Untold Stories of Donnie Brasco

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ม.ค. 2024
  • Dive deep into the daring exploits of Joe Pistone, aka Donnie Brasco, as we explore the hidden layers beyond the iconic movie. 🎬 Join me as I reveal exclusive insights from the gripping tale of the first FBI agent to infiltrate the mafia, living a double life for six intense years. 🚓 From the dangerous underworld to the sacrifices made, discover the true courage behind bringing down the notorious Bonanno crime family. 📖 Get ready for a Mob Movie Monday with a twist, where reality surpasses fiction. 🔍 #JoePistone #DonnieBrasco #MobStories #UndercoverAgent #TrueCrimeTales
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ความคิดเห็น • 973

  • @keithdean9149
    @keithdean9149 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +316

    I think my favorite part in the movie is the "Christmas Scene." When Donnie goes to Lefty's home to give him his present and Lefty won't let him leave because he thinks Donnie is going to spend Christmas alone. The sad part was Joe Pistone had a trunk full of presents for his family and was trying to spend Christmas with them.

    • @davidmorris9596
      @davidmorris9596 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

      Now that you mentioned it. That was a good part of the movie. I wonder if that really happened?

    • @josephforest7605
      @josephforest7605 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I read the book and Joe made a passing remark , how he didn't even have a Christmas tree .So his mob friends , bought him a Christmas tree . The problem is , Joe was watching his watch and wanted to get home to his family and was sorry how he made the remark about not having a tree .@@davidmorris9596

    • @frankbernat740
      @frankbernat740 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +18

      Well Lefty was being a true brother, on the aspect.

    • @keithdean9149
      @keithdean9149 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +31

      @@davidmorris9596 It did happen, just not how the movie showed it. From what I've found, two members of Donnie's crew showed up at his apartment shortly before he was going to leave for home to make sure he wouldn't be alone. If they had looked in the trunk of his car and seen the presents, they might have killed him.

    • @MoejiiOsmanTV
      @MoejiiOsmanTV 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +36

      And when Lefty gives him a Christmas present of 500 squazools and then takes it back 🤣🤣

  • @dc56789
    @dc56789 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +35

    $500 is disgusting

  • @hotpocketz8258
    @hotpocketz8258 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +25

    The most humiliating part of that 500 bucks was forcing him to pose for that picture smiling when receiving it

    • @Truthseekerjaxsonville
      @Truthseekerjaxsonville หลายเดือนก่อน

      The humiliating part is expecting something other than your paycheck for doing what you signed on to do. Pistone was a man of integrity and loyalty to the oath to the people he chose to work for 😊

    • @LovelyRobotFigurine-lr5pu
      @LovelyRobotFigurine-lr5pu 4 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      😂😂😂 ok ​@@Truthseekerjaxsonville

  • @brocksmith2298
    @brocksmith2298 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +97

    Thanks for your videos and stories! Been paralyzed since 2015 been stuck on bed rest almost 5 yrs now and your videos keep me intrigued throughout the day!! God bless you and your family!

    • @michaelblaine6494
      @michaelblaine6494 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      🙏

    • @dadochannel9448
      @dadochannel9448 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Hope you re better now

    • @TheWildThunder
      @TheWildThunder 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      If that's the case,you know it the best - no one can argue with it.
      Be courages and do whatever you feel it's necessary for yourself,brother !
      This life Here is only one small part of the story !!

    • @aceventura3421
      @aceventura3421 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Get better brotha

    • @ColeTurner-sr8mc
      @ColeTurner-sr8mc 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      I hear you. The scariest time in my life was waking up after neck surgery and was totally paralyzed. It's impossible to explain it and wouldn't wish it on anyone.

  • @kevinhealey6540
    @kevinhealey6540 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    17:14 I lived on Staten Island where lots of organized crime is. When I was in Highschool, the children from organized crime fathers were there. Some were normal and with some it was best to avoid them. After High-School a friend of mine got involved with a bunch whose fathers were in it. They were the wrong type of friends to have. Their parents had a business of some sort. A restaurant, delicatessen, construction company. I'm guessing that this was to explain where the money was coming from. Their daily routine was, get up in the morning, watch tv until the afternoon, get money from the mother, go out and buy grass (or even worse) pal around, go home about 1 in the morning and do the same thing the next day. My friend introduced them to me and I realized it was best to stay away from them. The friend got beat up one night by them. Because of the drugs, they were volatile.

  • @johnschoen703
    @johnschoen703 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    Wow, this dude is sharp as a tack. No wonder he's still around to tell the tale. Impressive.

  • @bb7549
    @bb7549 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +47

    Michael, YOU telling that story added so much to it that it was like watching the movie all over with what really happened. Thank you.

