“Momo: The Sam Giancana Story” (2011) / Z-View

“Momo: The Sam Giancana Story” (2011)

Director: Dimitri Logothetis

Screenplay:  Nicholas Celozzi, Dimitri Logothetis

Stars:  Jack Palance, Harold J. Stone, Barbara Lang, Edward Platt and Timothy Carey.

Tagline: Full length feature documentary about the life of one of the most notorious mob leaders in history as told by his family.

The Plot…

Sam Giancana rose to become one of the most powerful figures in the underworld.  Giancana began a life of crime as a gang member when he was still in his teens.  He became known as an excellent getaway driver.  But unlike movie wheelmen, Giancana wasn’t hestiant to use a gun.  Before he was 21, Giancana was the prime subject in three murder investigations.  He wasn’t ever put on trial.

Giancana rose to power because of his willingness to make bold moves and take down those who didn’t come along.  Giancana was present at the infamous 1957 organized crime meeting that tipped off authorities that organized crime was widespread and real.

Giancana is credited to have played a major role in getting John F. Kennedy elected.  He reportedly worked with the C.I.A. on plans to assassinate Fidel Castro.  It is documented that he shared a mistress with JFK and she carried messages back and forth for them.  Rumors persist that Giancana was “behind” the Marilyn Monroe “suicide”.  He may have been involved in the JFK assassination.  Giancana was linked to the RFK assassination.  His hatred for RFK is well-documented.  Giancana was assassinated just days before he was to testify before a Senate Committee regarding the CIA-Mafia assassination plots.

Sam Giancana’s children present his life story through vintage photos, video, news reports, as well as their own remembrances.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

It’s hard to believe the amount of influence Sam Giancana had.  Yet, despite all of his power, he was murdered in his own house by someone close to him.

“Momo: The Sam Giancana Story” (2011) rates 4 of 5 stars.