This guy was a legend for us Irish workers in Cleveland. When everyone else spat on us with stereotypes and atrocious Union conditions, he literally took to the streets to fight for a fair wage for us. This movie still remains a classic for me and my family
Did you personally know Danny Green? If so, I'd love hear any more info on him if you have any. I read the book, saw the movie. He seemed like an interesting guy. -Neil
This guy reminds me of Jimmy Hoffa. This is coming at a time when Labor and Mob guys were linked like no time ever. Sure it's understandable seeing how management used power to pay off gangsters to break up strikes. Bottom line I get it but still a black mark on the organized labor movement.
My grandfather was a Cleveland police officer at the time and had arrested Danny Green. He said he wasn’t even in booking for 10 minutes until his bosses came from downstairs and released Danny Green back onto the street. He was pissed to say the least.
Back in my grandpas day he told us he used to play requested accordion music for Danny. He said he’d get $20 tips. Cool to see other people have history in Cleveland.
@@Alex-ht8hg I have to say that anybody that's interested in the future please do not have any thoughts on getting into the durgs I am looking at the end of the day you are done and that is that the moral of the story is yoghurt into the door business you are going f****** down because it's a bad business to get into so I'm Just telling you about it because I am trying my best to getting my life together and that the moral of the story because I am in agreement with people who are trying to be honest with myself to say that anybody that's interested in getting there l have to say that anybody that's interested in getting back on track u have to be honest and stay safe and be honest and stay with the with the winners my name's are going to be happy that is that there's no way I going to be on the road to get it together and that is that Wayne Delaney by let people know about this property has to be on the road to ensure you will kindly let us know there is no matter what happens if you are in town just ring a good friend and gives you the best way to stay safe and that is that bye Wayne Delaney and fuck anybody that's trying to sell you durgs and they are just working on getting your money and that is that there's no way that just working on getting a new phone so the weather of the story is by safe
My best friend is Irish and he's one bad cat. Never went looking for fights but when it looked like the slightest insult, you'd better watch out. He's in his 60's now and is still a bad ass welder. Straight up dude who'll do anything he can for you.
For your next review, I recommend State Of Grace(1990). Ed Harris' character is loosely based on Jimmy Coonan, and Gary Oldman's character is loosely based on Mickey Featherstone.
Micheal Franzese is really one of the best youtubers, he puts out high quality, informative and interesting content while always being positive and nice.
Hi Michael, John from Tennessee here hope all is well w you and your great family. I am hoping to get a place to live and get out of the shelter soon. Love and prayers as always. Your friend, John from Tennessee
Listening to Michael share his life stories brings me back. My Grandfather from Bari (I'm Barese and Sicilian) was a Long Shoreman and Union Boss in Brooklyn. He started as a worker, became a picker and worked his way up to Union Boss and shylocker. He was also undefeated as a professional boxer until he got knocked out. At age 16! They lied about their ages to fight from a young age back then. For certain, the long shoremen were all tough guys. I remember seeing a gangster movie poster from the 70's, I think it was the Valachi papers, and he shoed it to me, pointing at the characters one by one, Genovese, Mad Hatter, Luciano..."I worka for dat a guy...I worka for dat a guy...dat guy a sumna beach..." Michael's Movie reviews are the best thing about Monday's. Brings me back. God Bless.
I was happy you emphasized that the organized crime lifestyle does not pay and that crime is a dead end street, Keep up the good work, regards from Ireland...
I watched a organized crime movie from Ireland in the 1980s, no way can I remember the name of the movie, the Irish accents were so thick I couldn't understand half the dialog, this Irish gangster was put in prison, for some reason the guards beat the crap out of him every day, he eventually covers himself with feces to stop the beatings the movie ends with the guards giving up on trying to break this guy, do you know the title of this movie?.
John Scalish was head of Cleveland Mafia when he died unexpectedly it left a vacuum that Nardi and Greene thought they could take over, Licavoli was made boss but many wanted Angelo Lonardo to fill the seat. Cleveland was a place that everyone knew each other from growing up together. Cops, gangsters all knew each other.
My irish mother, while still in her late teens, was waiting at a bus stop across the street from where she worked. Brother's Lounge. Green stopped by and started talking to her and eventually asked her out. She recounted how he was treated with respect at restaurants, etc. However, it didn't last long. She found out he was married and ended the relationship.
Yeah- I lived in that neighborhood(w. 87th and detroit) back then. Danny Greene hung out in our area alot. Ferris steak House-Red Barn- Brothers Lounge-Cudell. And one of his cohorts(Gallegher) lived on 91st and detroit. I thought he actually lived in the neighborhood at one time. He had a girlfriend at apts. on 8811 and detroit rd. I know because I witnessed his car getting blown up in fall of 75 or76 on a sunday morning around 6:00 am. in the Red Barn parking lot that was there on 87th and detroit. The bldg. is gone but interestingly you can still see the damage done by the bomb (Google Earth overhead view)on the pavement of parking lot. Also the hood landed in Lawsons(now Yellow Goose Market) parking lot across Detroit rd. about 130ft. away. The windows of the first 6 apts at 8811 detroit were all blown out. Noone was hurt. I believe bomb went off prematurely.
Danny Greene's dislike for Italians actually started while attending Collinwood High School which had a large percentage of Italians. 15210 St Clair, Cleveland. My alma mater too which is still there. His "home" that got blown up was actually a small apartment building on S. Waterloo Rd, Cleveland. He was a neighborhood Robinhood in that at Thanksgiving/Christmas he would buy turkeys from the area small markets and distribute them to needy families. His run in with the motorcycle gang was with Hells Angels but didn't happen that way. He had a beef with them over drugs or gambling or something and showed up on the gangs porch with a stick of dynamite and lite it threatening to throw it inside. He did drive a green Continental and controlled book making in the area. His demise happened in the parking lot of an office building at the corner of Brainard & Cedar rds, Lyndhurst, oh. Sorry to go on so long.
Very interesting stuff. You from Collinwood yourself? I’m a Clevelander but never had any family there. My Moms Italian so that side of the family was from Little Italy and my Dad is Polish so that side was originally from Slavic Village, although my Dad grew up in Garfield Heights.