  • @FullContactDrummer
    @FullContactDrummer 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +50

    I complete agree with you about Pacino in Donnie Brasco. That was a brilliant performance. Donnie Brasco is in my top three favorite movies. I've seen it countless times.

    • @nuffsaid783
      @nuffsaid783 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I got the Blu Ray dvd which contains an extra 20 minutes!

    • @KjMiller420
      @KjMiller420 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      It was fucked up though because Sonny Black was found murdered with his hands cut off come on because he brought law enforcement within the families missing they shook his hand that was his punishment. Sonny Black love Donnie like a brother, and so did Lefty

    • @michaelbecker2435
      @michaelbecker2435 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@KjMiller420never choose anyone outside the family.

  • @cheyenneasiafoxe292
    @cheyenneasiafoxe292 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Joe Pistone...the ultimate wiseguy and what a man! Love him! Great stuff as always Michael!

  • @aegontargaryen9322
    @aegontargaryen9322 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +36

    Love to listen to Michael . He’s such a great narrator and all the things he has to say about his former life are fascinating. He must be one smart cookie for being able to extricate himself from the mafia and live to tell the tale . All the best to you and your family sir

    • @moleccfc
      @moleccfc 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      He comes across as one of these people, like Jordan Belfort, they'd do well in any job role

    • @browndemonia3304
      @browndemonia3304 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      He's the real deal

    • @jaynehinds3339
      @jaynehinds3339 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Interesting Mikey scary life S well,,,,,how did ye enjoy my country Scotland. I hope you got to my hometown Edinburgh and did some sightseeing ,,go up
      To 5e castle where I worked on leaving school lol I’m from the town centre Grassmarket and my mum was born outside the castle in a close called k8ng James court,,,top of lawnmarket,,,,I know every nook and cranny of Edinburgh and a lot of the paper gangsters in it,,,lol,,,wish I’d known you I’d have given you a real tour 😂 straight facts,,,,my dad was an American Airman in 1958 married my mum had four of us and was killed shot dead by a nut in Houston Texas 1967,,,,,,,age 29,,hence my mum took us back to Scotland where her family was from,,anyway I hope you enjoyed your time in Scotland,,we are a classic bunch fear nobody either lol. We are all about banter and hospitality and having a laugh ,,,, thanks for all your videos very interesting indeed god bless you and your family ,

    • @leegrant7333
      @leegrant7333 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      He's not facinating ....he's an idiot

  • @Stumme-40203
    @Stumme-40203 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    So happy to be blessed with another Donnie Brasco video.

  • @theOnlydoubleP
    @theOnlydoubleP 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    Mr Franzese. I could listen to your story's for hours! What a life you lead. And change for that matter. The story about your father, What a Soldier that man was. God bless you and your and your family .👊🙏

  • @Manuelabor1978
    @Manuelabor1978 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    When Lefty borrows back the money in the Christmas card he gave Donny. Priceless 😂

    • @osu3167
      @osu3167 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Wait wasn't Donny the movie about the evil bunny?

  • @rexpayne7836
    @rexpayne7836 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    Joe's got balls of steel. I don't think too many people could have dealt with that assignment. 🇦🇺 😊

  • @izomfej
    @izomfej 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    "Donnie" used to be a stand up Guy! It is sad what happened to Sonny Black! Thanks for the Stories Michael! Salute

    • @robertanderson7333
      @robertanderson7333 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I agree, it sucks that Sonny Black was killed, and I think it spoke highly of him that he still liked Donnle and did not blame him for doing his job. Yes I know he was a criminal and he killed people but human psychology is not so black and white.

  • @tonystrange7224
    @tonystrange7224 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    Having listened to your superb deep dive on the Donny Brasco situation Michael, I need to revisit the movie and rewatch with an whole new perspective

  • @mikeparrott8304
    @mikeparrott8304 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Brasco is in my top 3 films of all time, it's so much more than a mob movie.

  • @patrickburch3723
    @patrickburch3723 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Best line..."Donny, I think when they had you in that orphanage, you got dropped on your f-in' head! In our thing, when you get sent for, you go in alive and you come out dead..and it's your best friend who does it."

  • @derricklowe2823
    @derricklowe2823 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great video Mr Franzese. I love the way you narrate a video like you did with this one. You'll read a paragraph or sentence and then break it down and offer your thoughts and perspective on it and you never fumble the words. Everything is so fluent and clear. It always keeps me focused and mentally engaged. I just wanted to comment on how entertaining I found this video. Great job sir.

