"Meeting In The Desert Always Made Me Nervous" | Frank Rosenthal and the True Events from Casino

👉👉Check out the store: store.michaelfranzese.com/ Mob Movie Monday's review of the movie "Casino" with Michael Franzese. Staring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone. An overview of the true-to-crime events that were depicted in the movie Casino.
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Filming and Editing by Alec Thomas
Instagram || @alecmthomas

[@mikea2468]

Frank Vincent beating Pesci to death with the baseball bat was almost like revenge for Pesci beating Vincent to death in Goodfellas.

[@Ronnie28067]

That was pretty much what it was lol

[@rfe8nn2]

Only Mob movie Pesci didn't get wacked in was the Bronx tail and the Irishmen.

[@justinanderson5036]

And for Pesci slamming Vincent’s body with a car door in Raging Bull

[@rfe8nn2]

@@justinanderson5036 I don't know how he was able to do non Mob flix. He was born to do Mob movies!!!! He was great in Lethal Weapon but he seems like a guy better off playing a Thug in Mob movies.

[@redbull444]

One hell of an observation

[@stephanwatson7902]

It just makes my day that this former Mafioso from the 80s is a youtuber now

[@jonahvasquez6210]

70s and 80s

[@stephanwatson7902]

@@jonahvasquez6210 It just makes my day this former Mafioso from the 70's AND 80's is a youtuber now...

[@jonahvasquez6210]

@@stephanwatson7902 Much better Lil Bo-Peep 👅

[@stephanwatson7902]

@@jonahvasquez6210 lol

[@craiggoodman5249]

Blew my dads mind. Hes like "HOW? JUST FUCKING HOW?"

[@kellyhurley741]

I always loved how on the cornfield scene, before they killed Pesci, he’s narrating the scene & the moment he gets hit, which was in the middle of a sentence, he basically gets interrupted & they commence the beating. Always loved how that transition happens

[@dewinter1411]

Brilliant film making.

[@gmat5046]

Well done scene.

[@charlenepickett3472]

Scorsese is a master of transition in all of his movies especially this one

[@aaronbickford8725]

Martin Scorsese is simply brilliant when it comes to that sort of thing, and the feeling or emotion that certain scenes evokes in the viewer. The scene in Goodfellas that follows Liotta/Henry Hill into the restaurant…I love that scene bc it not only made me feel like I was there following the character into the restaurant, but it gave me a feeling of the excitement, joy, whatever you want to call it that perhaps the character would have been feeling at that time…being a young, successful, albeit somewhat naive (to what would happen later) criminal that feels literally like his world is his own. I believe anyone that has ever felt on top of the world could really identify with that scene. It was also great for giving the viewer an emotional perspective of the roller coaster that would become Mr. Hill’s life. Just my opinion.

[@Kaddywompous]

I loved it too. After all, what’s right is right and ARGHH!!!

[@Robert06087]

Pesci shoulda won an Oscar for that role - he was brilliant! 🇺🇸🇮🇹

[@danbh84]

Nope

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

The dealers are watching the players. The pit bosses are watching the dealers. The casino managers are watching the pit bosses. I’m watching the Casino managers and the Eye in the sky is watching us all!!!

[@rfe8nn2]

Plus your only as strong as your weakest link. His wife especially in the Movie was one.

[@therealchristfollower]

You're only as good as your last envelope you know that oops wrong movie I'm thinking of Sopranos

[@nickreynolds8391]

Great scene.

[@mrmagoo756]

Just like any other business.

[@HarmanSingh-do6ji]

I was watching the casino managers

[@futchobishh3929]

“Peek-a-boo you fucks yoooouuuu” (Pesci voice) that never ceases to make me cry tears of laughter

[@darlamae9876]

🤣🤣🤣

[@rmir0]

_i see ya matafakers_

[@gregoryhoover5875]

I've had the displeasure of dealing with such trash as this on many occasions as in "in house" legal advisor of the sort most of you will never know exists, and I can attest first hand that the reason these thugs do this sort of work is because they are out to screws anyone over by any means as opposed to earning a honorable living. All their talk of "family" and "code" and "loyalty" is just another scam the leaders use to con all the "soldiers" who do their dirty work for scraps jost to feel as if they are a part of something bigger than themselves. ALL of these creeps - and I do mean ALL of them if presented an opportunity to secretly slay one of their own (and on occasion sometimes that person's family) to beat them out of as little as $20K , they will do so without hesitation, and there is typically little to no blow back from the top, despite all the BS about unauthorized hits. You'll hear them discussing it on occasion and It may go something like this" "Hey, did you hear Tommy and Bob got ambushed coming out of the (insert random stripper cl;ub name here) withe the Saturday night draw from the club..." Don't buy into this scumbag's money flash distraction game. He is a ruthless killer who would murder your entire family if needed to keep the cash flow streaming in. One nurse, or school teacher or cop or Church leader is worth a 1000 of these types,. I tell you this for ONE REASON: Do not be deceived by this video and his kind.

[@futchobishh3929]

@@gregoryhoover5875 why did you choose my comment to have your period on, Gregory?

[@matts.3017]

😂 me too

[@samfogleman2337]

Michael appears to be a genuinely warm and friendly guy. I’m so glad he shares his experiences on here!

[@paulhagerty2773]

@@michaelfranzese Good on ya mate...

[@jasbjor6724]

Jesus has trolls under every bridge.. and the up is Eden .....l.o.l

[@themanwithnoname2857]

He didn't know anything. It's easy to lie like this when you're conditioned to.

[@davidbirch98]

Funny... i dont hear you say shit about GOD mike, i thought u turned christian??? I only hear u talk crap about that mob crap. Like an old timer talking about the glory days of college ball. Try not being such an obvious faker, i thought u were a good actor?? Hah

[@mattthompson9340]

@@davidbirch98 He knows what sells. You know how to talk weak $hit from behind a keyboard. FOH, Gomer.

