Gangland in Living Color: The Faces of Early 20th Century Mobsters
April 9, 2024
John "Sonny" Franzese Goes On a Very Long Perp Walk
Step back in time to the gritty streets of the early 20th century, where shadows loomed large and whispers of underworld intrigue filled the air. Take a look at the faces of infamous figures from the annals of organized crime, brought vividly to life through stunning colorized images. From legendary mob bosses to enigmatic gangsters, each photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era of lawlessness and intrigue. As you immerse yourself in these captivating portraits, prepare to journey through the dark underbelly of history, where power, ambition, and danger collide in a mesmerizing tableau of crime and consequence.
In the shadowy realm of organized crime, few figures loomed larger or endured longer than John "Sonny" Franzese, a titan of the underworld whose career spanned an astonishing eight decades. Rising through the ranks of the Colombo crime family in New York City, Franzese became synonymous with both power and infamy as he navigated the treacherous waters of the criminal underworld. Despite numerous brushes with the law, including multiple arrests and convictions, Franzese's indomitable spirit and cunning allowed him to evade justice time and again. Serving as underboss of the Colombo family during the 1960s, Franzese orchestrated a series of audacious bank robberies before being sentenced to a lengthy prison term. Yet, even behind bars, his influence remained undiminished, and he reclaimed his position as underboss upon his release in 2005. However, his reign was not without strife, as he faced betrayal from within his own family when his son, John Franzese Jr., turned state's evidence against him in 2011. Despite the trials and tribulations of his tumultuous life, Franzese remained an enigmatic and formidable figure until his passing in 2020, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate and intrigue to this day.
Al "Scarface" Capone, The Most Well Known Gangster of the 20th Century
Few names evoke as much fascination and fear as Al "Scarface" Capone, the legendary Chicago mobster whose reign of terror defined the Prohibition era. Despite his enduring nickname, which stemmed from facial scars inflicted during a bar brawl, Capone preferred to be known by more grandiose titles such as the "Big Fellow" or "Snorky." However, it was his ruthless ambition and cunning intellect that truly set him apart in the criminal underworld. Rising to power as the head of the Chicago Outfit, Capone presided over a vast empire of illegal activities, from bootlegging and gambling to extortion and murder. Yet, it was his iron-fisted control over the city's lucrative speakeasies that cemented his status as a true kingpin of crime. Despite numerous brushes with the law, including his infamous tax evasion conviction, Capone's legacy endures as a symbol of both the allure and the perils of the American Dream.
Mickey Cohen, Photographed In His Immaculate Office
In the turbulent world of mid-20th-century Los Angeles, Mickey Cohen's name was synonymous with both infamy and intrigue. As the head of the Cohen crime family, he wielded considerable power and influence, controlling vast criminal enterprises with an iron grip. However, Cohen's reign of terror came under scrutiny in 1950 when he became a target of the Kefauver Commission, a U.S. Senate committee investigating organized crime. Subsequent investigations led to his conviction for tax evasion in 1951, resulting in a four-year prison sentence. Yet, even behind bars, Cohen's notoriety soared, and upon his release in 1955, he ascended to international celebrity status. However, his newfound freedom was short-lived, as a second conviction for tax evasion in 1961 landed him in the infamous Alcatraz prison. Remarkably, he became the sole inmate ever bailed out of Alcatraz, courtesy of U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren. Despite his legal battles, Cohen remained a defiant figure, speaking out against prison abuse during his time at the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. Following his release in 1972, Cohen faced a new adversary: stomach cancer. Yet, undeterred, he continued to tour the United States and make television appearances, leaving behind a complex legacy that defied easy categorization.
Spectators At Al Capone's Tax Evasion Trial Hide Their Identities
Al Capone's infamous tax evasion trial in 1931 drew spectators not only from the criminal underworld but from the regular world - and no one wanted to be photographed in the court house. Spectators shrouded their faces in anonymity, acutely aware of the looming threat of retribution from Capone's formidable associates. As the proceedings unfolded, the tension palpable in the air, those in attendance took precautionary measures to shield their identities, fearing the wrath of the powerful Chicago Outfit. Capone's reputation as a ruthless crime boss cast a long shadow over the trial, with whispers of intimidation and coercion swirling amidst the hushed murmurs of the courtroom. The specter of violence loomed large, compelling spectators to conceal their faces and identities, lest they become targets of the mob's vengeful retribution. Despite the veil of secrecy, justice prevailed, and Capone was ultimately found guilty of tax evasion in October of that year, receiving a sentence of 11 years in prison. Though he would serve only seven years and six months behind bars, the trial served as a stark reminder of the enduring influence of organized crime and the lengths to which its members would go to maintain their grip on power.
Raymond Patriarca, The King of New England
Few names loom as large or command as much fear in New England's criminal underworld as Raymond Patriarca. Emerging onto the scene during the Prohibition era, Patriarca swiftly ascended the ranks, carving out a niche for himself in the shadowy world of organized crime. From the illicit trade of illegal alcohol to brazen armed robberies, Patriarca's criminal enterprises knew no bounds. However, it was in the 1940s that he truly cemented his grip on power, allegedly overseeing a vast empire of illegal activities that spanned the entire New England region. From cocaine trafficking to human smuggling to orchestrating cold-blooded murders, Patriarca's influence knew no bounds. With an iron fist and a steely resolve, he maintained his control over the region for over a quarter of a century, earning a reputation as one of the most formidable crime bosses in American history. Yet, despite his notoriety, Patriarca's legacy remains shrouded in mystery and intrigue, a testament to the enduring allure of the criminal underworld.