Because of the timezone he releases his videos in I can never comment early enough to get a like from good ole Franzese. Guess we'll find out if its my lucky day 300 view gang where you at
A couple of things about this movie. My grandmother grew up in Collinwood with Danny Greene, she said that while he was a juvenile delinquent and usually in trouble, he was always polite with her an her sisters. As far as getting the union presidency goes, he was already working with Nardi at that point so it's possible Nardi went to the boss at the time and talked Danny up for the presidency, knowing he'd still let them do whatever they wanted in the container yard. Also the actual biker story is even more insane. What Danny actually did was take a stick of dynamite, stand in the doorway of their clubhouse, light the fuse, and make them promise to keep things quiet in HIS neighborhood. Obviously they agreed, so he pulled the fuse out and left.
My father was a Deputy Sheriff in Cleveland from 1973-1988. He has told me stories about all the people he knew or ran into during those years. Some of the people he would run into were in this movie! He had known John Nardi, Shondor Birns, Danny Greene, Anthony Libatore, etc!
Nothing on this planet I wouldn’t give for a sit down with Michael Franzese. Your story telling, personal experiences and life are second to none, you are definitely a legend.
I loved this movie, growing up in Bklyn i knew a few Irish toughs and they rarely backed down from anything. But you def need to remember those Hells Kitchen boys, they were their own world.
I like Danny Greene cuz even tho he was an associate for the Cleveland mob he became this rebellious figure and basically said fuck you! While the Westies who were very violent were allied with the Italians including the Gambino crime family. Very different
What an awesome story, it’s rare to find tough guys molded by their environments these days, a guy with morals that were unwavering. Hands down the best movie reviews on RUclips 👏
My mom was the dental Hygenist who cleaned his teeth right before he got blown up. She heard the explosion. She said she literally saw body parts spread over the parking lot. Afterwards the fbi questioned her pretty hard and my dad was worried about the phone being tapped because of football bets he was placing on the line. Lol. She said Danny was very nice and always wore a green suit
Yeah one of his arms was a 100ft from his body he had to know his time was coming id of been akot more catious than he was u guess after so long u stop giving a shit I bet he didn't feel anything painless death
@@slabbusterrtr7690 they (the mob) are actually quite nice when it comes to killing. Back of the head or blown to smithareens sure beats being dismembered or necklaced. It can be so much worse. lol
Not tough enough to withstand the full blast of a C4 explosion. He rolled the dice one too many times and had the audacity to encroach on mafia territory. He signed his own death warrant.
Danny Greene is definitely up there as far as tough guys. No disputing it. As a Scot-Irishman myself I can testify to that being a part of the culture. Being stubborn and not backing down. My grandpa was like that. He ran a business and used to help out his fellow business owners that operated in the same building. He’d eat at the resturant on the ground floor. He sent me to buy comics at the comic shop next door. He believed in working with his neighbors. So one day when the martial arts store down the way was having issues with a customer he intervened on the owners behalf. To really set this scene up so you understand what kind of guy my gramps was. He was a smaller guy,5’6 and 150 pounds. Not a big guy. The guy hassling the store owner was 6 feet tall and did martial arts. My grandpa didn’t give a shit. He confronted the guy over making a scene, told him to get lost. The guy bragged that he was a martial arts expert and all my gramps said in return was “Take your best shot pal. You’re only getting one”. The guy backed off and left. My grandpa wasn’t a big guy but he was tough as nails and was a no nonsense guy. Old school scot Irish. It’s just how we’re raised. You don’t back down and you stand for what you stand for to the bitter end. Even if it means a beating. Needless to say Danny Greene standing against the mob doesn’t shock me at all. True Irishman through and through. And I’m glad to see this flick getting some attention. God bless my friend and good review.
I absolutely love what you had to say about Unions and Unions being needed. I'm always happy to pay Union dues. You get so much in return for your Union dues money. Better wages, better retirement, better medical, dental, better benefits. It's like paying for protection plus interest, plus profit, plus benefits. Thank You for supporting Unions.
Did the Cleveland mob really think going into a car bombing campaign against an Irishman was a good idea?😂😂. Great movie! I would love to see your review on "State of Grace" with Sean Penn and Gary Oldman
Cleveland in the 70's was called Bomb City USA because that was the preferred method of attack by street guys then. In the early 70's they averaged around 200-300 bombing annually
@@angryhoneybadger4189 They only got him because they rigged the car next to his. He was reputed for checking his car for bombs regularly. His assassin was spotted by,of all people,a sketch artist.
I love how Michael describes movies by mixing the character names with the actor names the same way I do and my dad used to do. “Danny Greene winds up working for Christopher Walken while Val Kilmer chases them around.” 😂 it’s just great I really do love it
Hey Michael, great review and breakdown brother. Thank you. This was a movie that gave me some joy in my darkest year 2011. Danny's character being respectful to the elder lady by taking his hands off her fence when asked was so great. God bless brother 👍
The real interview green gave when he was told there was a hit out for him.. “ if these maggots in this so-called Mafia want to come after me, I'm over here by the Celtic Club. I'm not hard to find” 😂😂😂😂
He set up the Celtic Club because they blew up his building, he would sit in the vacant lot and exchange obscene gestures with the Italians gangsters as they drove by, he had a crew of tough Irish Americans and he used the Hell's Angels for muscle. It was a crazy time in Cleveland. I remember it well.
Hey there! Thank you for discussing this film the the Cleveland LCN a bit. I'd recommend folks read the book the movie is based off of as the situation was much more complex than the film showed. Gangsters like Shondor Birns (Christopher Walken) have intriguing stories. Fight promotor Don King was a subordinate of Shondor at one time. The war between the Cleveland LCN and the "Celtic Club" was part of an LCN power struggle after the longtime boss John Scalish died. Because next to nobody was "made" post-Apalachin meeting in Cleveland the organization lacked muscle when the struggle between Licovoli and Nardi kicked off after Scalish's death. Licovoli became boss and Nardi wasn't pleased. Nardi wasn't even made despite a rap sheet going back to the 1930s. He was bitter he was never made and routinely dodged paying tribute to Cleveland LCN in response. One detail from the movie I didn't like was how sweet and innocent they made John Nardi. The real guy isn't so sympathetic. Final Fact: Car bombs at the time were called a "Youngstown Tune Up" due to their heavy use in the midwest, especially in Youngstown and Cleveland.
