Hoodlum Empire

WWII veteran and ex-gangster, Joe Gray (John Russell) is subpoenaed to testify against his uncle and current mob boss, Nick Mancini (Luther Adler). Nick must restrain Charley Pignatalli (Forrest Tucker), his violent second-in-command, from killing Joe before he his court appearance. Torn from the headlines and shot in a semi-documentary style, Hoodlum Empire was inspired by the Kefauver investigations of 1950 and 1951. This classic film noir was directed by Joseph Kane (King of the Pecos) and was beautifully shot by Reggie Lanning (Sands of Iwo Jima). The all-star cast includes Claire Trevor, Brian Donlevy, Vera Ralston and Gene Lockhart.