[@jaysharp789]

Pesci is just an amazing actor, no matter the role. He was great in Goodfellas and Casino, obviously (as well as the Irishman) but he was also great in My Cousin Vinny, he was great in the Lethal Weapons movies, Easy Money, and he stole every single scene in the Home Alone movies

[@mikegalvin9801]

Irishman was disappointing film but Pesci even in a not great movie is always great.

[@robcicero8746]

The Irishman sucked. You CANT make a 75 year old person look 30 no matter how much makeup and cgi you use. It just didn’t work ! I lost all interest

[@AnDy-qv2ks]

@@robcicero8746 the kick scene was ridiculous as well. They should have had a younger actor and had deniro play his older years.

[@BrightResultsMedia]

He was awesome in Lethal Weapon too.

[@edocredo]

Also he did a great role in Raging Bull

[@pornoonsteroids]

Pesci is such an incredible actor. He's barely 5ft tall but is so scary and intimidating in casino and goodfellas. Then when he's in lethal weapon you can't take him seriously at all. His Leo Gets is such a bumbling fool. Just incredible that he can play two characters at such different ends of the spectrum

[@bornfromforeign]

That why it call actors dude

[@fridayweekend9904]

Home Alone 😂 salute my brother

[@russell2890]

He was incredible in home alone and the irishman

[@jamesadams1076]

Played Home Alone and Goodfellas in the same year...says it all

[@fridayweekend9904]

@@jamesadams1076 yes even tommy in real life was over 6 foot.. salute my brother

[@S2001_]

Martin Scorcese should direct a film about Michaels life.

[@minds777]

there is a documentary currently been made about him, Micheal is helping them do it

[@Mick-hp3jm]

It would be 45 min too long

[@minds777]

Mick 585 maybe, Michael said it was a film then he said it was a documentary, so who knows.

[@genderbender6958]

@@Mick-hp3jm waaaaa my 9/10 movie was too long I had too much movie waaaa

[@viktorcheng2061]

Real World Warrior lowen naw bro, Vin Diesel

[@AdamWatt00]

Love how Michael actually knew or knew these guys through other people and can call out the bullshit….what a legend

[@StuUngar]

Yeah, and the movies leave out a lot of characters out of necessity. Like in Donnie Brasco, before Massino and Sonny Black hit the Sonny Red Indelicato faction, they consulted with Colombo boss Persico and Genovese boss Chin Gigante. Also believe Gotti helped dispose of the bodies. In reading Colombo associate Sal Polisi’s autobiography, he was close with Jimmy Burke and Tommy DiSimone and they had a ton of dealings with Gotti. And with casino, all of the NY and Philly guys were often in Vegas. So they had their run ins with Spilotro. A bit of a silly comparison. But it reminds me of Marvel movies how an X-Men movie is just X-Men. But there’s comics where the X-Men are interacting with the Avengers, Fantastic 4, Spiderman, etc.

[@citypopradioFM]

Michael didn't really know the guys depicted in the Casino film as they were Outfit men from Chicago. He knew of them during his visits to Vegas, like anyone connected during that era, because any made guy would be made well-aware of the established players in that city and usually shake hands per the whole "friends of ours" code. Usually made guys visiting Vegas would show respect to established guys like Spilotro to get comped, taken care of, and have no issues should any arise during their visits so trouble could be quashed.

[@freedom_rock18]

His book blood covenant is mind blowing talks about his childhood, his time as solider, and as a copagrima then his time in La but his time in the mob is nuts he was working with some heavy hitters and knew some big names. He named lot of people I had no idea who they were..such a good listen tho

[@keelsmac01]

I remember going to Vegas all the time in the 70s with my dad. I wasn’t old enough to gamble, yet there I was sitting there playing blackjack with pops. I miss the old mob days. What a magical place Vegas was. Now it’s pure crap, haven’t been there since 92.

[@lrrich8023]

Was it more like going to your local grocery back in the day compared to checking your own groceries out at Walmart today..... If that analogy makes sense?

[@carmeldennison7112]

Back in it's heyday they know how to woe the people. It was a place to escape to mix with a different crowd. Drop some cash, dress up have a great dinner and see a show. It had a heartbeat. Now it's backed by the biggest crooks in history( corporations). Corporations killed that spirit and replaced it with cold replica of it's former self. It's almost like a stepford Vegas. The lights are on but nobody is home.

[@Elim-meister]

I love the part when Pesci knocks De Niro's bathrobe and told him he looked like John Barrymore. LOL

[@dazzlingurbanite9268]

That always made me crack up! 😆

[@squeegied3rdeye713]

Wit yer fkn cigarette holder!!

[@jessemorris5125]

“With a pink robe and a..a..cigarette holder.. I lost control?!!”

[@frankmachin5438]

Yeah, fkn hilarious...

[@MichaelMedici61W2]

“Look at you! Ya fuckin walkin’ around like John Barrymore wit’ a fuckin pink robe and a cigarette holder!!?!” One of the funniest lines in the film.

[@kentlong4276]

Who wouldn't want a boss like Michael Franzese, straight talk balanced with an open non biased perspective...

[@Udai_taxim]

Thorekk whats wrong with that? Honest question

[@UglySouth]

Mess up his money and see how nice he is.

[@kentlong4276]

@@UglySouth 😂😂😂 Don't worry, They can always work it off or get a terrible stomach/headache....

[@johnsbeerbreath]

Right ? No bullshit from him.

[@ovathere93]

You slip up under this man in his day they'd find you in a trunk on the belt parkway.

[@boshardtransport]

After watching Michael and his comments with regards to the "MOB" stories, I am hooked. My cousin was murdered in the 70's under very suspicious circumstances and I've been interested in these type of stories ever since. Michael is (in my opinion); the most authentic and believable of all I've ever listened to.

[@anjelromero4608]

I was lucky enough to meet some of these guys as a kid, because my uncles owned the barbershops at Caesars Palace, Dunes, Stardust, and my father at the Desert Inn. Even as a kid it was a fun time. My uncle Joey has some of the best stories and is still cutting hair in Vegas.

