It is generally accepted that the character of Hyman Roth was based on Meyer Lansky, the Mob's financial genius.

Much like Roth in the movie, Lansky always made money for his partners, and because of that he was admired and revered by the Mob. He was certainly one of the most influential gangsters of the 20th century.

I just came across a part of an interview with Lansky (written about by columnist Jimmy Breslin). It deals with the subject of Bugsy Siegel, the real life counterpart of Moe Greene. This appeared in the NY Daily News the day after Lansky died (January 15, 1983):

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Lansky was renowned as a stone cold killer as well as a financial wizard. For years rumors abounded that Lansky had given the nod to the mob slaying of his best pal, Bugsy. Lansky always denied the rumors, but Jimmy Breslin had his doubts. In a column written the day after Lanksy died, Breslin related this anecdote:

"If he leaves us anything, it is the memory of his eyes.

"There was a day when Sid Zion, writing his book, 'Read All About It,' sat with Lansky and said to him, 'Tell the truth, didn't you give the okay to get Ben Siegel hit?'

"Lansky had been smiling, and now his face became straight. The eyes became small ice ponds.

" 'He was the best friend I ever had,' Lansky said. 'His grandchildren are coming to visit with me. Why don't you stay here a few days and see for yourself? How could I get a guy killed if I have his grandchildren coming to visit me?' Lansky's eyes kept staring.

" 'That was when I knew that he had Siegel killed,' Zion said."

Meyer Lansky


[ August 04, 2001: Message edited by: SC ]

Grazie SC. The real life "Johnny Lips" Hyman Suchowsky-Rothstein. The eyes of a stone cold killer. But what about Bugsy's eyes?

....They ended up somewhere else.

Bugsy Siegel


[ August 04, 2001: Message edited by: SC ]

Lansky shot himself in the foot when he started stealing from his childhood friend, who was bigshot Lucky Luciano :P

One person who I found to have a cool past was that guy (his name escapes me) who Casino was based on. He's still alive and living in Fla too.

Hey that pic is cool SC. I like that. Ay ya need to put up more pics like that it gives this place a kinda gangster feel don't ya think? Hey guys don't forget to reply to my post!

BadaBOOM BadaBING! SC you understand everything!

Here's a quote (from Lucky Luciano) about Meyer Lansky. Considering who said it, I'd say it's a pretty "big" statement:



[ August 05, 2001: Message edited by: SC ]

My personal Mafia pic favourite is the to slice off legs at the knee lined up next to eachother.

Where can I see that pic Joey?

[img]http://www.lasecrets.com/MurderInc/Photo14.htm[/img]

Hmm obviously didnt come out. Ok just go to http://www.lasecrets.com/MurderInc/Photo14.htm