Hollywood Mafia: the Rackets and Los Angeles' Gangsters
Jaksokuvaus
Episode 20 begins to piece together the moving parts of the West Coast mob. Listeners met Johnny Roselli, Mickey Cohen, and Tony Cornero in the previous episode. This episode will begin to weave the complex tapestry that was Hollywood's mafia scene. Pettengill notes how much of this process began when Al Capone tried to extend his influence into Southern California. It was unsuccessful but he did stumble upon Roselli in the process. And before long, Roselli became Capone's "man in Hollywood." Not to be outdone, the Eastern Syndicate sent their man, Benny Bugsy Siegel, to counter the influence of the Chicago Outfit. Sprinkled into the mix are individuals like Harry Cohn and Billy Wilkerson, who had complicated relationships with numerous underworld figures. Collectively, these individuals helped organized crime reinvent itself as the nation neared the Second World War.