By golly, if you watch this movie, you will end up thinking Joseph Bonanno was the most moral and fairest of men, who spent his Mafia days talking others out of killing. No joke. Now, here at IMDB, I see why. This writing credits for this film go to Joseph Bonanno and his son Bill Bonanno.
Toni Nardi, who plays Joseph Bonanno, from ages 35-61, is as likable as can be. (I think he also narrates it, but am not sure.) Why Martin Landau got top billing is beyond me. He plays Mr. Bonanno in his 90s, has few scenes and no lines! Why didn't they just make Mr. Nardi look much older? I'm sure a make-up person could have easily done so. Moreover, why is Toni Nardi not even pictured on the movie poster? He carried the whole film!
Mr. Nardi is a perfect Mafia boss for those who wish to believe Mafia godfathers are great family men, out to help others succeed in life; certainly not the criminals law enforcement agencies want everyone to believe. In the beginning of the movie, his wife is shown, as is his daughter. His wife is an intelligent, interesting person.
After son Bill becomes an adult and part of the Mafia, however, his mother and sister are no longer seen in the movie. Why did they become non-existent characters? They didn't die in real life! Is this suppose to be strictly a guy movie? It does have some very violent scenes, which I fast-forwarded through.
Finally, one highly interesting part of the film concerned the assasination of JFK. According to this story, JFK was killed by the Mafia. Lee Harvey Oswald was nothing but a patsy, and Jack Ruby was working for the Mafia when he shut him up. They were furious at Kennedy because of the Valachi hearings, and because Joseph Kennedy told them his son would be a friend to the Mafia if elected. So, they worked to get him elected. He did not become a friend. They had him shot dead.
Toni Nardi, who plays Joseph Bonanno, from ages 35-61, is as likable as can be. (I think he also narrates it, but am not sure.) Why Martin Landau got top billing is beyond me. He plays Mr. Bonanno in his 90s, has few scenes and no lines! Why didn't they just make Mr. Nardi look much older? I'm sure a make-up person could have easily done so. Moreover, why is Toni Nardi not even pictured on the movie poster? He carried the whole film!
Mr. Nardi is a perfect Mafia boss for those who wish to believe Mafia godfathers are great family men, out to help others succeed in life; certainly not the criminals law enforcement agencies want everyone to believe. In the beginning of the movie, his wife is shown, as is his daughter. His wife is an intelligent, interesting person.
After son Bill becomes an adult and part of the Mafia, however, his mother and sister are no longer seen in the movie. Why did they become non-existent characters? They didn't die in real life! Is this suppose to be strictly a guy movie? It does have some very violent scenes, which I fast-forwarded through.
Finally, one highly interesting part of the film concerned the assasination of JFK. According to this story, JFK was killed by the Mafia. Lee Harvey Oswald was nothing but a patsy, and Jack Ruby was working for the Mafia when he shut him up. They were furious at Kennedy because of the Valachi hearings, and because Joseph Kennedy told them his son would be a friend to the Mafia if elected. So, they worked to get him elected. He did not become a friend. They had him shot dead.