  • @Finess3_King
    @Finess3_King 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Best episode to me in a very long time . This was an eye opener on the Pistone family aspect of it. This was the craziest operation of all time with all things factored in. Pistone is the greatest agent of all time for pulling this off.

    • @jdh9219
      @jdh9219 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Check out the show Gangland undercover man. It’s different circumstances because the guy who went undercover was a former criminal, however he successfully infiltrated 3 different motorcycle clubs. His name is Charles Falco, he was a big time Meth cook/dealer and when he got caught he was facing like 20 years. He had ZERO experience ever going undercover obviously but even more impressive was he had no experience with or knowledge of the outlaw motorcycle club life. He was able to basically transform into a believable biker and then successfully infiltrated 3 of the worst types of clubs in the world. He helped bring down the Vagos after being under for multiple yrs I believe. After the Vagos were brought down, he went into witness protection. While in Witsec, he did a part time gig with the ATF working for an agent who was also undercover and so Charlie was able to get patched into the Mongols MC. Before being in too long with them, other UC agents were at risk in other chapters. The Op came to an end early and so the Mongols were done. Him and His ATF handler had been doing stuff with the OUTLAWS MC. The icing on the cake is both Charlie and his ATF agent handler were able to become full patched members of the Outlaws. They not only became members but they did so by convincing a big outlaw president to let them go from being former Mongols, to allowing them to start their own chapter for the Club…Smh. So you wanna talk about craziest operations ever?! Charles Falco is a legend if you ask me.

    • @williestyle35
      @williestyle35 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      True. Good comment.

  • @Jimmymc79
    @Jimmymc79 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +64

    Michael, tons of respect for you, as a person and for the change you've made in life. In the opening line, when you said he did all that for 500 bucks. He did it because he believed it was morally correct when he originally went undercover. I believe he question that after but it was never about money. Great show, Michael you're truly a prime example of how we can all change our behaviors and thought process..

    • @jjwallnutts
      @jjwallnutts 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

      I think that was said about the $500 to show how little the FBI took care of him. $100 bonus a year for putting your life on the line everyday. Crazy.

    • @staffordchock6399
      @staffordchock6399 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      He loved his job

    • @Jimmymc79
      @Jimmymc79 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

      @staffordchock6399 I went and watched the 2 part interview Michael did with him. He believed in what he was doing. When it came to Lefty, he said dude was a stone cold killer and generally hard to be around in general. With Sunny he said sunny had asked him if anything ever happened to him if "Donny " would look after his kids. Sunny was killed over "Donny" and Lefty wasn't. Crazy shit.

    • @Jimmymc79
      @Jimmymc79 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @staffordchock6399 so basically yeah didn't seem he was overly bothered by everything.

    • @pagodebregaeforro2803
      @pagodebregaeforro2803 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      Dont matter if he did for his morals, civic duty or whatever, the 500 bucks from the fbi was an insult in many ways.

  • @duncannapier318
    @duncannapier318 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Michael thanks for making and thanks for sharing. Stay awesome, blessings to you and your family for 2024 and beyond. 👍🇿🇦

  • @djeasy9978
    @djeasy9978 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    Loved this episode. Happy new year. Blessings to you and your family and staff

  • @JC-om4wd
    @JC-om4wd 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    Michael, thank you for your candid! Accurate take. We live in another world now and it’s refreshing to see you, many others and Joe be able interact. Pistone’s story was the subject of my organized crime class in college. He did his job, he did it well. Love your channel, thanks again for your stories.

  • @user-by9zy5dy7i
    @user-by9zy5dy7i 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    As a clean guy, Donnie Brasco is my hero...no one ahead, no one beside and...well, Joe Pistone IS the real deal. And like You said, he DID his job.

  • @HipHipHeredia
    @HipHipHeredia 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Still one of my favorite channels on TH-cam!!! Love all the work you and your team puts in!! Great content.
    I will say though, I miss the original show intro…

  • @dugncat
    @dugncat 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you for another insightful installment of your program. Lots of good information, like a crash course on the perils of the mob life. I'll definitely be re-watching this episode more than once.
    Thank you, and God bless 😊

  • @TheFraglife
    @TheFraglife 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    When Joe Pistone left the mob i bet his life changed forever because it doesn't matter if he was undercover or not he
    was living that life and made strong bonds he was part of the mob for real

  • @johnweenus3939
    @johnweenus3939 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    For someone who denounces “the life” so much you don’t half seem to glamourise it

    • @AK-74K
      @AK-74K 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      He is a businessman first and foremost. If Michael just kept on saying how terrible the mob is on every single video, no one would watch this channel

  • @M8DBLESS
    @M8DBLESS 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    i'm an early days fan of this channel when Mike had less than 100k subs, to see where he's at now is beautiful ! God Bless Michael !