[@puckloki873]

Lucky? Seek help

[@rev.redhand6205]

Is that kinda like painting houses? Lol

[@phj223]

Franzese starts talking on the baseball scene: - Well that wasn't true, and the location wasn't true.. Me: - Oh thank god, that scene was just too cruel and grueso- Franzese: - It happened in a basement in Chicago, and they did baseball bat them to death. Me:

[@giordan131]

That was too gruesome and not the eyeball??

[@phj223]

@@giordan131 It's different, visually it was horrible of course, and also to hear about the icepicks in the testicles, but Mad Dog Tony (or whatever his name was) wasn't a point of view character in the movie, and the people who tortured him were his enemies. The baseball bat scene was so much rougher cause we had followed Joe Pesci's character for the entire movie, and while he wasn't a nice guy at least you had time to see some of his human sides, and of course he had to watch his brother get beaten to a bloody pulp before they started working on him, and the guys doing it were his former friends and colleagues.. So yeah, overall I think the baseball bat scene was harder to watch. Now, would I rather have icepicks in my testicles and have my skull crushed in a vice (with eyepopping), or get beaten to death with a bat...? I'd have to get back to you on that one, but I'm leaning towards the bat to be honest. :)

[@Saintinthecity-wh9nl]

@MrDagr8rylz Less painful perhaps? I was so happy to find out that Nicky's friend had become a witness of the State before this occurred. The look on his face during that scene is so haunting. It is clear that he doesn't want to be there but he is under orders.

[@plasticweapon]

@@Saintinthecity-wh9nl "less painful perhaps"? ehh, what is your definition of "less painful"? using a less intimidating looking weapon? how can something more gruesome be less painful?

[@spiritualwarrior864]

The location isn't true it doesn't mean it didn't happen lol

[@AnglOsAxOn2]

Been watching YT for many years, Michael is the first person who I have watched and believed. You could not want to meet a more genuine person. I would love to have a friend like that.

[@mithatbasri7150]

@@michaelfranzese Hi Michael if you had a friend that was jealous of you and take advantage of you would you kill them if you was in the Mob life or would stay away and move on

[@timcanniff3733]

Great insight to world you know more than too well. I live in the subs of Chicago. Thank you for telling it like it is. Never been a part of the life myself, but the mystification by hollyhore and the entertainment biz, gives a lot of delusional people an out picturing to this life they will never manifest in their own lives. Keep up the great work my friend. God Bless, stay great! 👍

[@roadtoad7704]

And he can teach all of us life lessons, one sentence at a time 👏

[@coryphillips7945]

Haha! Agreed. I have lived on the streets my whole life, finally made the move to Las Vegas last year and HOLY SHIT! To see the city, to learn the history, to have it affirmed by a guy like this, it is really great. Good class from a guy who has adapted to the modern world regarding how to talk, how to say things without saying things, how to present yourself. Good stuff.

[@relicman]

When Nicky Santora is driving out to meet Ace in the Desert, the scene where you can see his car pulling up in De Niro's Sunglasses was Masterful filmmaking.

[@dewinter1411]

I like how the tires squealed in the DIRT as he was driving away.

[@garlandremingtoniii1338]

Starting at right about 2:20 Mike’s talking about Las Vegas and how it was in the 60s / 70s when the Mob ran Vegas versus the Vegas today. It was much better then, than today for an actual, “adults only”, Playground. He said a mouthful there. It was. I vividly remember Vegas back in the day versus today. I’ll take Vegas back then versus today. Plus it was a-lot smaller. =easier to get around inside of. Easier to drive around inside it.

[@dodgesuperbee1]

I was just out of Highschool when they found Tony and his brother in the cornfield, It was only about 25 miles from my house. Northwest Indiana , I remember thinking wow the mob is for real ..

[@bigbodyrover7981]

More likes needed for this comment

[@rfe8nn2]

Darn they should of hired you for Casino. You could of pointed out where Pesci Character was buried so they could of accuracy place his body their at the end of the movie.

[@thewkovacs316]

they werent killed there...they were dumped there

[@gregwilliamsono9360]

Not far from me either

[@west-texas9806]

🤯

[@kevather123]

Great movie Michael, De-Niro always cracks me up when he says... "An equal amount of blueberries in each muffin"

[@futchobishh3929]

Not as funny as the chefs face and reaction 😂 “.................doyouknowhowlongthatsgoingtotake?” Lmfao

[@robynsteele8851]

Love listening to him talk, so interesting. And his voice is gorgeous. I have always been fascinated with the Mob. I'm Irish but always fascinated with anything Italian. How is this man 71?!! I nearly fell out of my seat when I heard that, he looks 51!! Very handsome man.

[@MrRickstopher]

The desert meeting scene has anyways been my favorite. It always seemed so real and now I know why. Also the part were Pesci's car is reflected in DeNiro's sunglasses is pretty awesome.

[@smorgasbroad1132]

"...ya gotta dig the hole first, ya never know who might come along ....you could be out there all f----g night." Nicky Santoro.

[@callmehanson9466]

My favorite piece of trivia about this movie is that most of the dealers in the movies were actual Vegas dealers, some of which were around during the mob-era of Vegas. When Pesci was in full make-up and character, they almost fainted or got visibly scared because Pesci was a spitting image of Spilotro.

[@E.C.2]

"How can you smile at a moment like this?It you had any heart you'd be stealing for a living."

[@ianandersen265]

And one of the dealers, Nick, was the dealer featured in Rain Man. In other words, that scene took place in Caesars Palace.

[@ctdieselnut]

@@ianandersen265 I noticed him when I watched rain man recently. I thought, what a weird lane to be in as an actor, only play a casino dealer in different movies.

