THE RISE AND DECLINE OF FIGHTING IN HOLLYWOOD”
A TRUE STORY TO BRING FILMMAKERS AND MAFIA BOSSES TOGETHER
Hot off the press on March 5th.
Tinseltown Gangsters: The Rise and Decline of the Mob in Hollywood by Jeffrey Sussman is a fast-paced, gripping story of how the mob controlled movie studios, stars, directors and producers. Author Sussman names and exposes those who have tried to keep their private lives private. Among those under the microscope are Joseph Kennedy, Sr. Joan Crawford? Bugsy Siegel? Mickey Cohen? Lana Turner? Frank Sinatra? Harry Cohn, president of Columbia Pictures. Jean Harlow and her gangster lover, Longy Zwillman. producer Robert Evans; Sidney Korshak, named the most powerful lawyer in America by the FBI. the bold Linda Lovelace and more. Sussman's investigation and revelations will captivate those fascinated by the world of gangsters and movies.
Sussman explains how mobsters extorted studio bosses by taking control of unions whose members were essential to the day-to-day running of filmmaking. Mobsters controlled unions of projectors, art directors, cinematographers, electricians, set designers, set designers, extras. Control the unions and control the entire industry. The mobsters were like sharks ripping off huge wads of cash. They blackmailed producers, blackmailed stars, forced studios to hire actors who were either connected to mobsters or indebted to them.
In addition to Tinseltown Gangsters, Jeffrey Sussman is the author of Sin City Gangsters: The Rise and Decline of the Mob in Las Vegas; Big Apple Gangsters: The Rise and Decline of the Mob in New York? and Boxing and the Mob: The Notorious History of the Sweet Science.
Pre-post comments about Gangsters of Tinseltown:
“Sussman turns his attention to the mob in Hollywood during the 20th century. It begins with Joseph Kennedy, the patriarch of the Kennedy family, who allegedly used the mob connections he made during Prohibition in Chicago to borrow money to buy the low-budget film company FBO Pictures in 1920 and bring quick profits. Sussman's meticulous research shows that mobsters soon realized that there were more opportunities for illicit wealth in Hollywood. For example, notorious gangster Bugsy Siegel hung out with A-list celebrities and took out loans from them that he never repaid. He also took control of the Screen Extras Guild and refused to provide extras to the studios until they paid. Meanwhile, former boxer Mickey Cohen bankrolled the publication Hollywood Nite Life to blackmail alleged celebrities in exchange for not publishing incriminating articles about them. A great addition to any film or organized crime history collections, chronicling famous and lesser-known mobsters who made a killing, literally and figuratively, in Hollywood. Sussman's meticulous research and juicy storytelling will appeal to fans of his other works.” – Library Journal
“For years, Hollywood has been fascinated by the world of the mob, but until now, there hasn't really been a comprehensive look at the role the mob played in Hollywood's formative years. Jeffrey Sussman's masterpiece changes all that. In vivid detail as well-researched as any history book, yet as gripping as any crime novel, Sussman provides an in-depth look at some of the biggest names in the underworld, Hollywood and politics, and how these areas so often they seemed to intersect with each other. This book is a must read for anyone looking for an answer to the questions “How did Hollywood get this way?” or “What happened to the mob?” — Frank Morano, national radio talk show host and host of “The Racket Report” podcast.
“Tinseltown Gangsters is not just a captivating page-turner, but also a valuable historical narrative that reveals behind-the-scenes evidence of the films, their scandals and the entertainment industry's long-standing involvement with organized crime. Sussman's heavily researched dive into this hidden world is a testament to exposing the seedy, behind-the-scenes business of the movie world. This book is a gem for true crime fans and Hollywood fans alike. Recommended.” — Robert A. Santucci, Esq., Former Chief of the Rackets Bureau, Bronx County District Attorney's Office. and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Public Corruption Unit. Mr. Santucci prosecuted numerous members of organized crime, many of whom had connections to celebrities.
“In Tinseltown Gangsters, Jeffrey Sussman uncovers the dark secrets of the American mafia and the Hollywood film industry. With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Sussman exposes the mob's influence on the stars, studios and scandals of Tinseltown. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in crime and film history.”— Gary Jenkins, Producer/Host, Gangland Wire Crime Stories Podcast
“Jeffrey Sussman presents a riveting portrait of the film industry's most depraved, immoral characters, including the sexual behavior of actors and executives, along with their decades-long relationships with members of organized crime. Tinseltown Gangsters is concise and well made. Well done to Mr. Sussman!”— SM Chris Franzblau, former federal prosecutor and criminal defense attorney for alleged organized crime figures and professional boxers, in a career spanning more than 50 years
“Tinseltown, connoting a glitzy, genteel place, was an easy target for organized crime. Jeffrey Sussman takes us back on a harrowing journey, showing how gangsters preyed on soft targets, big and small, in Tinseltown, USA. US Marine Corps
“Jeffrey Sussman has established himself as one of the leading writers on La Cosa Nostra and organized crime. Tinseltown Gangsters is another project that reinforces that reputation.”
— Ron Chepesiuk, author of Bad Henry: The Murderous Rampage of the Taco Bell Strangler and other books, two-time Fulbright scholar, and host of the podcast, Crimebeat.
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