 00:35:01,417 --> 00:35:04,284 We're gonna try somethin' out here. 572 00:35:04,286 --> 00:35:05,385 I'll give you a shot. 573 00:35:05,387 --> 00:35:07,353 See if you don't screw it up. 574 00:35:15,328 --> 00:35:18,496 (Narrator) Luciano was still part of Joe Masseria's gang, 575 00:35:18,498 --> 00:35:21,232 but he begins distributing alcohol for Rothstein 576 00:35:21,234 --> 00:35:23,267 on the side. 577 00:35:29,273 --> 00:35:31,274 (Arnold Rothstein) You're on the right track, Charlie. 578 00:35:31,276 --> 00:35:33,743 As long as you keep your eye on the business, 579 00:35:33,745 --> 00:35:36,512 you'll do just fine. 580 00:35:36,514 --> 00:35:37,612 (Narrator) In Luciano, 581 00:35:37,614 --> 00:35:40,449 Rothstein sees a different kind of gangster. 582 00:35:40,451 --> 00:35:44,486 One who can also see the potential in branching out. 583 00:35:44,488 --> 00:35:46,654 He believed in makin' money, 584 00:35:46,656 --> 00:35:49,423 and he didn't care on what your nationality was 585 00:35:49,425 --> 00:35:50,690 or the color of your skin. 586 00:35:50,692 --> 00:35:52,191 He wanted to make money. 587 00:35:52,193 --> 00:35:54,259 He was a businessman. 588 00:35:54,261 --> 00:35:56,227 (Narrator) For Luciano, 589 00:35:56,229 --> 00:36:01,131 Rothstein is a role model he can finally look up to. 590 00:36:01,133 --> 00:36:05,568 The father he always wanted, but never had. 591 00:36:07,237 --> 00:36:10,305 And Luciano's new mentor was teaching him 592 00:36:11,206 --> 00:36:12,839 there's a smarter way to do business. 593 00:36:18,678 --> 00:36:20,578 Rothstein begins to show Luciano 594 00:36:20,580 --> 00:36:23,714 how to organize his criminal rackets like a corporation. 595 00:36:23,716 --> 00:36:26,116 How long do you keep these books? 596 00:36:26,118 --> 00:36:27,884 You keep these books forever. 597 00:36:27,886 --> 00:36:29,852 (Narrator) Teaching him to dress like a businessman... 598 00:36:29,854 --> 00:36:32,454 (Indistinct chatter) 599 00:36:32,456 --> 00:36:35,557 ... and to sell quality liquor to maximize his profits. 600 00:36:36,892 --> 00:36:42,863 Luciano is not exactly as polished as Arnold Rothstein, 601 00:36:42,865 --> 00:36:46,166 but he's willing to learn. 602 00:36:46,168 --> 00:36:47,634 No, no, no, no, no. 603 00:36:47,636 --> 00:36:51,237 Rothstein says, "make yourself into someone 604 00:36:51,239 --> 00:36:54,306 "who can work not only the lower east side, 605 00:36:54,308 --> 00:36:55,874 "the Upper East Side. 606 00:36:55,876 --> 00:36:57,709 "Be a success." 607 00:37:01,580 --> 00:37:04,579 (Man) Put these bottles in the back, wherever you got 'em, all right, men? 608 00:37:04,581 --> 00:37:06,779 That's the good stuff, from Rothstein. Yeah, it's good. 609 00:37:06,781 --> 00:37:08,651 It's good stuff, yeah. Yeah, yeah, really good. 610 00:37:08,653 --> 00:37:10,052 (Narrator) Working for Rothstein, 611 00:37:10,054 --> 00:37:12,388 Luciano and his gang begin organizing their operation... 612 00:37:12,390 --> 00:37:14,690 (Indistinct chatter) 613 00:37:14,692 --> 00:37:17,325 ... and selling top shelf liquor to high-end speakeasies 614 00:37:17,327 --> 00:37:19,293 around Manhattan. 