  • @michaelmitchell5098
    @michaelmitchell5098 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks for coming back Michael. Hope you enjoyed your holidays!

  • @theportugueselegend
    @theportugueselegend 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    This is the type of videos that you are great in Michael! Telling a story, because you paint a really well done picture of what happened because you were there, at that time. You knew the people and you lived the life.

  • @Tim82ATW
    @Tim82ATW 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    Keep up the good work Michael!!

  • @jwhitty14
    @jwhitty14 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    $500 in 1981 has roughly the same purchasing power as $1,654.79 in 2024. Still, no where near a proper bonus for risking your life every day and being away from your family for 5 years. Happy New Year Mike. God Bless!!

    • @planetpapa2085
      @planetpapa2085 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      1600 isn't worth it either

    • @scottevans2685
      @scottevans2685 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Giving him any kind of monetary compensation was flat-out insulting. After an accomplishment like his they should reward an agent with a big promotion or a choice assignment, or some kind of special Executive-level recognition of his accomplishment leading to bigger professional opportunities. One wonders if the corrupt politicians in charge of the Bureau were jealous of Joe, or afraid of him. If so, it would seem that not much has changed in that organization since the days of Closet Queen Hoover.

  • @michaelegnatowicz7985
    @michaelegnatowicz7985 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great piece Michael, much respect. You’re 100% correct about about the politics in our great country. God Bless you

  • @cornbread8246
    @cornbread8246 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I appreciate the straight talk.

  • @johynsmith
    @johynsmith 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    That $500 had to have felt like a gut punch. No one can convince me that Joe did not get attached to Lefty at some level. Bittersweet...

    • @scottevans2685
      @scottevans2685 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      "That $500 had to have felt like a gut punch."
      It's illustrative of the total out-of-touch cluelessness of the FBI's leadership. Looking at how that agency conducts itself nowadays, I wouldn't blame Joe Pistone if he has come to regret the day he ever set foot in the FBI Academy.

    • @sitdowndogbreath
      @sitdowndogbreath 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      People regret workin fo da MOB as well.

    • @zippymufo9765
      @zippymufo9765 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The movie is bullshit. Pistone hated Lefty, it was Sonny (played by Michael Madsen) who he got attached to. Why they changed it for the movie, only Hollywood knows.

  • @donnamyers7274
    @donnamyers7274 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Mr. Franzese, I sure do enjoy your vlogs the most. God's blessings always for you and yours.🙌🙏💞

  • @AndrewRobertson-kl4vi
    @AndrewRobertson-kl4vi 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Look how hard Sonny Black, took the Donnie Brasco situation.He had grown to love a man maybe more than he ever had before. Joe Pistone done an absolute number on Cosa Nostra as a whole,not just Bonanno Family...Man done his job alright!!! Great episode Michael!

  • @stryderjt7117
    @stryderjt7117 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Powerful the more u talk about the movie and the facts u do respect Joe even more and love the movie even more

  • @jameselliott5315
    @jameselliott5315 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I had the pleasure of partying with Joe Pistone for 3 days, Joe was the guest speaker at a Baltimore law enforcement conference. We picked him up from the airport and he insisted on riding in the back seat everywhere we went. We went straight to the bar and had drinks and dinner, he was so down to earth and an absolute blast. By the second day we were calling him Don the jeweler and saying forget about it to everything and Fugazzi... I have great pictures of this, it's too bad there's no way to post them here.

    • @Por2ugal
      @Por2ugal 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Sounds like fun! Donnie Brasco is one of my favorite movies!!!

    • @mattm.5436
      @mattm.5436 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Your a f king Cornball. You f king Herb James Elliot.

    • @TheCloudShaman
      @TheCloudShaman 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      He knows how to become your buddy. :) Great experience though

    • @mattm.5436
      @mattm.5436 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Straight up Herb you are James Elliot.

  • @richshields6692
    @richshields6692 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thanks again Mike for these youtubes. You do excellent work. God bless.

  • @IknowImNotCrazyYoumightbe
    @IknowImNotCrazyYoumightbe 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Great video Michael and thank you for your viewpoints and honesty

  • @robertjaime6808
    @robertjaime6808 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Hey Michael, awhile back Jeff Nadu did a content on Joey Massino after he died & it was very interesting what kind of guy Joey was & he had no qualms about killing guys with in the family & who he felt could be a threat to his aspirations of becoming the boss of the Bonanno Family. Well during the Donnie Brasco era, Sonny Black was one of the most popular/ likable guys to become the Boss of the Family & Joe Massino knew that but when Donnie Brasco came out as a FBI agent, that’s when Joey had Rusty’s ear about Sonny & his crew who let a FBI agent into the Family
    & it all went down hill for Sonny & his crew. Joey Massino was the guy who had Sonny Black & Tony Mirra unjustifiably murdered for something they had no control over including Lefty! The whole Donnie Brasco incident could have happened to anyone, in any of the 5 Families!