Meyer Lansky, The "Mob's Accountant"
Meyer Lansky emerged as a central figure in the 20th century's criminal web, earning the moniker "Mob's Accountant" for his unparalleled financial acumen and adeptness at concealing the Mafia's wealth. Alongside notorious underworld figures such as Bugsy Siegel and Lucky Luciano, Lansky rose to prominence in the gritty streets of New York City, where he played a pivotal role in building the national crime syndicate. While he shunned the spotlight and eschewed the overt violence that often characterized his associates, Lansky's early career was marked by alliances with the notorious Bugs and Meyer Gang and Luciano's ruthless takeover of the New York Mafia in 1931. It was Lansky's close association with Luciano that catapulted him to the pinnacle of Mob leadership in the United States, solidifying his reputation as a mastermind of organized crime and a key player in the shadowy underworld of the era.
Mob Boss Joe Masseria
In the tumultuous world of early 20th-century New York organized crime, few figures loomed larger or cast a darker shadow than Joe Masseria. Rising to prominence as one of the most formidable figures of the New York mob, Masseria's reign was characterized by ruthless ambition and brutal violence. In 1930, he ignited a bloody war with his rival Salvatore Maranzano, unleashing a wave of bloodshed that claimed dozens of lives on both sides. However, the conflict reached a dramatic climax when Masseria was betrayed by his trusted lieutenant, Lucky Luciano, in 1931. In a shocking turn of events, Masseria was gunned down, bringing an end to his reign of terror and signaling a seismic shift in the power dynamics of the New York underworld. Despite his demise, Masseria's legacy endures as a cautionary tale of the perils of unchecked ambition and the treacherous world of organized crime.
Frank Costello, A Dapper Man Even on Trial
Known for his astute leadership and strategic prowess, Frank Costello was a towering figure in the New York crime scene. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Costello eschewed the use of violence, earning him the reputation as the mob boss who never carried a gun. In a bold display of confidence, Costello testified at a Senate hearing on organized crime in the early 1950s, opting not to invoke the protection of the Fifth Amendment. This brazen move demonstrated his cunning and willingness to operate in the spotlight, even in the face of intense scrutiny. Despite surviving an attempted assassination, Costello defied the odds, living out his final years as a free man until the age of 82.
Lucky Luciano At Home With His Pups
Few figures command as much intrigue and influence as Charles "Lucky" Luciano, the Italian-born gangster who left an indelible mark on the underworld landscape. Rising through the ranks of the Five Points Gang, Luciano's cunning and ambition propelled him to the forefront of the criminal underworld, where he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the National Crime Syndicate. Renowned as the architect of modern organized crime in the United States, Luciano's crowning achievement came in 1931 when he abolished the age-old title of boss of bosses following the Castellammarese War, paving the way for the creation of the Commission. As the first official boss of the modern Genovese crime family, Luciano wielded unparalleled power and influence, shaping the course of American crime for decades to come. However, his reign was not without controversy, as evidenced by his 1936 conviction for compulsory prostitution and running a prostitution racket, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence. Yet, amidst the shadows of his criminal exploits, Luciano's legacy is further complicated by his alleged wartime cooperation with naval intelligence during World War II, leading to his eventual commutation and deportation to Italy. Despite his efforts to immortalize his story on the silver screen, Luciano's life came to a dramatic end in 1962, when he succumbed to a heart attack at a Naples airport, forever cementing his status as one of history's most enigmatic and legendary mobsters.
The Millen-Faber Gang Following Their Arrest For Murder
The Millen-Faber gang stands is a notorious trio whose reign of terror left a trail of devastation in its wake across Boston. Comprised of Murton Millen, Irving Millen, and Abraham Faber, this criminal triumvirate embarked on a spree of brazen robberies and violence that would ultimately seal their fate. Following the ruthless killing of two police officers during a bank robbery in Needham, Massachusetts, the Millen-Faber gang became the first individuals in the state to be found guilty of murder by machine gun.
In 1935, they met their end at the hands of justice, paying the ultimate price for their heinous crimes. Led by Murton Millen, a small-time hoodlum with aspirations of race car driving and above-average intelligence, the gang's criminal pursuits grew in scope and ambition with each passing day. Bolstered by the brilliance of Abraham Faber, an aeronautical engineer who found solace and companionship in Millen's company, the gang's exploits reached a crescendo of violence and chaos. Yet, amidst the chaos, a tragic love story unfolded between Millen and Norma Brighton, a young woman whose life would become entwined with the gang's nefarious activities.
As their criminal empire crumbled, leaving a path of destruction in its wake, the Millen-Faber gang's legacy serves as a cautionary tale of the deadly consequences of unchecked ambition and criminal enterprise.