This is why I have respect for Unions. Grew up in San Pedro Ca, ILWU (Local 13). My Grandfather owned an Areospace Company opened circa 1951). He would never Unionize yet allowed the Union to come in and go through his books. He stayed within a dollar and provided all benefits to his employees. His company ran from 1951 until his passing in 2004. He had sit downs with the Union 2 times a year to make sure he was within “standard” and could remain “privatized.
@@WillieDuitt1 The Irishman still ranks as one of the best mob films ever, all things considered. Is it on Goodfellas or The Godfather level, no. It should have been though.
There’s a movie from around 2003 called, “This Thing of Ours”. I didn’t think much of it besides the fact that a couple of guys from the Sopranos and James Cana were in it, but I just found out your father was an Executive Producer.
My Grandad used to have an Irish boss come and get a haircut every two weeks. He had a special chair for him and everything. I used to get to hold the cigar while he got his haircut back in the 1950s wow time flies fast.
Being from Cleveland, I'm glad you finally covered this one. Cleveland is mentioned in passing in a lot of mob movies, probably because the mayfield road gang stayed out of the headlines and kept a low profile, but obviously we in Cleveland have an inferiority complex about all things... if feeling insecure about our comparative lack of organized crime is a thing... still its annoying to me that this was filmed in Detroit . Also the "Theatrical Grill" was an actual restaurant, located on Short Vincent which was a downtown alley with burlesque theaters back in the 40's; torn down and replaced with parking garages for skyscrapers in the 70's and 80's.
One of my favorites. Hits closer to home. Grew up in Youngstown, OH. Heard stories about this way before the movie ever came out. You mentioned all the car bombing and made me laugh. The old timers around here called them a “Youngstown Tune-Up”
I just thought how fantastic it would have been to have been for u to have a sit down with The Late Danny Aeillo ....I have a huge connection in real life with him and his wife. I was a close friend of their family !! Unfortunately he passed away several yrs ago GREAT ACTOR EVEN BETTER PERSON ....big loss 🙏GOD BLESS
It's quite astonishing,at his age. How much memories Michael retains while discussing these topics of his past or movie related..Great video!! Looking forward to the next Installment.
Mike I never knew some Italian mafia guys had relationships with Irish guys on the street and respected them..I thought they didn’t get along..always look forward to Monday’s for your excellent movie reviews..
Your mention of Crisci’s (11:10) brought back some memories! My family is from that neighborhood and when I was a kid I went there, and was told it was my grandfather’s favorite restaurant. I ate at Crisci’s a couple of other times, with the last being about 20 yrs ago. Thanks Mike!
Love this movie!! Being half DEGO n half IRISH, the mob movies have always been interesting to me.. it’s worth your time if you are into mob -action movies
Michael do “once upon a time in America” but only the directors cut version with the original score. Sergio lione masterpiece. It’s 3:45 minutes be ready
One thing the movie doesn't cover is that before he got a job on the docks, Danny had been a Marine where he excelled at boxing, marksmanship and taught junior marines how to be artillery men. Just in case you wondered where he got the skills he used later in life.
That is fascinating because I was very curious why they focused on him being so athletic or health conscious, plus the whole Celtic warrior thing, and most of all when garbage man came to kill Danny in the park, the way he stood up with his pistol. He stood up turned to the right and extended, making himself a more narrow target. Took aim, and one shot. He was oddly efficient at combat for blue collar guy but if he was a marine then it makes more sense they would depict him that way.
I really like how you add the moral and lessons at the end. It really adds insight that you didn’t have to put in but you did because you felt it was important. Really makes your content genuine which you don’t always see.
I felt exactly the same about this flick: Certain scenes didn't work for me knowing the reality of the mob & of the life -- but they worked great in a movie where Danny is the protagonist & hero
Excellent movie, excellent insight. Today you are always on camera. If you have a cell phone your being tracked and recorded. I admire men like you who have experienced and survived so much. Your ability to teach lessons from experience is off the chart because you cut through the bull. GOD BLESS
Great film..I've watched it about half-a-dozen times. Lot's of great actors including Christopher Walkin, Paul Sorvino and Steve Shirripa. I also love the "Jimmy the Weasel" interviews from the 80's. Those were for a BBC special from 1986. That's when I first learned about the workings of organized crime in America.
i used to waitress for Kenny Kings and he hung out there all day and guys would come in (he used it like an office) but I poured coffee all afternoon and he was very polite. In fact, he even paid for my friends private catholic High School tuition as well as many other Irish kids in the neighborhood.. I have a few stories about his boss, too, lol..
I miss kenny kings, they were like an upscale KFC if I recall. You got a wooden nickel with a kids meal and could pick a toy out of the treasure chest.
Outstanding!! So far, this is my favorite Mob Movie Monday review. You sir bring us a professional product with these posts! Please keep them coming and God Bless!!
Easier to knock someone out with a slap too believe it or not. If you get in a fight bitch slap em with all the power you can muster and i guarentee they’ll be out cold but if it don’t knock them out then run lol cuz he a beast
@@michaelfranzese I just found your channel . I'm a tired old lady that has been through the wringer. I ran my own business tried to get the family interested . construction very talented crew. Made small success . I loved your interview with your daughters. Any way I tried to enroll in the life time plan for my sons and self but it wouldn't let me .
Northeast Ohio from Cleveland to Youngstown has so much Mafia History .... Youngstown last Don Lenny Strollo just passed away last year... Always fascinating & Has so much Nostalgia
Glad you did this one! This is one of my low-key favorites from the mob genre... I hope you see this, Michael there's an older mob movie, came out a few years before the godfather.. it was called The Brotherhood and it started Kirk douglas I believe but it didn't get good critical reception so I have never heard anyone mention it but I think it's just misunderstood.. I'd love to hear your opinion on it! I understand your a busy man and it isn't high demand like other titles however maybe you'll enjoy it? Or maybe your familiar already? Idk But God bless you Michael! Your an inspiration to all of us Men trying to do the right thing!
@@padraigmccormack8800 it was excellent l rate it up there with The Wire and Breaking Bad. However I'm not sure how well known it is outside of Ireland.
The legend of Danny Green in Cleveland is that he brought down the Italian mafia in Cleveland, and this trickled down and eventually brought down the entire Cosa Nostra in America ... I think that says more about the delusions of the Cleveland Irish than it does about Danny Green’s story. He was a helluva a fighter. But he didnt bring down the mafia.
