True story of Al Capone's notorious hitman.True story of Al Capone's notorious hitman.True story of Al Capone's notorious hitman.
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I found this more enjoyable to watch than the Untouchables movie (not TV show, which was way better) with its lofty cast of Costner, De Niro, Connery, et. al. Whoever played Capone obviously couldn't act though. Plot could have went smoother.
I believe that this made-for-TV-biopic was Anthony LaPaglia's first major leading role on screen - and what a great start! The film is beautifully made and acted by all throughout. As has been already mentioned it is illuminating to see a member of the mafia being depicted as a truly caring husband and father, thus making the scene concerning the death of his wife intensely poignant - LaPaglia is always streets ahead of most other actors in putting over the deeper emotional aspects of a character and here in this role he excels. I assume the story keeps basically to the truth though as a Brit I'm not totally au fait with the intricacies of Nitti's life. I think anyone interested in the US mafioso and who found "The Untouchables" film and the old TV series enjoyable but a little far-fetched would thoroughly enjoy and appreciate this incarnation. For any LaPaglia fan out there I would have to say that this film definitely falls into the category of compulsory and compulsive viewing!!
I turned this on only to have something to watch while exercising. Although my routine ended before the movie did, I taped it to watch later. I was very surprised at how well-made and interesting it turned out to be. I can't add much to the other excellent reviews but it's definitely worth viewing if a person is even vaguely interested in the subject matter.
This is a well made TV movie that succeeds in getting real depth to its story, the film looks and has a authentic feel of the era represented. The real strength of the film is in its major casting of Australian actor the very reliable Anthony LaPaglia as the title charterer of Frank Nitti to whom he has more than a passing resemblance.I found this little known gangster film,well worth watching and very surprisingly good.7 out of 10.
I say surprisingly well done because it came to the tube in less than a year after DePalma's Untouchables, which took liberties, but is still a classic. This film is risky for the time it hit television in 1988. It told Nitti's life truthfully. It's a great film...and I recommend it to anyone who likes LaPaglia or the genre!! It has a self destructive character quality: Loyalty was Nitti's downfall. The way he died possibly saved a few lives, starting with his families. Everyone knows Nitti died, but to see how, see the film.It's directed well, but the Capone character comes off like a cartoon. The actor playing Al seems WAY too dependent on Nitti. Well acted by all. Nobody can watch this and be let down.
Did you know
- TriviaAl Capone and Frank Nitti were first cousins in real life unlike their portrayal in the movie. This is not true.
- GoofsO'Banion's name is misspelled on the marquee over the flower shop.
- Quotes
Anna: My husband left me because I couldn't give him any children. And if we marry, I can't give you any children either, Frank.
Frank Nitti: [pulls her even closer to him] Then we won't have children.
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- Nitti - Der Bluthund
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