  • @Cashcrop54
    @Cashcrop54 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    I had been waiting for the opportunity to bring up this book. Great story. I want to read many of the "Killing The" series Bill has written. Thanks Michael and God Bless!

  • @paulie9771
    @paulie9771 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thankyou for another interesting video Michael. As you say - stay healthy, stay safe and God bless. Paulie from Sydney Australia.

  • @HRHBoof
    @HRHBoof 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I like the way you think, Michael. I absolutely loved this episode. It's amazing to hear the inner workings of the mob. So fascinating. Thank you. I wish you were at liberty to tell more of your stories.

  • @STONESGAM
    @STONESGAM 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Michael, I'm a long time follower of your channel for the interesting mob stuff but also for your faith based videos and books as well.
    If you happen to read this please pray for my mother Connie from Wisconsin who was recently diagnosed with a rare bone cancer and things aren't looking good right now. A very tough way to kick off 2024.
    Thank You for all of the great videos and entertainment.

    • @lmelch100
      @lmelch100 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Well if Mr. Franzese doesn't get a chance to respond. Just wanted to say Madison, Wisconsinites are praying for your mother and anyone else in your family that's been affected by this upsetting news. I'm guessing Michael with our faith would say or feel the same way.

    • @STONESGAM
      @STONESGAM 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@lmelch100 Very Much Appreciated. I'm from the Milwaukee area and have spent a lot of time in Madison. Thank You!

    • @Por2ugal
      @Por2ugal 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I am thinking of you and your family all the way from Vancouver, Canada 🙏🏻

  • @doaver2.125
    @doaver2.125 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +39

    Michael, if Joe had got made and later it was found out he was an FBI agent, so what would have happened to the entire family?
    Also how would that have affected the whole Mafia organization?
    Also want to wish you and your family a Happy New Year, and all the best things in the futur.

    • @paxonearth
      @paxonearth 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      Good question.

    • @ToreDL87
      @ToreDL87 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Well we already know what happened to pretty much every made guy in his close vicinity.
      It's safe to say if he had been made, that would encompass the whole family.
      I'm also thinking they would have closed the books for at least 20 years, nationwide.

    • @shaned7158
      @shaned7158 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      They might not want to fuck with him either or some of them

    • @walter-ro3lr
      @walter-ro3lr 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      If the name went around to every family its a chance they might find out about him

    • @geoff3103
      @geoff3103 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      The Bonannos would've been kicked off the commission. The men who sponsored Joe would've been clipped. Other made men he had worked with extensively would've been clipped. The crew which Pistone had belonged to would've been isolated and evaluated, which would've lead to more guys getting whacked or flipping to the Feds. A bloodbath, in short.

  • @OneKing01
    @OneKing01 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    One of my favourite mob films, another great video as always 👍🏻

  • @IPlayOneOnT.V.
    @IPlayOneOnT.V. 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    The book/movie "Donnie Brasco" were both excellent. I recommend both, especially since the book deals with the untold exploits that weren't in the movie. One of which was where "Lefty" and DB are sent to Milwaukee together to strike-up a business deal with family boss Frank Balestrieri, which ultimately falls through; and, "Lefty" initially gets in big trouble with his bosses for Balestrieri kiboshing the deal.

  • @lisapop5219
    @lisapop5219 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    That is a tremendous sacrifice. I don't blame his wife for deeply resenting his job. My husband was career military & sometimes I hated the job. But his time away from the the family was nothing like this.

  • @952651869
    @952651869 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Loved this Episode Michael. Happy New Year to you and your family and your Staff Greetings From Europe

  • @CPIVCR
    @CPIVCR 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    dam Mike, I appreciate you are willing to stand up. God Bless you and your family.

  • @pellel8283
    @pellel8283 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    The only real reason I can see Sonny being killed is so everyone else can assign blame to someone (warranted or not). If they can blame someone, it makes the rest of them look competent and they took care of the "guilty" party...If they didn't, other people in other families will wonder who dropped the ball. kinda of a save face thing IMHO

    • @mattm.5436
      @mattm.5436 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Oh of course-every community needs a scapegoat.

  • @davidreynolds5884
    @davidreynolds5884 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Michael "The PODFATHER" Franzese,
    Absolute Legend, love your podcasts Michael.💯

  • @cjcheifer994
    @cjcheifer994 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I just loved this reading you did for us. Love your channel. Thank you

  • @RetiredTop43
    @RetiredTop43 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent video. These guys give up everything. Great video, Michael.

