The True Story Behind ‘The Alto Knights’

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Starring Robert De Niro in dual roles, “The Alto Knights” delves into the power struggle between mob leaders Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. This film, directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi, offers a peek behind the scenes of mafia governance, while also unveiling the intricacies of crime, brutality, and loyalty within a society dominated by gangland conflicts.

Three new cast members, Debra Messing portraying Frank’s wife, Bobbie; Cosmo Jarvis as the character Vincent Gigante, a hired gun; and Kathrine Narduci as Anna Genovese, bring life to a tale of two men who transitioned from friends to adversaries during the 1950s. De Niro, with his extensive experience in mafia-related films like “The Godfather,” “The Godfather II,” “Goodfellas,” “Casino,” and “The Irishman,” showcases his talent once again in the dual role of Costello and Genovese in “The Alto Knights.” This role not only highlights De Niro’s versatility but also underscores the striking similarities and differences between Costello and Genovese.

The origins of the tale depicted in “The Alto Knights” stretch back for several decades prior to the film’s timeline. As Costello and Genovese ascended within the criminal underworld, their ambitions and spheres of influence grew more distinct. This narrative recounts the events that transpired between two of the most influential figures in mafia history.

Frank Costello and Vito Genovese Were Both Underlings of Lucky Luciano Before Their Relationship Soured

As Frank Costello, hailing from the sun-kissed streets of Italy, I found myself transplanted to the bustling cityscape of America as a child. My journey led me to the side of Charles “Lucky” Luciano, where I eventually became his trusted confidant or counselor. Meanwhile, Vito Genovese, another Italian immigrant, found himself entangled in New York’s underworld during his youthful years. After Luciano consolidated his power with a ruthless elimination of competition for supreme authority in 1931, Genovese ascended the ranks to become an underboss.

In the same setting, both Costello and Genovese played crucial roles during the formation of the Commission, which served as the ruling council for the American Italian mafia. Their methods might have been similar at times, but it was evident that they had distinct approaches. While Costello favored building relationships with politicians and influential figures, Genovese was more inclined towards violent acts and murders.

By 1936, Luciano was behind bars, and Genovese assumed the title of de facto leader for the Luciano crime family. However, the next year, Genovese left the U.S. due to concerns about being charged for a murder he was accused of committing in 1934. At this juncture, Costello stepped up as the temporary head of the Luciano crime family, with his cousin, Willie Moretti, taking on the role of underboss.

Vito Genovese Wanted Supreme Control of the Mafia and Had To Eliminate Frank Costello To Get It

As a film enthusiast looking back at the post-WWII era, I find myself reflecting on Vito Genovese’s return to the U.S. after years in Italy. Despite his hopes, he wasn’t able to reclaim his dominant position in the criminal underworld. His bid for the “boss of bosses” title – a symbolic role that technically didn’t exist yet held immense influence – nearly pushed Lucky Luciano to the brink.

In a pivotal meeting in Cuba in 1946, following Luciano’s release from prison and deportation, Luciano confronted Genovese, saying: “Your power grab is testing my patience, Vito. You need to reconsider your ambitions.” The tension between these two titans of the underworld was palpable, shaping the future of organized crime in America.

“There’s no ultimate authority figure, and I publicly declined that role. If I reconsider, I’ll claim it myself. However, it won’t be a decision for anyone else to make. Presently, you report to me, and I have no plans to step down. Please don’t bring this up again, or I might get angry.”

This version maintains the original message but is slightly more polite and easier to read, using clear and concise language while also making the tone less confrontational.

Genovese didn’t get reinstated as the temporary leader of the Luciano crime family, instead, Frank Costello continued to hold the position. Known as the “Prime Minister of the Underworld,” both Costello and Luciano were cognizant of Genovese’s power struggles but consistently obstructed him at every opportunity.

Vincent Gigante, understanding the steps he had to take to gain control, attempted to carry out an assassination of Costello on May 2, 1957, in New York City. This was after spending years carefully planning his move against Costello.

The Failed Attempt on Frank Costello’s Life Was One of the Blunders Vito Genovese Made in 1957

On May 2, 1957, Frank Costello was lightly struck on the scalp with a bullet discharged from an unidentified attacker’s firearm. According to The New York Times report of May 3, 1957, this was the case.

The doorman, named Norvel Keith, informed the police that a hurried man sprinted away, approached Costello and fired a gunshot at him just as he entered the lobby. Stricken by the bullet, Costello collapsed onto a plush couch situated in the lobby… [and] sobbed out “Someone attempted to harm me.

Later on, it was established that the assailant was none other than Vincent Gigante, a hitman dispatched by Vito Genovese for the purpose of killing Costello. However, despite being taken to court, Costello refused to identify him, leading to Gigante’s acquittal in the case of attempted murder.

In one shot, Gigante struck Costello on the head, causing a relatively shallow injury. Nonetheless, it left an impact, leading to Costello’s departure from the mafia that same year. Genovese managed to secure the power he desired, but his triumph was brief. Genovese planned a gathering of crime bosses across the United States, scheduled for Apalachin, New York in November 1957. However, law enforcement raided the event, and numerous suspected criminals were arrested. This incident significantly tarnished Genovese’s standing in the criminal underworld.

Two years after the incident, Genovese was imprisoned for 15 years due to drug-related charges. It is rumored that Luciano and other high-ranking mafia figures orchestrated the drug purchase that led to Genovese’s arrest, eventually leading him to serve his prison sentence.

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2025-03-19 05:02