Birthright of Gangsters

The migration of Sicilians to America brought with it members of the Family, a highly organized subculture that controlled the political power structure of the western region of Italy. The concept transferred well to America, in both New York and Chicago. This episode looks at the success of the mafia in the gambling mecca of Las Vegas, where organized crime gained a stronghold. For the first twenty five years gambling was uncensored in Vegas, but the 1955 establishment of The Nevada Gaming Commission led to tighter laws. The programme starts with Sinatra's suspected involvement with the mafia, particularly Sam Giancanna, through his ownership of a Vegas casino and which was investigated by the Commission. Sinatra's involvement stems from Judith Drexler, who certainly has a list of lovers - Giancanna, Kennedy and Sinatra to name but three.

Guest Stars (12)

Aladena Fratianno as Self - FBI Informant

John Donohue as Self - Gambling Investigator

Gerry Denono as Self - FBI Informant

Victor Herwitz as Self - Rackets Prosecutor

John Vitale as Self - Gambler, Loan Shark Victim

Charles Siragusa as Self - New York Narcotics Agent

Judith Campbell Exner as Self

Joey Jones as Self - Gambler

Hank Greenspun as Self - Editor, Las Vegas Sun

Joe Yablonsky as Self - FBI Chief, Las Vegas

Doug Roller as Self - Strike Force Chief, Chicago

Justin Dintino as Self - Lt. Col., New Jersey State Police