When are you going to review Miller's Crossing? To me not just one of the best mob movies of all time, one of just the best movies of all time. Please?
I've also watched alot about Danny Greene in documentaries etc...he seemed like he was very tough person. And quite a character,just think about back in them days the 40s through the 80s all the different mobsters and different types ppl.So many interesting characters from back then. And I'm so glad that even though I wasn't around back then that there are a few real former mobsters still around now and I can at least here the stories and imagine what it was like. I LOVE this channel and I LOVE Michael and his stories. Stay safe.
you nailed the theatrical to a T. my uncle was part owner of that place for a while before it became a parking garage . i used to park cars there back in the 90's when i was in nursing school. it was so cool to see all of the different levels of society there. cops, judges, mob guys, owners of sports teams, even sitting out side having a cigarette with sam butera when he came to play there . what a place it was.
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This guy was a legend for us Irish workers in Cleveland. When everyone else spat on us with stereotypes and atrocious Union conditions, he literally took to the streets to fight for a fair wage for us. This movie still remains a classic for me and my family
I've lived in Cleveland my whole life, and while Danny Greene was before my time, he is a Legend in my eyes regarding Cleveland and its History.
Did you personally know Danny Green? If so, I'd love hear any more info on him if you have any. I read the book, saw the movie. He seemed like an interesting guy. -Neil
To Mr Jones so true
He was my cousin.
This guy reminds me of Jimmy Hoffa. This is coming at a time when Labor and Mob guys were linked like no time ever. Sure it's understandable seeing how management used power to pay off gangsters to break up strikes. Bottom line I get it but still a black mark on the organized labor movement.
Kill the Irishman is a great movie. It never got the credit it deserved until today.
Dynamite movie!
Agreed.
This is the first I've heard of this movie. Great cast. I'm gonna watch it !
I'd never heard of it and then i saw it on prime and watched it. Its f-in great
It is a good movie but it needed a bigger budget.
Nice Mike
Danny Green was unreal, he really had a true warrior spirit. They don’t make guys like this anymore.
Ray Stevenson played a great Danny Greene, being an Irishman himself. May he rest in peace!
My grandfather was a Cleveland police officer at the time and had arrested Danny Green. He said he wasn’t even in booking for 10 minutes until his bosses came from downstairs and released Danny Green back onto the street. He was pissed to say the least.
Did he know him
@@chloekit4861 he arrested him
Back in my grandpas day he told us he used to play requested accordion music for Danny. He said he’d get $20 tips. Cool to see other people have history in Cleveland.
I just watched the movie it’s great
@@Alex-ht8hg I have to say that anybody that's interested in the future please do not have any thoughts on getting into the durgs I am looking at the end of the day you are done and that is that the moral of the story is yoghurt into the door business you are going f****** down because it's a bad business to get into so I'm
Just telling you about it because I am trying my best to getting my life together and that the moral of the story because I am in agreement with people who are trying to be honest with myself to say that anybody that's interested in getting there l have to say that anybody that's interested in getting back on track u have to be honest and stay safe and be honest and stay with the with the winners my name's are going to be happy that is that there's no way I going to be on the road to get it together and that is that Wayne Delaney by let people know about this property has to be on the road to ensure you will kindly let us know there is no matter what happens if you are in town just ring a good friend and gives you the best way to stay safe and that is that bye Wayne Delaney and fuck anybody that's trying to sell you durgs and they are just working on getting your money and that is that there's no way that just working on getting a new phone so the weather of the story is by safe
Just noticed that the union boss is the same actor that plays the Warden in Shawshank
@@michaelfranzese Right. And it was Paul Sorvino who played Fat Tony...
@@paulsullivan1650 I always wondered what if Tony Salerno lost a lot of weight? What would they call him then? Skinny Tony?
He loves roles like that. Eventually the people he plays loses because the folks he pushes around always turn a 180 against him.
@UnicornVomit69. Yes that's him. I was about to I.D. the warden. You beat me to the comment.
@@bh8365 He looks like a Wheasle crook. A Warden and Union Boss by day and Crook by night.
Danny had a tough reputation didn't back down. Made Irish guys proud.
What shit are you talking,
Dude was an informant
My best friend is Irish and he's one bad cat. Never went looking for fights but when it looked like the slightest insult, you'd better watch out. He's in his 60's now and is still a bad ass welder. Straight up dude who'll do anything he can for you.
@@donaldvonglitchenberger4108 it’s business
For your next review, I recommend State Of Grace(1990). Ed Harris' character is loosely based on Jimmy Coonan, and Gary Oldman's character is loosely based on Mickey Featherstone.
Underrated classic. Doesn't get talked about enough.
Great film severely underrated
🧀
@@on-oe3bo I don't know what the cheese means, but thanks
@@jkeegan154 👍
Micheal Franzese is really one of the best youtubers, he puts out high quality, informative and interesting content while always being positive and nice.
Hard to believe he is 70! The guy looks great for his age and the life he led.
I could listen to Michael all day long.He is one guy that knows the hell what he's talking about.Not like one of these phonies.
Being from Cleveland Ohio, and him being my great uncle I’m so happy to see you over this.
scepticism
Your great uncle bombed my uncles house back in the day, twice!
My grandfather was a friend of your uncle
Hi Michael, John from Tennessee here hope all is well w you and your great family. I am hoping to get a place to live and get out of the shelter soon. Love and prayers as always. Your friend, John from Tennessee
Listening to Michael share his life stories brings me back. My Grandfather from Bari (I'm Barese and Sicilian) was a Long Shoreman and Union Boss in Brooklyn. He started as a worker, became a picker and worked his way up to Union Boss and shylocker. He was also undefeated as a professional boxer until he got knocked out. At age 16! They lied about their ages to fight from a young age back then. For certain, the long shoremen were all tough guys. I remember seeing a gangster movie poster from the 70's, I think it was the Valachi papers, and he shoed it to me, pointing at the characters one by one, Genovese, Mad Hatter, Luciano..."I worka for dat a guy...I worka for dat a guy...dat guy a sumna beach..." Michael's Movie reviews are the best thing about Monday's. Brings me back. God Bless.
