1960s. We begin with an introduction by Senator John F Kennedy who says “There are a group of individuals, perhaps a dozen, who run organized crime across the United States…”
The segment moves on to a presenter who gives a brief history of mob attitudes in America through the 30s, 40s, and 50s. We hear how in 1963 Joe Valachi, allegedly a ‘made’ member of La Cosa Nostra, began to tell his story.
The segment moves on to footage from Joe Valachi’s appearance before the McClellan committee, led by Senator John McClellan. We hear from Peter Maas, a crime reporter, his commentary interspersed between Mr. Valachi’s testimony. Joe’s testimony includes details of the rituals performed when he was inducted into the secretive organization as well as specific information on the bosses, and the term ‘Godfather’.
It is likely that this and later hearings were a big inspiration for Mario Puzo’s book (and subsequent movies) “The Godfather”.
Joseph Valachi was the first member to admit the existence of La Cosa Nostra publicly, in 1963.
Peter Maas wrote a book about his interviews with mafia ‘soldato’ (soldier) Valachi, “The Valachi Papers”, which was subsequently made into a movie.