615 00:37:19,295 --> 00:37:21,461 Pulling in more money than ever before. 616 00:37:21,463 --> 00:37:23,863 (Collective chatter) 617 00:37:23,865 --> 00:37:26,432 Get outta here. 618 00:37:26,434 --> 00:37:27,900 Give him a drink. 619 00:37:27,902 --> 00:37:29,768 Look at this this guy. 620 00:37:29,770 --> 00:37:31,336 (Laughter) 621 00:37:31,338 --> 00:37:34,806 (Narrator) There's just one problem. 622 00:37:34,808 --> 00:37:38,342 They still have to give a huge cut of their profits... 623 00:37:41,779 --> 00:37:43,479 To Joe Masseria. 624 00:37:43,481 --> 00:37:47,549 ♪♪ 625 00:37:52,220 --> 00:37:55,188 (Bottles clanging) 626 00:37:55,190 --> 00:37:57,190 (Narrator) Charles Luciano and his crew begin following 627 00:37:57,192 --> 00:37:59,559 Arnold Rothstein's bootlegging advice 628 00:37:59,561 --> 00:38:02,194 and making a fortune. 629 00:38:02,196 --> 00:38:04,963 (Lansky) All this stuff, this is the new stuff from Canada. 630 00:38:04,965 --> 00:38:07,265 (David Pietrusza) Arnold Rothstein teaches 'em, 631 00:38:07,267 --> 00:38:09,934 don't be like Joe Masseria. 632 00:38:09,936 --> 00:38:12,436 don't sell people rot gut. 633 00:38:12,438 --> 00:38:14,271 There's more money in selling to rich people 634 00:38:14,273 --> 00:38:17,307 than to alcoholic poor people. 635 00:38:17,309 --> 00:38:19,208 So, sell the good stuff. 636 00:38:19,210 --> 00:38:20,576 There shouldn't be any empty bottles in this area. 637 00:38:20,578 --> 00:38:23,278 As soon as they come in, they go in the back. 638 00:38:23,280 --> 00:38:24,646 How are we doing this week, Charlie? 639 00:38:24,648 --> 00:38:26,214 Brooklyn was very thirsty this week. 640 00:38:26,216 --> 00:38:29,417 Oh, yeah? What's going on over here? All right, listen. 641 00:38:29,419 --> 00:38:31,117 This is all the new stuff from, uh, Jersey. 642 00:38:31,119 --> 00:38:32,286 There's all the scotch, okay? 643 00:38:32,288 --> 00:38:34,555 (Narrator) But, despite their success, 644 00:38:34,557 --> 00:38:37,291 they're still forced to give Joe Masseria 645 00:38:37,293 --> 00:38:40,661 a large cut of everything they make. 646 00:38:40,663 --> 00:38:44,230 Benny... Take that to Masseria. 647 00:38:44,998 --> 00:38:52,270 ♪♪ 648 00:38:59,510 --> 00:39:01,477 Ten thousand from Brooklyn, Joe. 649 00:39:06,282 --> 00:39:09,284 (Selwyn Raab) Masseria wanted kickbacks from them. 650 00:39:09,286 --> 00:39:12,754 He wanted as much as $10,000 from each person 651 00:39:12,756 --> 00:39:15,389 who worked for another gang. 652 00:39:15,391 --> 00:39:17,424 And he saw this-- that he deserved it 653 00:39:17,426 --> 00:39:20,260 because he was so important and so vital 654 00:39:20,995 --> 00:39:22,695 to Italian gangsters in New York City. 655 00:39:26,900 --> 00:39:29,501 Masseria, he's sloppy. He's hotheaded. 656 00:39:29,503 --> 00:39:32,003 He's not careful. 657 00:39:32,971 --> 00:39:34,271 (Narrator) Luciano and Lansky know that working for Masseria 658 00:39:34,273 --> 00:39:36,673 is a dead-end. 659 00:39:36,675 --> 00:39:39,942 We're gonna have to do somethin'. 