  • @scottmortensen9955
    @scottmortensen9955 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    It’s crazy Bonnano fam wanted to straighten him out yet Columbos knew something was off immediately

    • @AnthonyMcInerney-vl5bf
      @AnthonyMcInerney-vl5bf 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Wow, really? Be good to hear Michael elaborate on who knew what.
      Can't get enough of this stuff.

    • @letsgomets002
      @letsgomets002 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Colombo....is the right spelling 😮

    • @johnm001
      @johnm001 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@AnthonyMcInerney-vl5bfjoe has his own podcast on spotify and his audiobook is on TH-cam, both excellent

    • @johnm001
      @johnm001 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Joe's story is he had an argument with two guys in the Colombos and left

  • @Mr_NobdyJdi1231
    @Mr_NobdyJdi1231 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Great video Mr.Franzese.

  • @judithcampbell1705
    @judithcampbell1705 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I agree with you Michael 💯. Be safe and be healthy. I grew up in Miami Beach and back in the 60's and 70's there was many mobsters everywhere. On the beach, in hotels and on the streets. In fact my mother used to take care of Meyer Lansky. And I remember a few police shootouts just a block away from my island. Thank you 💛 very much for this opportunity to listen to you. I enjoyed learning more. Have a wonderful day. Love the channel.

  • @DeanBillyIII
    @DeanBillyIII 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    “Donnie you got a couple Fazzo’s 😅” Mike you are fantastic at this. Keep it up my brother 🙏🏼

  • @trippontwowheels
    @trippontwowheels 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Loved the movie!

  • @revelation20232
    @revelation20232 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +26

    Joe has to be a bit of a psychopath in the true clinical sense. Not only to be able to keep his cool in situations that would make most people crack under pressure & to lie so convincingly but also to be fine with missing out on so much time with his family. Not to mention he didn't develop any positive emotions with the guys he spent years & years with. Despite mob guys being criminals, most people would feel some sort of attachment to those guys after having such close relationships with them.

    • @prophetmargin7497
      @prophetmargin7497 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +13

      In his book, Joe Pistone claims did become quite close with Sonny Black in real life but in the film they made it look like Lefty Two Guns was the guy he hung out most of the time, probably because Al Pacino was a much bigger star than Michael Madsen and demanded most of the face time!

    • @davidmorris9596
      @davidmorris9596 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Yup....he said he could talk with him about all kinds of things!! They would sit in their underwear watching cartoons eating cereal😅😅. Now that's brotherhood

    • @prophetmargin7497
      @prophetmargin7497 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@davidmorris9596 That's when you know you've made it to the inner circle!

    • @Matt-cw1mv
      @Matt-cw1mv 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      He doesn’t HAVE to be a bit of a psychopath. That’s ridiculous. Some people are really good at acting/playing the part.

    • @LibertyDIY
      @LibertyDIY 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@Matt-cw1mvPsychopaths excel at acting careers and are attracted to government positions of power.

  • @Wg-zx5ve
    @Wg-zx5ve 22 วันที่ผ่านมา

    My man Michael. Honest, lived the life. Appreciate your information.

  • @rickraw100
    @rickraw100 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks Michael for bring a light to what really happened.

  • @charlesdavis7461
    @charlesdavis7461 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Wow, I recall Donnie Brasco , we need more like him today. His life was on the line or a family member for the time he served.

    • @BENNY_MAC
      @BENNY_MAC 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I agree. However, these days they probably don't need many undercover agents in the mob because a lot of the mob guys will become informants. Keeps the undercovers safe and the feds don't care if an informant is taken out, they just get another.

  • @Cardb33
    @Cardb33 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +48

    Joe didn't just get the $500. Guys have always said Sonny Black was stashing money with Donnie. That's the real reason he wanted the operation to keep going, every week it went on the more money he'd inevitably be able to keep knowing very few people knew about it and the ones that did never would tell about it.

    • @rong2912
      @rong2912 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

      He must have been getting paid a regular salary the whole time as well.

    • @backagain5216
      @backagain5216 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Whatever!

    • @backagain5216
      @backagain5216 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      @@rong2912Of course he was.

    • @DanoffRoad
      @DanoffRoad 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Not to mention the money the FBI had to spend on relocating Joe's family and paying for that to keep going. Also they had to give Joe money every month so he could kick it upstairs on the pretense he stole and sold jewels.

    • @RigorMortis187
      @RigorMortis187 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It sounds good but look at who Pastone is. Anyone who believes he would risk his reputation, life, and the FBI's credibility doesnt know the man. Is it possible, sure. But if he did and it came out every case he testified on and every prosecution would be destroyed.