I was happy you emphasized that the organized crime lifestyle does not pay and that crime is a dead end street, Keep up the good work, regards from Ireland...
I watched a organized crime movie from Ireland in the 1980s, no way can I remember the name of the movie, the Irish accents were so thick I couldn't understand half the dialog, this Irish gangster was put in prison, for some reason the guards beat the crap out of him every day, he eventually covers himself with feces to stop the beatings the movie ends with the guards giving up on trying to break this guy, do you know the title of this movie?.
John Scalish was head of Cleveland Mafia when he died unexpectedly it left a vacuum that Nardi and Greene thought they could take over, Licavoli was made boss but many wanted Angelo Lonardo to fill the seat. Cleveland was a place that everyone knew each other from growing up together. Cops, gangsters all knew each other.
My irish mother, while still in her late teens, was waiting at a bus stop across the street from where she worked. Brother's Lounge. Green stopped by and started talking to her and eventually asked her out. She recounted how he was treated with respect at restaurants, etc. However, it didn't last long. She found out he was married and ended the relationship.
Yeah- I lived in that neighborhood(w. 87th and detroit) back then. Danny Greene hung out in our area alot. Ferris steak House-Red Barn- Brothers Lounge-Cudell. And one of his cohorts(Gallegher) lived on 91st and detroit. I thought he actually lived in the neighborhood at one time. He had a girlfriend at apts. on 8811 and detroit rd. I know because I witnessed his car getting blown up in fall of 75 or76 on a sunday morning around 6:00 am. in the Red Barn parking lot that was there on 87th and detroit. The bldg. is gone but interestingly you can still see the damage done by the bomb (Google Earth overhead view)on the pavement of parking lot. Also the hood landed in Lawsons(now Yellow Goose Market) parking lot across Detroit rd. about 130ft. away. The windows of the first 6 apts at 8811 detroit were all blown out. Noone was hurt. I believe bomb went off prematurely.
@@glenrust8109 Glad that Brothers I'd reopened... they were closed for a long time.
My ex used to work at Brother's Lounge, I went up there at night on the weekends just because she wanted some company in case things got shifty lol
Danny Greene's dislike for Italians actually started while attending Collinwood High School which had a large percentage of Italians. 15210 St Clair, Cleveland. My alma mater too which is still there. His "home" that got blown up was actually a small apartment building on S. Waterloo Rd, Cleveland. He was a neighborhood Robinhood in that at Thanksgiving/Christmas he would buy turkeys from the area small markets and distribute them to needy families. His run in with the motorcycle gang was with Hells Angels but didn't happen that way. He had a beef with them over drugs or gambling or something and showed up on the gangs porch with a stick of dynamite and lite it threatening to throw it inside. He did drive a green Continental and controlled book making in the area. His demise happened in the parking lot of an office building at the corner of Brainard & Cedar rds, Lyndhurst, oh. Sorry to go on so long.
Very interesting stuff. You from Collinwood yourself? I’m a Clevelander but never had any family there. My Moms Italian so that side of the family was from Little Italy and my Dad is Polish so that side was originally from Slavic Village, although my Dad grew up in Garfield Heights.
Because of the timezone he releases his videos in I can never comment early enough to get a like from good ole Franzese. Guess we'll find out if its my lucky day 300 view gang where you at
Whoa there you go....👍
@@3dee106 lol...amen
Every time I look at the poster for this movie, I see Pablo Escobar for some reason.
Same here.
Lol narcos
@@blksheep176 a narcos review would be awesome
Lmao
@@youcancallmeneck5178 It sure would. Good call.
A couple of things about this movie. My grandmother grew up in Collinwood with Danny Greene, she said that while he was a juvenile delinquent and usually in trouble, he was always polite with her an her sisters. As far as getting the union presidency goes, he was already working with Nardi at that point so it's possible Nardi went to the boss at the time and talked Danny up for the presidency, knowing he'd still let them do whatever they wanted in the container yard.
Also the actual biker story is even more insane. What Danny actually did was take a stick of dynamite, stand in the doorway of their clubhouse, light the fuse, and make them promise to keep things quiet in HIS neighborhood. Obviously they agreed, so he pulled the fuse out and left.
That's even better, why not put that in the movie?
Danny greene looks like Burke from Mafia 3
Pablo Escobar type shit
My father was a Deputy Sheriff in Cleveland from 1973-1988. He has told me stories about all the people he knew or ran into during those years. Some of the people he would run into were in this movie! He had known John Nardi, Shondor Birns, Danny Greene, Anthony Libatore, etc!
DId he ever meet Hartmut Graewe?
What lent itself to the legend of Greene seemingly being invincible was that he believed he was driven by the spirit of a Celtic Warrior.
This is true, he was an orphan and really took to the history of the Celtic Warrior stuff.
@@WillieDuitt1
The Irish are warriors. They live to fight.
He was a U.S . Marine also.
Maybe he actually was.
Damn straight he was a Celtic Warrior!
Nothing on this planet I wouldn’t give for a sit down with Michael Franzese. Your story telling, personal experiences and life are second to none, you are definitely a legend.
I loved this movie, growing up in Bklyn i knew a few Irish toughs and they rarely backed down from anything. But you def need to remember those Hells Kitchen boys, they were their own world.
I like Danny Greene cuz even tho he was an associate for the Cleveland mob he became this rebellious figure and basically said fuck you! While the Westies who were very violent were allied with the Italians including the Gambino crime family. Very different
What an awesome story, it’s rare to find tough guys molded by their environments these days, a guy with morals that were unwavering.
Hands down the best movie reviews on RUclips 👏
Ray Stevenson is such an under-rated actor; it's amazing he's not an A-List superstar. He's the best part of HBO's ROME.
I remember when it came out on netflix in 2011 and thought it looked like a cheap indie project, watched it 2 years ago and was pleasantly surprised.
My mom was the dental Hygenist who cleaned his teeth right before he got blown up. She heard the explosion. She said she literally saw body parts spread over the parking lot. Afterwards the fbi questioned her pretty hard and my dad was worried about the phone being tapped because of football bets he was placing on the line. Lol. She said Danny was very nice and always wore a green suit
Yeah one of his arms was a 100ft from his body he had to know his time was coming id of been akot more catious than he was u guess after so long u stop giving a shit I bet he didn't feel anything painless death
@@slabbusterrtr7690 they (the mob) are actually quite nice when it comes to killing. Back of the head or blown to smithareens sure beats being dismembered or necklaced. It can be so much worse. lol
My aunt was working in the building that day as well.