[@darkridearts]

@@ctdieselnut when you’re a pro, you’re a pro

[@KS-xk2so]

@@E.C.2 I wonder if he was so scared of Pesci pretending to be Spilotro that he took that card home and pounded it up his sisters ass, just in case, lol

[@sassyone82]

One of my favorite scenes is when Pesci's character met up with the banker at De Niro's house; De Niro was already annoyed, he really didn't want him to have the meeting there....but I love how the whole meeting starts off nice and slow and polite, then Pesci gets down to business when the banker gets sassy. Pesci says "you get my money or I'll put your brain to sleep!" LOLOLOL. Gets me every time.

[@DepressionShaman]

I think you've gotten the wrong idea about me.

[@wilburmcbride8096]

I loved that scene in Casino. I keep rewinding it every time that scene comes up.

[@splashkid8410]

Gotta love Don rickles one of my all time favorite comedians his most iconic lines is “I’m friends with Frank Sinatra”.

[@coryphillips7945]

Love this video. I have lived on the streets and made my living there my whole life, finally made the move to Las Vegas last year and it is amazing. Learning the history while living in the city itself is outstanding. I love the way Michael presents himself, knows how to speak clearly and present himself without saying anything that anybody could use against him. Thanks.

[@ImMagnetz]

I'd watch the hell out of a Rogan-Franzese podcast.

[@viktorcheng2061]

OhMagnetz Joe brought in mob actors, specialists, Hoffa/JFK theorists to his podcast, getting a real one, Michael Franzese will be amazing podcast frfr

[@elephant637]

It would be a legendary show.

[@DiabloDuelingLeagues]

@Philip yeah and does Anyone have a timestamp?

[@DensPaul]

Joe Rogan #1547 with Colin Quinn, at 02:05:15

[@DiabloDuelingLeagues]

@@DensPaul bless you 🙏

[@ViralVidz21]

If the Rogan-Franzese podcast was 10 hours long I would watch all of it

[@mr.onethirtyeight5088]

I don’t get the Joe Rogan podcast love. I like Rogan but every time I tried listening to the podcast it was F’N terrible. Idk

[@derekseven1647]

If it was 10 hours long, I would watch it twice. Then once every month.

[@glennwilliams2950]

@@mr.onethirtyeight5088 I'm like you, don't love rogan but he does ask questions in ways that are unique and thought provoking. Check him out when he interviews someone you find interesting.

[@dannyh5937]

Was it the Colin Quinn podcast? Timestamp?

[@alemonkiki]

In a single sitting!!

[@samstwitch]

The movie "Casino" really took me back. Yes, it was pretty accurate. Leaning Tower owned by Jasper, yep, my then Italian boyfriend used to frequent that place. I worked at the Stardust Casino (Tangiers) in the 1980's as a Baccarat Dealer on the big game. I was hired not long after the incident with Frank Rosenthal and his car. Frank came into the casino periodically. During my employment there, they were busted for skimming and the FBI came in and took over the casino. Back around 1974, Spilotro threatened my boyfriend at the Chateau Vegas, but my boyfriend didn't tell me about it until 10 years later when Spilotro was making Headlines in the news. I lived in Vegas from 1974-1986 and moved away when I had kids. I didn't want to raise them in Sin City. I have a very strong distaste for the Mafia. So glad you accepted Christ and are doing His work. God bless.

[@hassanx9423]

That’s interesting , do you know any more about what exactly spilotro said to your boyfriend

[@samstwitch]

@@hassanx9423 Yes. Spilotro told him to stay away from me, to stop dating me. Spilotro was ordered to do this for someone higher up who I cannot mention. My BF and I were dating openly. From that point on, he started coming over in the middle of the night and we never dated or were seen in public again. Then 10 years later, when Spilotro started making the news, my BF told me about Spilotro threatening him, and that one day he wanted to marry me, but he was waiting for something. He wouldn't say what. When Spilotro was found in the cornfield, that's what my BF was waiting for, but I didn't marry him, because he waited too long. (Some years later, the Mafia figure who gave Spilotro the order to threaten my BF actually confessed it to me! But that's another story not for here.)

[@hassanx9423]

@@samstwitch woah that’s fascinating, wonder how you and your man felt about Tony and when died . That Mafia figure also jheez.

[@samstwitch]

@@hassanx9423 When he died, I didn't know the details of what I told you here, so I didn't really think anything about it. Later when I learned the details, I was very glad that he was no longer on this earth.

[@bradjtrains]

I could sit and listen to Michael's stories for days. Who would have thought a former mob guy could have a youtube channel with almost a million subscribers? He's so down to earth and real. I cant wait for the series about his life. I hope they include the gasoline tax scam! I love that story. You sir, have one more subscriber!

[@snakefinger]

“It’s not up to me to go on” words from a complete gentleman. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family Mr Franzese.

[@Teeb2023]

That scene in the desert, even the parting frames were amazing, with Santoro's car kicking up the dust all over Rothstein. Superb cinematography.

[@johnmulzoff4569]

How bout the fact that when Pesci shut his car off the thing kept running. I seen that happen a million times on those old ass cars!! They were prone to that specific issue. The engine would continue to compress the cylinders for a few more cycles. The second it happened I was like wow yeah I remember that!! LMAO

[@kevinbushracing58]

@@johnmulzoff4569 yup. I had a trans am that would do that!!

[@starwarsroo2448]

You only exist out here because of me

[@mgthaking4615]

Amazing

[@version736ha2]

Was just watching that. One of my favourite bits of cinematography of all time

[@notme3686]

It's amazing that that movie can still stand strong today. If you'd never seen or heard anything about that movie and watched it for the first time today in a movie theater, you'd think it was just made.

[@gmat5046]

Characters can make the visuals to carry a movie. It's just hard to get good

[@pepelemoko01]

The dialogue with Deniro and L.Q Jones and about keeping his incompetent brother in law on staff was all written by L.Q jones . Scorsese said you know more about how people in Nevada talk, just write the script and I will film it. The line "you are guests here, and you acting like you are home ".was his.

