The Making of the Mob

The acting is pretty ify at times. But it's just barely good enough to endure and follow along the story.

For some ridiculous reason, they bring in actors from fictional mob movies, to talk about the history of the mob as if they are experts or have real experience. It's so hard to take the show seriously when I see them talking with a tone of authority. However, there are historians and actual people that were in the mob, or related, that speak from time to time.

Also, if you have spent any amount of time studying the history of the mob, you'll notice many inaccuracies. So it's best to take it all with a grain of salt, not take it too seriously, and view the show mostly as fiction that's inspired by real events.

I don't know about the accuracy of the story line but I do know that the 1959 Edsel cop car showing up at the 1957 upstate NY meeting is not accurate. There may be other inaccuracy in the show but I found it entertaining. I thought the casting was good but got tired of all the non-essential shots of gangsters standing or sitting around smoking. I also noted that one of the scenes of Costello being concerned about being hit in the last episode was the same scene from when he was "protecting' the waterfront from saboteurs during WWII. It would have been nice to see what happened to the guys who took over after Luciano but maybe that will be shown in an other series. We are looking forward to the series about Capone.

A good doco but who ever edited this docudrama needs some lessons in how to lay down a good audio track and level. The music is over the top and far to loud, making it difficult to hear the narration. It's Really annoying!

The Making of the Mob: New York is an entertaining but not entirely accurate portrayal of the rise of prominent mob figures Lucky Luciano and Myer Lansky in early 20th century New York.

Its an interesting tale that employs acting, as opposed to utilizing a documentary format. Ray Liotta is a great choice for narrator, with his gravelly, New York accent and gangster film pedigree.

The approach however does take dramatic license and there are some historical inaccuracies that means this series is part fact, part fiction. There is little to suggest, for example, Lucky Luciano was dining with Joe Masseria at the time of the latter's execution. The role of Nucky Johnson in the mob underworld of the time is not properly explained or placed in context either. Johnson was not a mobster but instead a corrupt politician.

If you accept the limitations present in this series it is, in most respects, an entertaining, colourful romp through early US gangster land. The acting is of a good standard and the story is presented in an engaging and lively manner. Seven out of ten from me.

An educating and entertaining show. The life of lucky Luciano and associates. Very interesting to see the beginnings of the Mafia in New York, particularly Luciano's rise and creation of the commission. Great supporting characters from Genevese and Meyer Lansky. The stories of Frank Costello and Bugsy Siegal are also fascinating. Narrated by Ray Liotta, any fan of mafia movies will love this historical portrayal of the real life goodfellas.