No she wasn’t
@@missesmew lmao search up the m&m murders and the torture of William action Jackson and you won’t see the mob are nice with killings.
Loved this movie. Highly underrated. Danny Greene was a tough SOB.
Not tough enough to withstand the full blast of a C4 explosion. He rolled the dice one too many times and had the audacity to encroach on mafia territory. He signed his own death warrant.
I’m from Cleveland, I’m 37 now and I been hearing these names all my life from my father , my grandmother . Wayyy before the movie came out
Danny Greene is definitely up there as far as tough guys. No disputing it. As a Scot-Irishman myself I can testify to that being a part of the culture. Being stubborn and not backing down. My grandpa was like that. He ran a business and used to help out his fellow business owners that operated in the same building. He’d eat at the resturant on the ground floor. He sent me to buy comics at the comic shop next door. He believed in working with his neighbors. So one day when the martial arts store down the way was having issues with a customer he intervened on the owners behalf. To really set this scene up so you understand what kind of guy my gramps was. He was a smaller guy,5’6 and 150 pounds. Not a big guy. The guy hassling the store owner was 6 feet tall and did martial arts. My grandpa didn’t give a shit. He confronted the guy over making a scene, told him to get lost. The guy bragged that he was a martial arts expert and all my gramps said in return was “Take your best shot pal. You’re only getting one”. The guy backed off and left. My grandpa wasn’t a big guy but he was tough as nails and was a no nonsense guy. Old school scot Irish. It’s just how we’re raised. You don’t back down and you stand for what you stand for to the bitter end. Even if it means a beating.
Needless to say Danny Greene standing against the mob doesn’t shock me at all. True Irishman through and through. And I’m glad to see this flick getting some attention. God bless my friend and good review.
Sounds like a Glasgow situation
Thanks Michael, from an Irishman 🇮🇪👍 Please do State of Grace one day, starring Gary Oldman and Sean Penn.. it's loosely based on the westies.
I absolutely love what you had to say about Unions and Unions being needed. I'm always happy to pay Union dues. You get so much in return for your Union dues money. Better wages, better retirement, better medical, dental, better benefits. It's like paying for protection plus interest, plus profit, plus benefits. Thank You for supporting Unions.
I agree. Im a proud union member in England
Did the Cleveland mob really think going into a car bombing campaign against an Irishman was a good idea?😂😂. Great movie! I would love to see your review on "State of Grace" with Sean Penn and Gary Oldman
Cleveland in the 70's was called Bomb City USA because that was the preferred method of attack by street guys then. In the early 70's they averaged around 200-300 bombing annually
I mean, it was a good idea. They ended up getting him with one, so I'd say it worked as planned lol
@@angryhoneybadger4189 They only got him because they rigged the car next to his. He was reputed for checking his car for bombs regularly. His assassin was spotted by,of all people,a sketch artist.
@@janconner2087 We had the same thing in Kansas City too in the River Quay area.
State of grace..... 👍!
I love how Michael describes movies by mixing the character names with the actor names the same way I do and my dad used to do. “Danny Greene winds up working for Christopher Walken while Val Kilmer chases them around.”
😂 it’s just great I really do love it
Hey Michael, great review and breakdown brother. Thank you. This was a movie that gave me some joy in my darkest year 2011. Danny's character being respectful to the elder lady by taking his hands off her fence when asked was so great. God bless brother 👍
Great movie ray Stevenson was spot on
Danny greene was a real tough guy.
I was a teenager in Cleveland when all these bombings were happening. I remember Danny being on tv a lot, the guy definitely had a pair.🍻
He was larger than life....
I’m from Mayfield Ohio, though I was born in 1998 so I didn’t get to grow up with this stuff. Makes for some interesting reading for sure
Danny had balls that CLANKED.
@@flightofthebumblebee9529
Fact!
The real interview green gave when he was told there was a hit out for him.. “ if these maggots in this so-called Mafia want to come after me, I'm over here by the Celtic Club. I'm not hard to find” 😂😂😂😂
That was before the country knew how big and organized the mafia really was
very brave guy
He set up the Celtic Club because they blew up his building, he would sit in the vacant lot and exchange obscene gestures with the Italians gangsters as they drove by, he had a crew of tough Irish Americans and he used the Hell's Angels for muscle. It was a crazy time in Cleveland. I remember it well.
@@WillieDuitt1 he was my cousin.
@@patrickconnors4602 he still is.
Hey there! Thank you for discussing this film the the Cleveland LCN a bit. I'd recommend folks read the book the movie is based off of as the situation was much more complex than the film showed. Gangsters like Shondor Birns (Christopher Walken) have intriguing stories. Fight promotor Don King was a subordinate of Shondor at one time.
The war between the Cleveland LCN and the "Celtic Club" was part of an LCN power struggle after the longtime boss John Scalish died. Because next to nobody was "made" post-Apalachin meeting in Cleveland the organization lacked muscle when the struggle between Licovoli and Nardi kicked off after Scalish's death.
Licovoli became boss and Nardi wasn't pleased. Nardi wasn't even made despite a rap sheet going back to the 1930s. He was bitter he was never made and routinely dodged paying tribute to Cleveland LCN in response.
One detail from the movie I didn't like was how sweet and innocent they made John Nardi. The real guy isn't so sympathetic.
Final Fact: Car bombs at the time were called a "Youngstown Tune Up" due to their heavy use in the midwest, especially in Youngstown and Cleveland.
This is why I have respect for Unions. Grew up in San Pedro Ca, ILWU (Local 13). My Grandfather owned an Areospace Company opened circa 1951). He would never Unionize yet allowed the Union to come in and go through his books. He stayed within a dollar and provided all benefits to his employees. His company ran from 1951 until his passing in 2004. He had sit downs with the Union 2 times a year to make sure he was within “standard” and could remain “privatized.
Promote your pizza business more often, that was classic with the daughters the other day.
It made me order pizza for dinner for me and my mother yesterday 😂
@@michaelfranzese 🧀
CutToSlices pizza ?
I actually enjoyed this movie even though it was low budget
Not that low budget
I prefer this over the big budget The Irishman.