[@MrPink2024]

*I like how Michael politely expresses dislike for certain people.* 😂 (Al Sharpton / Frank Cullotta)

[@no-kd5nk]

@@mquiroz90 frank rosenthal

[@waltersobchak7275]

He never said he didn’t like Cullotta

[@MrPink2024]

@@waltersobchak7275 *You must be deaf and/ or blind.*

[@E.C.2]

At the end when the hits are happening and you hear, "F**k you" before killing them was brutal.

[@rman52]

@@MrPink2024 I get what you're thinking but he was very factual. His friend was squealed on by Colata who was an informant. He thinks his being made was bs. So he is not legit. Now he never said he didn't like him. That only shows how classy Michael is. But if he does, than Michael is the most Christian person ever beyond Christ himself.

[@maxseidelman6926]

"Speak softly and carry a big stick" - Teddy Roosevelt's legendary quote sums you up to a T. You are a hero, man!

[@Boogenhagen100]

The desert scene is one of the best scenes in cinema history, the buildup, the narration, the shot of Nicky’s car speeding down the dirt road in lefty’s sunglasses is a masterwork. 🎉

[@carljacobson7156]

I thought that James Woods portrayal of Lester Diamond, Sharon Stone's Con-Man ex-boyfriend was excellent!! He captured the qualities of pathological Manipulators and the slimy-ness of that character. Even if that particular character didn't really exist in real life -Woods totally depicted that type of parasite properly.

[@mattfan5]

Michael, to be honest with ya, you’re my hero. I was a cop but I did some things in my past to lose me that job forever. While that was happening, I became a big believer and servant of Christ and finding your channel recently has been wonderful and inspiring. I’m gonna join the crew on your website

[@gravypatron]

Well said, sir. God bless.👍

[@techbuildspcs]

@Mr Barker never ask

[@Thatguy55595]

TeCh ExPlOiTs why

[@mattfan5]

Substance abuse issues, immoral acts. Things I can’t exactly get into on a public board. But the reason I find Michael to be an inspiration is because the ability to turn your life around is a rare ability and something we should aspire to teach people. So that people will know it’s never too late to choose to do the right thing

[@techbuildspcs]

@@Thatguy55595 it's very disrespectful

[@sabrinamerrick1271]

"once it's over, it's over" so true

[@corinaperez226]

Years ago, in the 90s when she had her talk show, Joan Rivers said she loved it when the Mob ran Las Vegas. She said you were looked after and taken care of when they were in charge. She said they knew what they were doing when they ran that town.

[@bronwynbouchard8503]

I just discovered your channel and I’m absolutely hooked! It makes my hour long New Jersey commute fly by. My wife loves listening to your videos as well. We love to prepare dinner while enjoying a glass of wine while listening to you talk. It’s become a big part of our daily routine. I’m sure you’ve been bombarded on a daily basis with film review requests. But, I can’t help but wonder what your take is on Martin Scorcese’s Mean Streets.I always thought it was his most personal work. The themes of loyalty, guilt and penance always hit home for me. Anyway, love your work and always look forward to new videos.

[@obi-wankenobi4336]

It’s 5AM in where I am in Australia and I have school in a couple hours but I just got this notification and I can’t not watch it!! Best KZbin channel by far

[@Rompler_Rocco]

It's 2pm here, so you're good 👍

[@Old4thizit]

What bout corona?

[@blakedavison2171]

Hello there!

[@siddhantmore6999]

its 12 02 in india..👍

[@siddhantmore6999]

@@Old4thizit online classes.

[@FleetwoodPatch]

Michael, I also loved that they put Don Rickles in it. Most people don’t realize how he was one of the last guys from that actual era. He may not have been mob, but he had friends in high places.

[@djquinn11]

He was an icon

[@wescollins2981]

Don was playing the Copa sometime in the early 50's when he started picking on a sour looking Italian man in the audience Rickles kept picking and the man just stared at him . When Don gets off stage his manager informs him the man is Albert Anastasia

[@dominicjefferson3229]

@@wescollins2981 WOW, glad Don was spared i guess lol Anastasia was definitely not someone to mess around with.

[@bbcr11]

Well, low places really

[@slickwilly6868]

@@bbcr11 Yea no shit lol

[@christopherstone2546]

I could watch him breakdown every mob movie ever made! He’s a natural in front of the camera and just oozes knowledge of the game.

[@chrisschrecker5497]

Wishing you all the best Michael in 2022. Thanks for your candor and honesty in your videos. It’s eye opening to say the least. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and perspective.

[@Lisekplhehe]

I still cant belive this guy is seventy.

[@eliasdincer640]

Wow really? I would estimate him like 40-50!!!

[@Lisekplhehe]

@@eliasdincer640 I know, crazy right?

[@kevingallagher406]

what the fuck is his secret

[@brilicusgaming6922]

@@kevingallagher406 probably healthy living.

[@sancho7863]

He looks better now than he did in the 1980s

[@joebloggs4807]

“I respectfully decline to answer because I honestly believe my answer might tend to incriminate me” ~ Joey Gallo - Absolutely Priceless!!

[@xlxl9440]

Another scene that I love is when a competing crew is trying to shake down the Tangiers Casino and Pesci's character Spolotro meets them there at the redemption window to tell them that he is "over here with him" Lefty, and to tell them to go across the street to meet "Carmine". And they just go yeah we should. And wish him LOTS OF LUCK. And Pesci tells the window attendant that they don't need their papers anymore lol. BOSS MOVE!!!

[@timdutton2056]

Lol.... "hey, Joey. I heard you were talking about me behind my back."

[@edinscot56789]

The Mob running Vegas better is something I can believe. Sounds like they're real sticklers for tradition, precision, details and hierarchy.

