unit 4 mafia gangsters -...

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?


• 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.


• 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.


• 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.


• 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 #1

What 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.

3. a. Read the headlines (next slides).

What can you guess about Al Capone's life: - his origins ? - his family ? - his crimes... ?

b. Start filling in Al Capone's ID card (handout)

2. Capone's life in close-up

Al Capone with family and friends at a picnic, Chicago Heights, 1929.

1. Before watching the TV documentary about Al Capone's life and times: say what you expect to find out.

2. Watch the documentary. Use the pictures to help you understand what is said. Briefly discuss your findings.


3. Watch again and find out more about:● Al Capone's origins and youth;● Al Capone's success;● Al capone's personal and business

relationships.


4. Discuss your findings and complete Al Capone's ID Card (handout).


5. 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 criminals

1. a. Group work. Here are three famous mobsters. (following slides) Select one and research his life and crimes. Use your mobsters ID cards.

John Gotti Lucky Luciano Paul Castellano

Training Task

Famous criminals

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

Training Task

Famous criminals

2. a. Interview the other groups.

b. Whole class. What do these mobsters have in common?

unit 4 mafia gangsters -...

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