  • @TheRealJessicaValerio
    @TheRealJessicaValerio 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Michael, how is your brother doing now? I have great compassion for people who struggle with addiction. Most people don’t understand that there are 2 types of addicts… those that love indulging and love the life… and those who made a bad choice or self medicated to escape some very difficult situation or manual health issue etc or maybe even got hurt and needed a prescription temporarily and it just grew into something they couldn’t come back from. I pray that he was able to overcome it all. I can see on your face and in your eyes and hear in your voice the deep love you have for him, your father, and your whole family.

  • @thruknobulaxii2020
    @thruknobulaxii2020 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That’s so true. And it’s what makes the movie so great. That close relationship between Donnie and Leftie, which both actors, but especially Pacino capture so well.
    In the movie, Lefty really loved Donnie, almost like a son. You could even see touches of jealousy at times. All kinds of emotions, just like you get when things get messy.
    What a fantastic picture. It never gets old.

  • @LaReginaPatrizia
    @LaReginaPatrizia 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I, wholeheartedly; agree with you. I don't think that Sonny Black should have been killed. Donny Brasco thoroughly fooled them.

    • @karenkoe7096
      @karenkoe7096 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Sonny had to know he was a dead man the minute the FBI showed up and informed him "Donnie Brasco" was an FBI agent. Lefty too for that matter.

  • @MOBDAYSWEREBETTER
    @MOBDAYSWEREBETTER 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    He probably still loves some of those times especially back then living that life. No way, he would say he didn't like a lot of parts of it.

    • @Por2ugal
      @Por2ugal 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Could you imagine? He probably had the time of his life. Lots of good memories

  • @snivelinj7612
    @snivelinj7612 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Once again MIke, you made this affair very interesting and revealing. You are well spoken, have a good grasp of the English language, and communicate intelligently. I don't know how a man of your depth could be around mob stupidity and viciousness for so long. I'm glad you pulled out of it and became the good man you are now.

  • @jesset061084
    @jesset061084 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Happy new year Mr Frenzese I hope you and your family r doing well am a big fan of yours keep up the great work godbless

  • @scottmortensen9955
    @scottmortensen9955 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Sonny Black took his death like a man. Stand up for sure

  • @chrisbannu7443
    @chrisbannu7443 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Donnie Brasco had the balls of all mob bosses combined.

  • @blyman4372
    @blyman4372 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you Mr. Franzese. Please keep up your good work.

  • @adrianscorch
    @adrianscorch 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hey Michael, thank you for continuing to make these videos, I don’t know what I’ll do with this info, but it’s good to know.
    What were the holiday seasons like for a mafia soldier?

  • @freshwest6456
    @freshwest6456 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Hi Michael can you please fix a copy of the painting with your autograph. I would really appreciate it. Have a wonderful day!👊👑

  • @LivingOnCash
    @LivingOnCash 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    I think to a certain degree, Joe liked the life he was living and that's why he continued the operation for so long. Hoover was right in not wanting agents to go undercover because the temptations are too great. If the FBI had not ceased the operation and let him continue, who knows what Joe may have done. Would he have murdered? Would he eventually gone full in and abandoned his FBI job?

    • @Fastbikkel
      @Fastbikkel 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I think he got his satisfaction from making progress within the family. But from a standpoint of the investigation.

    • @AK-74K
      @AK-74K 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      From the book, I certainly didn't get the impression he enjoyed being a mobster. He hated Lefty, that's for sure, hated to be around him

    • @chodagreat7876
      @chodagreat7876 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Maybe Pistone did murder, there is no way for us to know.
      He was living life like a mobster to the fullest and loved it.

    • @AK-74K
      @AK-74K 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@chodagreat7876 How do you know that he loved it?

    • @chodagreat7876
      @chodagreat7876 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@AK-74K Instead of showing up at his family's home with his wife and children, he rather only used it to stash illegal items. He prefered staying in NY with his mob friends.