[@mikelanden]

When the mob ran vegas....the Buffett s , hotel rooms , top celebrity entertainment all costs the public way less than those things do in today's world, ...and top legit , corporate tax shelters take a much bigger percentage of the gross revenue from many American companies than the percentage of the gross The mafia took from skimming hotels...plus.. ..their loan shark rates ....were lower than the car title and pay day loan store s of today 2. The home invasions ...the mafia committed were usually inside tips from insurance agents on victims who were insured ...versus home invasions of today by inner city vegas gangs that hurt and target random civilians 3. Card players in casino could count cards in the mafia era versus the casino s of today with 6 deck shoes plus super computers control the poker and slot machine in todays casino s which i would imagine are not good for odds compared to the old fashion machines in the 70 s and 80s ...

[@nihilistcentraluk442]

They couldn't have cared less .Criminals never do unless they are conning you into believing they are " respectable " in some way.

[@edinscot56789]

@@nihilistcentraluk442 Hypocrisy 101

[@mikelanden]

@@nihilistcentraluk442 ....you can try getting into dead alleged criminal s heads and argue a ll day that the intrinsic motives of criminals are evil or less than pure....in many cases that is true....but at the end of the day ...resultant facts are resultant facts that affect the public ....and the end result of those facts with pure motives or motives of evil of the mafia in Vegas ended up. ...Not affecting the Vegas public like fbi, media propaganda would like us to believe ....and actually benefited the public in many ways...already stated above in my prior comments ..which is why so many old time Vegas civilians loved Vegas when the mob ran it...a popular cliché that has more than a grain a truth to it ....you are from the UK?.... Whats more evil ..the British crown pure enslaving African nations for 400 years like Kenya...or a criminal organization like tony spilotro killing other criminals in a free democratic society ....and robbing insured victims from tips from an insurance agents and charging civilians lower usury rates than legit pay day loan and car title loans stores.?....

[@thewkovacs316]

@@mikelanden same with tahoe.they couldve made money without the skim. spilatro messed things up with the robberies...the bosses didnt want that, even though they got a cut but they wanted people to dump their money in the casinos...so everything else was cheap and there are guys who can still count cards and can do it without devices...but instead of breaking your hands, they just get you banned from every casino in vegas

[@bengaltigerthree8349]

The guy in Kansas City cursing in front of his Mom, priceless

[@davidfasano7210]

Artie Pascano...I 😆

[@terrygreathouse8866]

That didn't actually happen that way. They were in a back room at the Villa Capri restaurant. The feds bugged the room trying to get info on a war between the Spero brothers and the Civellas and accidentally heard them discussing the skim.

[@vernonhardapple6983]

His mother was played by Martin Scorsese's mother search YT for her Cooking recipes

[@doesyomamaknowtho1468]

"I'm sorry. Whaddaya want me ta do?!" 😂

[@heyitsvos]

ohhhhhhhh heeeeeeeyyyyyy. that's enough!

[@saturn580]

One little detail I love about the desert meeting scene is that Nicky is so angry he almost forgets to shut off his engine before jumping of his car to yell at Ace. It's such a small gesture that shows his blood was boiling the whole time he was driving out there. Easily one of the greatest Pesci scenes of all time.

[@jimlaguardia8185]

Spoken like a true Italian: with both hands, word for word. We love you, Mike.

[@maryagee7759]

This guy would have been incredibly successful in any venture he decided to go into. Very smart, very disciplined and healthily self aware. Impressive man.

[@jayw3512]

Mr. Franzese is very genuine. He provides incredible insight into a world most of us glamorize, yet we don’t truly grasp, what comes with that world. I understand him feeling indifferent with Mr. Culotta. It would’ve been pretty cool though to see them talk. Thank you Mr. Franzese for the videos!

[@yandman26]

Having scenes from one of the greatest and my favourite movies of all time, disected and discussed by a super cool, genuine ex mobster, is one of the true great things in modern life. Thank you Mr Franzese.

[@SopranoPizzaJMFNJ]

Pesci was so good in these movies because he wasn't acting. He grew up with some of the Jersey crew so he knew his way around in a manner of speaking.

[@Dylski.]

Heard he used to shine their shoes before he lost his shinebox back in 62'

[@darylntoo7164]

@@OneDown5Up funny how?

[@balzachertz8520]

He was certainly acting in this movie. He puts on a great Chicago accent and apparently sounds just like Spilotro.

[@SopranoPizzaJMFNJ]

@@balzachertz8520 Awesome. You found one example. Nice work wannabe. What else have you got?

[@johnboyle5663]

@@OneDown5Up funny how>,,like a clown?...im here to amuse YOU??

[@fjuraa]

Fun fact: the guy who killed the person in the end at his own house actually played himself, he actually did the shooting in real life

[@Ohms_Won]

RIP Frank Cullouta

[@kenberthiaume4631]

It was a different guy that he shot though. Wasn't involved with mafia, just an associate of cullota's who was ratting on him.

[@wes11bravo]

"Where you goin, jagoff?"

[@christopherayettey4390]

What movie you talking bout

[@stevenrivers8386]

@Jeff Nah. He was allowed to carry out several of the hits in the end. Andy Stone and Nance were taken out by him.

[@filmbuff2777]

Love Michael's reviews of these movies, breaking down key scenes for accuracy & detail. Very fascinating.

[@jacksparrow420]

I love these movies and videos. I love watching your interviews and hearing your insights on the life. My grandfather, was full blooded Italian from Sicily, who moved here when he was young. Later moved from Pennsylvania to Cali because of the life, but was VERY secretive and NEVER talked about anything that had to do with that life. So watching these interviews with you, and Sammy among others has given a lot of insight into my family. I could never and would never be part of that life, but I find it interesting and enjoy learning as much as I can about it. Keep up the good work Michael you are a master at your craft and look forward to the content you put out. Great stuff!

[@billkgeorge]

You know franzese fav scene even before he mentions it: the meeting in the desert. If you've been around tough guys, you know that's exactly what they think, mean & if pushed, what they'd say. That's loyalty, love & the scolding before you get punished. Pesci nailed it, just unbelievable.