There is a documentary about Danny Greene that was much better.
@@JayCity10 The Irishman was disappointing to me....the movie with Jack Nicholson as Hoffa was much better.
@@WillieDuitt1 The Irishman still ranks as one of the best mob films ever, all things considered. Is it on Goodfellas or The Godfather level, no. It should have been though.
I just watched this movie yesterday ,funny.Great movie.I stay tuned on your channel till end of days mr Franzese.
There’s a movie from around 2003 called, “This Thing of Ours”. I didn’t think much of it besides the fact that a couple of guys from the Sopranos and James Cana were in it, but I just found out your father was an Executive Producer.
And the main character was & is made guy and grandson of Tony Pro. In real life i mean.
@Jason B >implying budget is the only thing that matters
That a awful movie don't mentioned again
From Cleveland to Youngstown to Pittsburgh. Was big into the game.
Glad you picked this one Michael. I think this is a very under rated mob movie.
My Grandad used to have an Irish boss come and get a haircut every two weeks. He had a special chair for him and everything. I used to get to hold the cigar while he got his haircut back in the 1950s wow time flies fast.
Being from Cleveland, I'm glad you finally covered this one. Cleveland is mentioned in passing in a lot of mob movies, probably because the mayfield road gang stayed out of the headlines and kept a low profile, but obviously we in Cleveland have an inferiority complex about all things... if feeling insecure about our comparative lack of organized crime is a thing... still its annoying to me that this was filmed in Detroit . Also the "Theatrical Grill" was an actual restaurant, located on Short Vincent which was a downtown alley with burlesque theaters back in the 40's; torn down and replaced with parking garages for skyscrapers in the 70's and 80's.
The Theatrical actually lasted until the early 2000's and the building still stands
@@janconner2087 I thought they turned it into some kind of Auto Service
@@ktoth29 no. The garage was on the corner of 9th and Short Vincent. The Theatrical ended it run as a strip club🤦🏽♂️
One of my favorites. Hits closer to home. Grew up in Youngstown, OH. Heard stories about this way before the movie ever came out. You mentioned all the car bombing and made me laugh. The old timers around here called them a “Youngstown Tune-Up”
I just thought how fantastic it would have been to have been for u to have a sit down with The Late Danny Aeillo ....I have a huge connection in real life with him and his wife. I was a close friend of their family !! Unfortunately he passed away several yrs ago GREAT ACTOR EVEN BETTER PERSON ....big loss 🙏GOD BLESS
State of Grace is a good movie based on the Westies. Ed Harris and Sean Penn are in it. I'd definitely recommend it for a Mob Movie Monday.
I have to check that out
First I've heard of it, just added it to my watch list.
Gary Oldman was tremendous in this.
Great movie
It's quite astonishing,at his age. How much memories Michael retains while discussing these topics of his past or movie related..Great video!! Looking forward to the next
Installment.
Mike I never knew some Italian mafia guys had relationships with Irish guys on the street and respected them..I thought they didn’t get along..always look forward to Monday’s for your excellent movie reviews..
Your mention of Crisci’s (11:10) brought back some memories! My family is from that neighborhood and when I was a kid I went there, and was told it was my grandfather’s favorite restaurant. I ate at Crisci’s a couple of other times, with the last being about 20 yrs ago. Thanks Mike!
Love this movie!! Being half DEGO n half IRISH, the mob movies have always been interesting to me.. it’s worth your time if you are into mob -action movies
Michael do “once upon a time in America” but only the directors cut version with the original score. Sergio lione masterpiece. It’s 3:45 minutes be ready
You mean the Scorsese version? Yesss :-)
You say that like Michael Franzese hasn’t seen it? Hehehe. I’m sure he has. Both cuts.
Yes that was a great movie, a bit long but seems underrated in my opinion. I would be interested in hearing his views on that one 🤔
I'd love to hear more about the Westies
He should do a review on the movie State Of Grace and talk about them
There is a book about them written over 20 years ago. Well worth a read.
@@dublinsfaircity Just read that a couple months ago, good read.
State of Grace 👍👍
great movie
Outstanding! Hey, about doing Mob movie Monday on "Hoffa" 1992 with Jack Nickelson, Danny Devito and Armond Assente?
One thing the movie doesn't cover is that before he got a job on the docks, Danny had been a Marine where he excelled at boxing, marksmanship and taught junior marines how to be artillery men. Just in case you wondered where he got the skills he used later in life.
They had to use explosives from a safe distance. Any hit man they sent after him would most likely get folded up inside his own clothes.
That is fascinating because I was very curious why they focused on him being so athletic or health conscious, plus the whole Celtic warrior thing, and most of all when garbage man came to kill Danny in the park, the way he stood up with his pistol. He stood up turned to the right and extended, making himself a more narrow target. Took aim, and one shot. He was oddly efficient at combat for blue collar guy but if he was a marine then it makes more sense they would depict him that way.
I really like how you add the moral and lessons at the end. It really adds insight that you didn’t have to put in but you did because you felt it was important. Really makes your content genuine which you don’t always see.
Hi Michael hope your keeping well. Have you ever been to Ireland? I'm an irish man and I love my mobster movies
Union boss, ' JOE BUKKA!' Joe's glasses hit the floor. Danny quietly murmurs, ' Joe's not here.' Awesome.
You need to do two more Irish mob movies: State of Grace and Miller's Crossing!
Millers Crossing is SO underrated!
road to perdition too
State of grace was super badass and Miller's crossing was good to
@@anthonybeesley1697 state of grace is great movie oya.
Ash Wednesday
Thanks Michael for sitting down and making time for us viewers... 🙏
Yea I’m from Michigan and my uncles talk about this guy Danny a lot they praise him for what he was doing around that time definitely a legend
I remember getting this on bootleg in 2010. My favorite part was him saying come on you dumb Pollock! 🤣
🧀
My wife's 100% Polish, so my kids are half Polish, my God the trouble trying to reason with them is to much sometimes. Boy can she cook.
Hey Michael, I’m from cleveland and I would enjoy a video of you talking about your interactions with the cleveland mob
Me too!...on both lol
Same here
I can't wait for you to get to the 500k mark just because this is a great channel!!!
