Salvatore Maranzano in the movies

August 2019 issue contents
Features

Salvatore Maranzano in the movies

Hollywood's portrayals have influenced public perceptions

By Thomas Hunt

For better or worse (probably worse), much of what the public knows about Salvatore Maranzano has been conveyed by Hollywood productions.

Maranzano has appeared as a character in several movies - two feature films and two made-for-television Mafia dramas. Interestingly, in only one of the movies was he played by an actor with any sort of Italian background.

Much of the material presented in the movies was invented by the involved scriptwriters, directors and actors. A great deal of it was in disagreement with known historical fact. But the movies surely have affected the public image of Maranzano as a Mafia leader and as a man.

Five and a half pages including four images.

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