[@Thecoolguy463]

The scene where Pesci threatens the lawyer is a great scene as well.

[@thegodfather1907]

You mean the banker.

[@AB-xh4vr]

Charlie Clark

[@Thecoolguy463]

@@thegodfather1907 correct. My bad

[@jamesk370]

My favorite part of the desert scene is De Niro's internal dialogue headed toward the meeting (paraphrase "Normally a meeting with him, I would say my odds of coming out alive are 99-to-1; today about 50/50").

[@richardfurlott4243]

As only a bookmaker would say ( odds maker , gambler also ) !

[@Michael-ut6zb]

Casino has been one of my favorite films since I first saw it. I think it's Scorcese's best movie. I also put Casino above Goodfellas too. I say Casino due to the fact that it utilized more aspects of storytelling and drama than Goodfellas did in extremely witty ways. The themes are excellent. The direction and style blend together to make this in my opinion his best film. Outstanding screenplay, story writing, acting, and cinematography. A big and flashy gangster film that suits its Las Vegas setting.

[@zaibjameel6609]

I agree. Goodfellas had a slow build up. Whereas casino was very fast paced.

[@jeanlove8510]

same, they're both outstanding films but over the years Casino has become my favourite over Goodfellas. Casino has it all, the lighting, the camera work, the costumes, the dialogue, the music... It's dazzling. So many tiny details in the camera work and the editing. Casino is a masterpiece. Ginger is so tragic and Pesci is out of control while DeNiro desperately tries to keep everything together. Excellent story telling

[@MidwestFarmToys]

Goodfellas to me was sort of lame. Especially The scene where Pesci gets killed... corny as heck. If I remember right they had him scream *after* he was shot.

[@brett8074]

It’s true that Pesci is ‘That Good’ . You can see that he grew up around street guys. He is a natural.

[@RighteousGemz]

Pesci confronting the scumbag banker is my favorite scene.

[@exclamationpointman3852]

I was just thinking about that a few days ago; the thing that got me was when he said "after I get out of prison - I'll come BACK to you!" They are resilient in evil. Thats bad.

[@greenhorn3170]

So the banker was the scumbag in that scene? 🤔

[@richardfurlott4243]

Definitely!!!!

[@foreverolly8864]

Ace cursing Ginger out after he got her back from running away with the kid and her pimp….the scene has me literally in tears laughing

[@jasoncarswell7458]

"they really wanted to teach these guys a lesson" Reminds me of that line from the Green Mile: "I'll never do it again, *THAT'S* for sure!"

[@mikenyc1501]

Listening to him talk is a window into history that you just can't get elsewhere. What a great opportunity this is.

[@garyolivier792]

Definitely Mike. Be well!!

[@pluto-9047]

My favorite line "You took your boots off and you put your feet on the table!"

[@its_rick_james_bich2575]

When Micheal mentioned “Jasper” I instantly recognised the name from the UK narrated Mob series from 80’s…Crime Inc. Jasper Campise and a corrupt cop both meet a very grisly end for botching up a hit on a Japanese businessman who had turned informant against the Chicago mob! They found both their bodies beaten and shot to death in the trunk of a car in early 80s.

[@SayerofThings]

Jasper speciale was the NY juice guy that spilotro didn’t shake down. Cullotta said jasper was a good guy

[@chrisgrissom3610]

This is one of my, if my favorite movies of all time. Like Bronx Tale, and Goodfellas, these movies give you so many life lessons. Great Video Michael. Keep up the good work. Respect from Detroit

[@shawnellesmith]

Michael in that suit lookin like he should own a casino 🎰

[@mra9248]

I'm sure he did😅

[@FredHaro]

What your father told you about one second after a crime reminded me of a comedian named Joey Diaz. He's a Cuban guy from New York, his mom was a book maker. He talks about seeing his father shoot a guy one time and going with him to throw the gun off a bridge. Many years later he asked his stepfather, "Remember the time you shot that guy?" and even with no one else in the room his stepfather said, "I have no idea what you're talking about".

[@76casperleo]

Mike, I enjoy your reviews and stories about your life. I had an uncle who grew up in the early part of the 1900's in Boston. He told he knew people and he was friends with them. He told me personally that when he saw the Godfather with me that it was nothing like the mafia that he knew, but he was never in it.

[@liverpoololdschool]

I found the ending very disturbing, I admire loyalty in any walk of life but the amount of mob guys killing best or close friends they have known for decades... Excellent film.

[@mariobergnini8897]

That's the life, its airways your Best friend, your brother, your son. You didn't want to do it bit of you said no you were going to get whacked to, the boss says you do, that's why people like scarfo ended up listing everybody because it became too frequent a scenario, you lost the trust of your guys and your family when they start to ask them selves when their turn is coming up when they are being Told to take out all these ornery guys. Why did Henry hill and all these other lifer guys flip? Cuz they see everyone else being taken out they start seeing the writing on the wall.

[@DepressionShaman]

@@mariobergnini8897 I think that was part of it, certainly. Henry always said he lived in fear. But the flipping was more about the Rico Act. Guys were going away forever. Mike himself said one guy got 300 years. Like, how tf do you serve that?

[@dale9777]

It's always the way it goes down amongst the Mafia a stranger would never be able to get close enough ?

[@liverpoololdschool]

@@dale9777 true but I find it sickening that you could be made to turn up and take part in murdering your best friend that to me shows weakness not strength

[@heightsofsagarmatha]

Think that shows it's not a wholesome lifestyle. Nothing good comes out of it (same with cocaine trade). Looking forward to Michael's book about the Machiavellian government

[@avega2792]

Casino is my favorite gangster movie. I’m old enough to have visited the Vegas of the old days, not when it was run by the mob, but before the corporations turned it into a theme park. This movie is a masterpiece.

[@charlenepickett3472]

Yes it is! I have seen it like thirty times at least!