One of the best RUclips channels, thx again Michael Franzese
I felt exactly the same about this flick: Certain scenes didn't work for me knowing the reality of the mob & of the life -- but they worked great in a movie where Danny is the protagonist & hero
Hey Mike!! Gotta love Mob Movie Mondays! Thanks! I hope you have a great day. Support from The Bronx! 👊🙏🇺🇸
Always Mike! 💯
The union boss at the beginning, is the same actor that played the prison warden in the, Shawshank Redemption.
do a movie review of “once upon a time in america”
Excellent movie, excellent insight. Today you are always on camera. If you have a cell phone your being tracked and recorded. I admire men like you who have experienced and survived so much. Your ability to teach lessons from experience is off the chart because you cut through the bull. GOD BLESS
My fascination with you is the transformation of character and morality. God Bless you....
Great film..I've watched it about half-a-dozen times. Lot's of great actors including Christopher Walkin, Paul Sorvino and Steve Shirripa. I also love the "Jimmy the Weasel" interviews from the 80's. Those were for a BBC special from 1986. That's when I first learned about the workings of organized crime in America.
I've been hoping this one would make it on to this channel, I'm very curious to hear your take on the Cleveland mob and your take on this film.
i used to waitress for Kenny Kings and he hung out there all day and guys would come in (he used it like an office) but I poured coffee all afternoon and he was very polite. In fact, he even paid for my friends private catholic High School tuition as well as many other Irish kids in the neighborhood.. I have a few stories about his boss, too, lol..
I miss kenny kings, they were like an upscale KFC if I recall. You got a wooden nickel with a kids meal and could pick a toy out of the treasure chest.
I hung out at KENNY KINGS ON TRISKETT AE ON WEST SIDE. Knew Danny, Kieth Ritson, Kevin. Mctaggart, and he whole Irish crew.. Tuff Dudes.
Love watching your videos Michael, and listening to the war stories you went through or heard.. love from Ireland 🙏🏼
Outstanding!! So far, this is my favorite Mob Movie Monday review.
You sir bring us a professional product with these posts! Please keep them coming and God Bless!!
That’s my favorite move... slapping someone rather than punching them it’s more insulting to slap them around
Easier to knock someone out with a slap too believe it or not. If you get in a fight bitch slap em with all the power you can muster and i guarentee they’ll be out cold but if it don’t knock them out then run lol cuz he a beast
@chris brady hop off guy just because you can’t do it doesn’t mean it isn’t true
Mr. Franzese, "You Da Man"!!!
@@michaelfranzese you're welcome Mr. Franzese,it's my pleasure.
@@michaelfranzese I just found your channel . I'm a tired old lady that has been through the wringer. I ran my own business tried to get the family interested . construction very talented crew. Made small success . I loved your interview with your daughters. Any way I tried to enroll in the life time plan for my sons and self but it wouldn't let me .
Great job as always Michael! I'd love to hear your take on Operation Odessa (2018), a documentary about the Russian mob in Miami. Cheers!
Northeast Ohio from Cleveland to Youngstown has so much Mafia History .... Youngstown last Don Lenny Strollo just passed away last year... Always fascinating & Has so much Nostalgia
So glad you covered this movie. Definitely one of my favorite mob movies
Glad you did this one! This is one of my low-key favorites from the mob genre...
I hope you see this, Michael there's an older mob movie, came out a few years before the godfather.. it was called The Brotherhood and it started Kirk douglas I believe but it didn't get good critical reception so I have never heard anyone mention it but I think it's just misunderstood.. I'd love to hear your opinion on it! I understand your a busy man and it isn't high demand like other titles however maybe you'll enjoy it? Or maybe your familiar already? Idk
But God bless you Michael! Your an inspiration to all of us Men trying to do the right thing!
There needs to be more Irish and other organized crime movies and shows. The Italian ones are great but so are the other ones...
Love hate was a good TV show
@@padraigmccormack8800 it was excellent l rate it up there with The Wire and Breaking Bad. However I'm not sure how well known it is outside of Ireland.
@@Kwekwe I know what you mean it's very underrated
And a Romanian one!
Bob Gunton gets slapped around just as the inmates would have liked to slap him when he was the warden in Shawshank.
Thanks, Mr. Franzese! I tell people to check out your posts. Proud to follow you!
Love you content.
Good to see you turned your life around.
As Jimmy said in good fellas "Keep coming".
The legend of Danny Green in Cleveland is that he brought down the Italian mafia in Cleveland, and this trickled down and eventually brought down the entire Cosa Nostra in America ... I think that says more about the delusions of the Cleveland Irish than it does about Danny Green’s story. He was a helluva a fighter. But he didnt bring down the mafia.
Best one so far .. have you watched road to perdition with Paul Newman
When are you going to review Miller's Crossing? To me not just one of the best mob movies of all time, one of just the best movies of all time. Please?
Love you bro!! Thank you for all the insight, these movies need these voices and ppl; we need this with real guys commentating.
I've also watched alot about Danny Greene in documentaries etc...he seemed like he was very tough person. And quite a character,just think about back in them days the 40s through the 80s all the different mobsters and different types ppl.So many interesting characters from back then. And I'm so glad that even though I wasn't around back then that there are a few real former mobsters still around now and I can at least here the stories and imagine what it was like. I LOVE this channel and I LOVE Michael and his stories. Stay safe.
I'd like Michael to do a breakdown of the other mobs. The LA family in particular, but also the Vegas crew.
San Jose, and the lanza family out in San Francisco would be interesting as well!
Proud to be Irish when you see men like Danny Green 🇮🇪💪🙏
ABSOLUTELY, my last is O’Sullivan IRISH PRIDE ALL DAY☝️☝️❤️❤️GOD BLESS 🙏✌️
Proud of a murderer? Congrats
@@PaulieWalnuts13 kill or be killed thats the game he was in. It's not like he was out chopping people up FS calm yourself
Gallagher
That’s great, where about in Ireland where are you from?.
Eating dessert with Michael at a gun range. “Leave the gun..take the cannoli”
you nailed the theatrical to a T. my uncle was part owner of that place for a while before it became a parking garage . i used to park cars there back in the 90's when i was in nursing school. it was so cool to see all of the different levels of society there. cops, judges, mob guys, owners of sports teams, even sitting out side having a cigarette with sam butera when he came to play there . what a place it was.