Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Last of the Mafia Synopsis
The famous Italian detective, Guila Ferrati, is sent by his government to trail members of the Mafia who have landed in the U.S. As they resume their criminal activities in New York City, a bootblack named Tony overhears a conversation between Guila and the chief inspector of police. Tony informs the Mafia of Guila's arrival, resulting in the detective's murder. Meanwhile, Aramatti Lattori, a wealthy Italian merchant, receives letters from a Black Hand society threatening the kidnapping of his child unless he gives them a large sum of money. When the merchant refuses, the two Mafiosi proceed with the kidnapping, leading to a series of incidents, including a bombing, which sets the city in an uproar. Through clever ruses and daring exploits, Italian-American detective Lieutenant Cavanaugh rescues the child and extradites the Mafiosi to their homeland.
The Adventures of Lieutenant Petrosino Synopsis
The story of Lt. Joseph Petrosino, an Italian-American New York City police detective, who was assigned to investigate the Sicilian Mafia, which was beginning to become a major problem in New York. He did such a good job that the city sent him to Sicily to gather information on the Sicily/New York Mafia connections. He was murdered in Palermo by Mafia gunmen. The 1960 film Pay or Die! (1960) starring Ernest Borgnine was also based on his life.
"The Last of the Mafia" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Adventures of Lieutenant Petrosino" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Last of the Mafia