[@imanuelcunt8676]

what a crazy world where I can listen to the mob guys I watched movies about as a kid

[@davidjohnson5146]

Thank you very much for the information. Great Information. I lived in Las Vegas from 1980 to 1995. I miss the Great times so much! Thanks again for the information!

[@JamesC00]

in the 70's or 80's, telling Michael Franzese " one day you will be doing movie reviews on a website called youtube where anyone can upload a video of anything they want to".

[@jimgag2]

He would ask what the hell is a website.

[@enriquecomas933]

Guy would say what is a video?

[@badplay156]

I saw Casino and had heard a lot of it was true. To be honest a few scenes were too graphic for my taste. You are right that Joe Pesci is amazing. Can't wait for your talk with Bruce McNall, Weekend at Bernies is one of my guilty pleasures

[@viktorcheng2061]

RSS Weekend at Bernie’s such a classic. When someone has a strange limp-body movie movement they always referring to “he’s doing a Weekend at Bernie’s”. 🤣

[@santaclaus3077]

Lol too graphic. What a wuss.

[@badplay156]

@Jasmine Dickerson you are right. It was an adult movie and so it is normal to enjoy someone being killed by having their head shattered in a vice. The reason was that it was too realistic which was the point of the movie. I didn't say it wasn't a great movie, it was. The realism causes something that is called emoting which causes that portion to be uncomfortable for me. I guess I just got immersed in it enough and am not sadistic enough to enjoy that portion

[@badplay156]

@@santaclaus3077 Please see my reply to Jasmine

[@acidmack1041]

@Jasmine Dickerson wait a minute, he only said a few scenes were too graphic for his taste. I hardly think that equivalates to 'crying and complaining about adult content'....calm down, talk about over reacting. I loathe fragile people like you who get overly angry and abusive at strangers from the safety of the internet just because they share a (very slight) difference of opinion on a movie. Its pathetic. If you have an anger complex then go and pop off at strangers face to face in a local bar or something rather then to people online

[@degaulle30]

The desert scene is honestly one of the best scenes in cinema. That music. That shot with the glasses. That dialogue.

[@hectorramos3769]

Michael i love the way your experiences can be applied to a regular business 🙏 and thsnk you for your faith and being a mentor for the kids

[@arkadiybabayan739]

Joe Pesci would of played a legendary role of Little Nicky Scarfo back in his prime

[@lillyconnerryanbrown6624]

£0 900p9 lo

[@alexandramachado3124]

Oh no! Cullotta died in August of CoViD-19! So sad. Thank you Michael for all your knowledge and I love your story telling!

[@freeagentangler5159]

Been in Vegas since the 80's and Michael is correct 100%. Vegas was better and classier than today. You were treated with respect by all the staff and we tipped everyone because they did such a great job. Now, staff makes you feel like you are a bother to them and want to argue with you when they mess up. Definitely miss the Vegas that was ran by wise guys.

[@Ax18NY]

I've always preferred CASINO to GOODFELLAS.

[@prairiebhoy9199]

This is very interesting. My father told my brother and myself (back in the 70's) after Mario DeStefano died (mid 70's and it was announced on the news), that in the 60's my uncle (mom's bros.) was working on a ladder outside his house and his neighbor came to hold the ladder for him. The neighbor was Mario DeStefano. My uncle told dad that Mario commented to him that he envied his quiet lifestyle. He didn't know what to say in return other than thank you. I learned a few years later that Mario and Tony Spilotro were close associates.

[@foodievillage2852]

Cool story. It's those kind of little bits and pieces of information that make a lot of the guys who are or were in the mob real. People like you and me just different ways they came up in life and needed to survive.

[@jeffreygates2018]

If a couple of wiseguys asked me to meet them in the middle of a corn field, my first thought would be that I'm gonna end up as fertilizer

[@MrBiggie7979]

I guess 32 ppl didn’t watch or listen to this video….. Not to say meeting in a basement or garage makes ya feel any safer. But it’s a mind fk- Call ya in and u don’t know if u fkd up or are getting a bump.

[@justinlecroy3579]

@@MrBiggie7979 They knew they were going to be killed. They told their wives if they weren't back by a certain time they were dead. They took it like men. I'll give them that.

[@lisamartin3734]

Watching the baseball bat scene was BRUTAL and very realistic. I usually leave the room for that one. Casino is one of my top favs. all the actors were spot on in their acting and it holds my attention every time I watch it. Love the podcast by the way.

[@frankmfeb13]

Leave the room ? It's one of the best parts, come on now lol

[@ladyhonor822]

Thanks Always a pleasure. ☦️🙏🇺🇲❤️. Philadelphia USA

[@georgeyoungwirth8289]

Mr. Franzese thank you for doing “Casino” !! You fulfilled mine and many others request. The Mob Movie Monday are so good, your stories are amazing and I use your lessons in my own life. I watch every video you upload, have a Blessed day and thank you for everything you do for so many people

[@jammielettgolf5154]

"and that was the end of that" my new favorite quote to use LOL man this is best new channel on KZbin!

[@InflatableConan]

Such a well spoken man. Thank you for the insight, the education is truly appreciated.

[@MarkEBetz]

The farmer that found the bodies was a family friend and former boss. It was at Willow Slough, Indiana. He farmed some land within the area under the agreement a percentage of his crop would be left for the deer. He thought someone had poached a deer, which does happen there. He figured someone field dressed a deer and buried the evidence. He alerted the park ranger as it's a Forest Preserve type area. That's why/how the bodies were found. He was scared because the newspapers ran his name as the guy who found the bodies.

[@teller1290]

..."former boss?"

[@MarkEBetz]

@@teller1290 my boss. I worked for him on his farm one summer.

[@stefanfilipovits21]

I think my favorite scene is The Godfather-esque series of hits set to House Of The Rising Sun at the end. It’s stylistic yes, and very cinematic, but it’s also realistic and brutal and shot so beautifully without churching up the violence.

[@huarvision]

The intro song is a BANGER