  • @jessedesrosier6339
    @jessedesrosier6339 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Joe Pistone is the truest mob guy on TH-cam lol if there was a question between Joe and Michael asking which one was a Fed and which one was a Mob Cappo I can bet 90% of people would guess Joe to be the Cappo lol. Huge fan of the movie definitely one of the best mob films not only Al Pacino’s best role ever but also have to give it up to Jonny Depp. He’s hit n miss and at times I couldn’t stand some of his characters but he can sure play a good gangster Black Mass was another solid film. I’d like to see a sit down with Joe P, Michael, Jonny Depp and Al Pacino, they could even add in Chazz P; I’d pay to see that sit down. Hearing exclusive behind the scenes stories and getting both Joe Pastones take as well as Jonny Depp on how he prepared for the role. Keep up the content Michael you are truly the most entertaining gangster online ever

    • @xxxxxx-db7fi
      @xxxxxx-db7fi 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yeah, best movie with Al Pacino, for sure...
      The best part in this movie, "Donnie brasco" is.. Al Pacino, is nothing.. Not a boss.. Not even close a boss..
      But he played amazing performance..
      Big respect, mstr Al Pacino🎩🎩🎩

  • @slaterbayside7
    @slaterbayside7 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    He put his own career ahead of watching/helping his children grow up. He did it for him, he enjoyed it. I mean he was an excellent undercover agent, but a human garbage pail of a spouse and father.

    • @daschmidtz
      @daschmidtz 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      So how do military deployments and other professions that keep a man gone more days a week than they are home fit in with you estimate what male provider is supposed to be?

    • @thehoov6672
      @thehoov6672 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@daschmidtzessentially the same. Can't be a good father when you're not around. Regardless how you glorify the job or "working to provide".

  • @LemmyGibbler
    @LemmyGibbler 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +80

    That dude lives as a high level mobster for five years. He made way way more than $500. He enjoyed lots of the benefits of his illegal activities and none of the consequences.

    • @BigE-ts4sb
      @BigE-ts4sb 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +13

      I agree 100 percent but I think how much danger he put himself into he kinda deserves it but you’re right he definitely walked away with a lot of money

    • @Fastbikkel
      @Fastbikkel 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      So far he has kept that hidden pretty well then. I have a hard time believing you though, or maybe i'm just being a bit naive ;-)
      But on a more serious note, i am not buying into that yet. I mean, he was not flashing it and if he saved it somewhere, where is it now? And how come nobody has noticed up until now?

    • @cletusjones9411
      @cletusjones9411 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      He was undercover with high level mobsters and drug dealers. I don’t think he could fake dirty deals and committing crimes. He probably had to do it for real to gain credibility with them. So I wonder how many crimes he was involved in where he split the take with his mafia partners, didn’t document the evidence, just to have that credibility? Then, because it’s off the record, he would probably just keep his share, or split it with his FBi superiors to cover his back. When he was doing specific deals to gather evidence then those would be the times when everything is accounted for by the FBI as evidence.

    • @BENNY_MAC
      @BENNY_MAC 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Lol Donnie Brasco doesn't get to keep the illegal money he was making. He has to turn that over to the FBI.

    • @tomz5704
      @tomz5704 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@cletusjones9411as an undercover you are allowed to commit certain crimes though

  • @magtafcmdr8621
    @magtafcmdr8621 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Michael, new subscriber here. Thanks for your content. I especially enjoy your take on the mafia in popular culture. Happy New Year!

  • @coldspring624
    @coldspring624 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    An elegant presentation to drive home the truth of today.

  • @kmart014
    @kmart014 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    U lost me at the politics at the end

  • @Jimmymc79
    @Jimmymc79 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Definitely one of the best episodes!

  • @Carrera_Quan
    @Carrera_Quan 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks for the insight Michael.

  • @user-dy3tb7rp3h
    @user-dy3tb7rp3h 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Tanks, i enjoyed your work very much.

  • @louissmith399
    @louissmith399 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Brilliant Michael really enjoyed it I need get me a copy of the book 📖 happy new year 🎉 Michael and family 👪 respect 🙏

  • @dakritic
    @dakritic 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Fantastic video. Thank you.

  • @elvia3068
    @elvia3068 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hi Michael HAPPY NEW YR from El Paso TX. 😊 Thankyou for the content...

  • @paulmento8326
    @paulmento8326 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for the great story Michael, well done!

  • @ncstonecrew
    @ncstonecrew 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great topic Mr. Franzese🇮🇹🇺🇸

  • @paulmerritt418
    @paulmerritt418 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Michael, great channel. Excellent book review. Some day I hope you’re in my neck of the woods. Would love to hear you speak in person.

  • @jasonphillips3146
    @jasonphillips3146 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is a good video Michael. I Love that painting behind you.

  • @user-ub6hd3nd4l
    @user-ub6hd3nd4l 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanx for your generous posts....Love this stuff....God bless.

  • @jeffking4269
    @jeffking4269 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Always a good show-thanks michael

  • @henryclayair
    @henryclayair 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Love the background prints!!!!

  • @davidkerr5644
    @davidkerr5644 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Watch Michael pod casts all the time and its so interesting the guy is good at talking and tell stories brillant love listing all the mob stories thankyou for fascinating stuff ❤