Lansky (1999)

Richard Dreyfuss stars in this compelling, fact-based movie about notorious mobster Meyer Lansky, chronicling his beginnings as a Jewish immigrant to his successful career in gambling, bootlegging and racketeering--and eventually murder.

Director:

John McNaughton

Writers:

Uri Dan (book), Dennis Eisenberg (book)

Stars:

Richard Dreyfuss, Yosef Carmon, Mosko Alkalai

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Dreyfuss	...	Meyer Lansky
Yosef Carmon	...	Rabbi / Caretaker (as Yosi Carmon)
Mosko Alkalai	...	Jewelry Shopkeeper (as Moscu Alcalay)
Fima Noveck	...	Hasid in Grodno
Joshua Praw	...	Meyer Lansky Age 8
Bernard Hiller	...	Max Lansky
Jill Holden	...	Yetta Lansky
Larry Moss	...	Benjamin Lansky
Chris Marquette	...	Jake Lansky Ages 9-11 (as Christopher Marquette)
Ryan Merriman	...	Meyer Lansky Ages 12-14
Benjamin Kimball Smith	...	Irish Gang Leader (as Benjamin K. Smith)
Brian Casey	...	Irish Boy #1
Adam Hendershott	...	Irish Boy #2
Daniel Sagal	...	Irish Boy #3
Anthony Medwetz	...	Benny Siegel Age 11

Storyline

This is the telling of the life of organized crime boss, Meyer Lansky, as remembered by him as a very old man who is moving about the world looking for some country that will take him in since the US courts have put out an extradition order for him to stand trial. It tells of a young man growing up in the Jewish ghettos of America's big cities at the turn of the century and of his bright intelligence which he used for moving into crime. "I'm only a gambler," he claimed, "just like most all Americans." When asked by a reporter to comment on the killings that occurred under his leadership he declined, thereby making this film's thrust that of personalities and relationships rather than of acts of violence or the workings of corrupt deeds.

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Plot Keywords:

character name as title | surname as title | meyer lansky character | bugsy siegel character | arnold rothstein character | 

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Taglines:

Bugsy Siegal and Lucky Luciano made headlines but one man controlled the game.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, violence and nudity

Did You Know?

Goofs

In the 49th minute the US Navy plane has no tail number (registration number).

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Soundtracks

In the Mood
Written by Joe Garland (as Joseph C. Garland), Andy Razaf and Wingy Manone
Arranged by Glenn Miller
Performed by Glenn Miller
Courtesy of RCA Records Label of BMG Entertainment

User Reviews

what happen to Anna?

I saw the movie yesterday on HBO. Liked Robert Dreyfuss' performance very much. He is great! But didn't understand what happened to Lansky's first wife, Anna. She simply disappeared with no explanation and was suddenly "replaced" by Teddy. Did Anna die? Did the Lansky divorced? It seems that the producers made the movie only for the mob's admirers and/or experts, supposing that everybody would understand the story. There was a lack of some connections to make the movie understandable. Even so, I enjoyed it very much, especially because of Dreyfuss, who happens to be one of my favorite North American actors. Anthony La Paglia played well too and even Eric Roberts had a good performance.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 February 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

A bűn királya

Filming Locations:

Ambassador Hotel - 3400 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Frederick Zollo Productions, HBO Films, Home Box Office (HBO)

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1