A few years back on A&E, or similar cable station, there was a documentary that featured many supporting actors in ganster films and their recollections of growing up on the mean streets of New York City. They recalled the real Mafia, the influence on their neighborhoods and compared the real deal with images in the movies. Does this ring a bell with anyone? Would like to get a copy of this show. Thanks!

If it's the one I'm thinking of, it had Tony Darrow, Tony Sirico and others, sometimes all together. You should try A&E's website--or perhaps the History Channel's website (try A&E first). Most (but not all) of their stuff is for sale. You can also try Amazon.com--search by actors' names who appeared in the documentary.

Are you thinking of David Adler's "Mafia NY"? It was on the "Travel Channel".


From the godfathers' mansions in Staten Island, to ornate midtown Italian restaurants with back rooms perfect for summits, New York is a 'family" town -as in Cosa Nostra, better known as the Mafia. Come see their New York, a city with its own secrets as well as underworld attractions.

Explore Mafia style with New York's top mob outfitter who can tailor your suit if you plan to wear a gun. Tour the Mafia restaurants of the moment, while a mob chef (currently in the witness protection program) explains what to have for dinner after you've whacked someone - if it was a messy hit, he'd always make a lasagna. Visit mob homes and gardens including a Brooklyn mansion where the owner killed his architect once he saw it. Go to the city's historical mob landmarks, like Coney Island where "scarface" Al Capone got his scar. And attend the funeral of the last godfather - John Gotti.

Our guides are gangsters themselves, including Henry Hill, (the real life wise guy portrayed by Ray Liotta in Goodfellas), who comes out of hiding to show us his New York - and where he dumped the bodies. And meet the new generation of wise guys, like Danny Provenzano of the New Jersey Provenzano - Lanza crime family (his uncle killed teamster Jimmy Hoffa). Danny invites us to a private party where the guests are celebrity mob actors like "Big Pussy" of the Sopranos and Frank Vincente of "Goodfellas" as well as real gangsters.

Experience the lifestyles of the rich and dangerous of the New York Mafia. Join us if you dare.

Featuring:
Henry Hill (real gangster portrayed in Goodfellas)
Frank Vincent (mob actor, Goodfellas)
Vincent Pastore ("Big Pussy" on the Sopranos)
Danny Provenzano (alleged gangster, as well as film director)
Joe "Dog" Ianuzzi (mob chef, currently in hiding)

Thank you "Just Lou" and "Turnbull" for your replies and suggestions. I will check them out. You've both given me a great starting point- thanks, again!