Much of the storyline was based on "The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano" -- supposedly taken from the "diaries" of Lucky Luciano -- which has been proved to be nothing but fairy tales. When it was first published, the FBI stated, "This book has no value to the FBI or anybody for that matter" and "It is unlikely that a mob boss would keep a diary, and if he did, whoever possessed it would not be alive to write a book." The Chief of the US Narcotics Bureau in Rome state, "Martin Gosch (author) is untrustworthy, a liar and an opportunist." Yet Hollywood (and many "experts") still use this book as a basis for research and entertainment. ****Just a few facts from episode one: -The characters featured in the show did NOT use Tommy Guns. In fact, Tommy Guns were extremely rare in NYC. -Luciano DID NOT create the Five Families -- Salvatore Maranzano did. -Luciano, Lansky and Siegel did not meet Frank Costello and Masseria like shown in the episode. -Luciano did not start working for Masseria like shown in the episode. -Rocco Valenti was gunned down two days after the failed hit attempt on Masseria -- not "weeks later." And the hit was an ambush by eight gunman in front of John's Restaurant on 12th Street as Valenti showed up with two bodyguards to a sit down called by Masseria. A seven year old girl and a street sweeper were shot in the crossfire. Nothing like in the series. Plus there is no proof that Luciano pulled the trigger or was even present. -Luciano, a Sicilian, can not pronounce the word "Consigliere"? (The "G" is silent.) -Half of the "experts" interviewed could not even pronounce "Luciano" correctly. (It's Lu-CHI-ano") These are just a FEW of the many inaccurate things in the first 30 minutes alone of the first episode -- Don't expect it to get any better from here. Come take a tour of the real mafia history and learn about all the Hollywood misinformation out there.
Review of The Making of the Mob
