Unit 4 Mafia gangsters

Can you describe and comment on this picture?

What is the main theme of this picture?

What do you know about the Mafia?

Unit 5 Mafia gangsters

• This is a film poster. The film is called / entitled Once Upon a Time in America• There are several parts: one main picture but also two smaller ones at the top.The name of the film appears / is printed in the bottom left-hand corner, and the cast (producer / director / actors) in the bottom right-hand corner.

Unit 5 Mafia gangsters

• This film may be a gangster story / probably deals with the Mafia.• On the main picture, we can see several characters. They seem to be somewhere in a big American city. Perhaps it is New-York, which is famous for its many bridges.

Unit 5 Mafia gangsters

• The two small pictures at the top represent the same boys / maybe close friends / brothers from the same family. They have obviously succeeded: they look rich / well-dressed / influential. They may be Mafia bosses / gangsters.• Can represent / embody the image of success: from rags to riches. A typical American success story.

Unit 5 Mafia gangsters

• The Mafia: involved in criminal activities/ organized-crime network. I’ve seen films about famous mafia gangsters/mobsters such as The Godfather: very violent, cruel, a lot of blood, strong family connections...

Real-life Mafia gangsters

1. Public Enemy #1What do you know about prohibition and Al Capone?

• It was forbidden to sell alcoholic drinks at that time. The Mafia made a lot of money by making and selling alcoholic drinks / got rich through illegal trade on liquor = bootlegging.• One of the most famous Mafia gangsters was Al Capone.

1. Public Enemy #1

Organised-crime networks known as the Mafia or the Mob rose to power through their success in the illicit liquor trade during the Prohibition era ( from 1919 to 1933, when it was illegal to make, sell or transport alcoholic drink in the US).

1. Public Enemy #1

They operated in cities across the US, particularly New York and Chicago. One of the most notorious top mobsters was Al Capone.

2. Look at the document and share what you have understood with your classmates. Where would such posters be seen? Why?

What we have here is a wanted poster with Al Capone’s photograph. The police wanted people to know that Al Capone was a criminal and they probably put up posters like this one in different public places, like train stations, police stations, shops… They wanted to arrest Al Capone but he was surely hiding, so they wanted the public/ the people to give them information/tips.

2. Capone's life in close-up

Watch the documentary and find out more about:

● Al Capone's origins and youth● Al Capone's success● Al capone's personal and business relationships

2. Capone's life in close-up

Discuss your findings and complete Al Capone's ID Card.

2. Capone's life in close-up

React to what you have learnt in this documentary.

Recap

Using your Mobster ID Card, present Al Capone, insisting on significant aspects of his life.

Training Task

Famous criminals1. a. Group work. Here are three famous mobsters. Select one and research his life and crimes. Use your mobsters ID cards.

Training Task

Famous criminalsb. Prepare questions to interview the other groups about the leader they have chosen.

Training Task

Famous criminals2. a. Interview the other groups.b. Whole class. What do these mobsters have in common?

Diapo 1Diapo 2Diapo 3Diapo 4Diapo 5Diapo 6Diapo 7Diapo 8Diapo 9Diapo 10Diapo 11Diapo 12Diapo 13Diapo 14Diapo 15Diapo 16Diapo 17Diapo 18Diapo 19Diapo 20Diapo 21Diapo 22