660 00:39:39,944 --> 00:39:44,080 They're watchin' us build, and build, and build, right? 661 00:39:44,082 --> 00:39:45,114 And then, they think they're gonna just scoop up 662 00:39:45,116 --> 00:39:47,683 and take everything, right? 663 00:39:47,685 --> 00:39:50,452 Yeah, exactly. 664 00:39:50,454 --> 00:39:53,721 And that's when we strike. 665 00:39:53,723 --> 00:39:55,989 (Narrator) For years, Meyer Lansky and Charles Luciano 666 00:39:55,991 --> 00:39:59,092 have operated under Masseria's control. 667 00:39:59,094 --> 00:40:02,061 And now, they've had enough. 668 00:40:02,063 --> 00:40:05,998 They know the only way out is to kill Joe the boss, 669 00:40:06,000 --> 00:40:08,600 an idea so dangerous, 670 00:40:08,602 --> 00:40:11,402 they can confide it to only one man. 671 00:40:11,404 --> 00:40:18,475 ♪♪ 672 00:40:21,445 --> 00:40:26,448 ♪♪ 673 00:40:27,616 --> 00:40:29,583 (Rothstein) Right now, you're just a soldier. 674 00:40:29,585 --> 00:40:32,185 Another tapista with a gun, and you're tired of it. 675 00:40:32,187 --> 00:40:34,554 Yeah. 676 00:40:34,556 --> 00:40:36,455 Yeah. 677 00:40:36,457 --> 00:40:40,192 There's safety in no one knowing who you are. 678 00:40:40,194 --> 00:40:43,728 Nobody targets a nobody. 679 00:40:43,730 --> 00:40:45,029 You took risks. 680 00:40:45,031 --> 00:40:46,597 I mean, you still take risks. 681 00:40:46,599 --> 00:40:49,433 Calculated risks. Smart ones. 682 00:40:49,435 --> 00:40:54,871 One where the odds work in my favor. 683 00:40:54,873 --> 00:40:56,939 Yeah. 684 00:40:56,941 --> 00:40:58,807 You got balls. I'll give you that. 685 00:41:06,649 --> 00:41:11,185 You do this, there's no goin' back. 686 00:41:11,187 --> 00:41:13,554 I know. 687 00:41:13,556 --> 00:41:16,757 (Chuckles) 688 00:41:16,759 --> 00:41:18,992 You already made up your mind. 689 00:41:21,862 --> 00:41:24,930 Why ask me? 690 00:41:24,932 --> 00:41:29,567 Because I trust you. 691 00:41:29,569 --> 00:41:32,136 Trust yourself... 692 00:41:32,138 --> 00:41:36,140 Because if you do this, you're on your own. 693 00:41:48,019 --> 00:41:51,788 The qualities that make someone rise in the mafia 694 00:41:51,790 --> 00:41:52,955 is two things... 695 00:41:53,923 --> 00:41:56,858 Intelligence and big balls. 696 00:41:56,860 --> 00:41:59,627 Sometimes, you get someone who's really intelligent, 697 00:41:59,629 --> 00:42:01,762 but they're not tough guys. 698 00:42:01,764 --> 00:42:03,530 And then, you get someone who's really, 699 00:42:03,532 --> 00:42:05,532 really a tough guy, 700 00:42:05,534 --> 00:42:08,101 but h-he's just not intelligent. 701 00:42:08,103 --> 00:42:11,003 But, when you get that combination of intelligence 702 00:42:11,005 --> 00:42:13,605 and big balls, you rise. 703 00:42:13,607 --> 00:42:16,240 ♪♪ 704 00:42:16,242 --> 00:42:17,908 (Narrator) Luciano and Lansky decide 705 00:42:17,910 --> 00:42:19,408 that they're going to use their gang 706 00:42:19,410 --> 00:42:22,112 to take out Joe "the boss" Masseria. 707 00:42:22,114 --> 00:42:25,081 A move that will lead to an all-out war, 708 00:42:25,083 --> 00:42:29,018 unlike anything New York has ever seen. 709 00:42:29,020 --> 00:42:31,954 ♪♪