Introduction to Michael Franzese II
Michael Franzese II is a fascinating individual, often compared to Michael Corleone from The Godfather, due to his role as a mafia boss and his complex life story. He was ranked 18th in a 1986 Fortune magazine article listing the 50 biggest mafia bosses, close to John Gotti at 13th. Franzese worked with prominent figures like Carmine Persico and Salvatore Santoro, highlighting his high-level position in the Colombo family.
Early Life and Influences
Michael Franzese II had a good role model in his father, Sonny Franzese, who was a person of substance and had a strong presence. His father taught him to be a “man’s man” from a young age and provided a unique environment and “street credit” that protected him from harm. Despite initially wanting to pursue a different path, Franzese eventually followed in his father’s footsteps and learned a lot from him, including how to carry themselves and earn respect from others.
The Mafia Life
Michael Franzese participated in a blood oath ritual to join the Cosa Nostra, swearing loyalty and secrecy, with the warning that betrayal would result in death and damnation. He was one of six to take the oath, and the only one still alive, with the others having died in murders. Franzese was formally inducted into the life on Halloween night in 1975, which involved a solemn ceremony where he walked into a room, had his finger cut, and blood dropped on the floor as part of a ritual.
Leaving the Mafia Life
After spending 20 years in a high-level life, Franzese knew he had to make changes due to the dangers and horrors of that life. He moved to California, avoided patterns and routines, and kept a low profile to protect himself. Franzese outlasted his associates, who either went to jail or got killed, and never testified against anyone or sent them to prison. This decision helped him avoid worse consequences and allowed him to start anew.
Business Deals and Lessons
Michael Franzese became the highest moneymaker outside of Al Capone by taking over businesses and making deals with people who came to him with opportunities. He devised a scheme to avoid paying taxes on gasoline, taking advantage of the government’s inability to track the 20-40 cent tax per gallon. Franzese’s business acumen and ability to navigate complex situations have been invaluable in his success.
Interactions with Notorious Figures
Michael Franzese had interactions with John Gotti, describing him as a charismatic figure who fit the “Hollywood profile” with his look and mannerisms. Franzese also knew Paul Castellano, a notorious figure who was assassinated by John Gotti. He shares his limited personal experience with Castellano and discusses the importance of being respectful and holding his ground in interactions with these figures.
Rudy Giuliani and the FBI
Michael Franzese discusses his experiences with Rudy Giuliani, who claimed his motivation for becoming a US Attorney in New York was to attack the mob. Franzese is skeptical, believing Giuliani was opportunistic and used the position to build his career. He also talks about the FBI and a notable agent who created informants to take down the Green Reaper and Scarpa.
Lessons Learned and Current Projects
Michael Franzese reflects on his past experiences and the lessons he has learned. He discusses the importance of respecting others, being strategic, and navigating situations effectively. Franzese is currently working on several projects, including a movie with a $50 million budget, a stage show in Las Vegas about the history of the mob, and a true-crime unscripted show called “Mafia Democracy” highlighting cases where the government was complicit in framing individuals.
Conclusion
Michael Franzese II’s story is one of fascination and complexity, with a unique blend of mafia life, business acumen, and personal growth. His experiences and lessons learned have been invaluable in his success, and his current projects continue to showcase his talents and perspectives.
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Cosa Nostra | A secret society of Italian-American organized crime groups, also known as the Mafia. | Michael Franzese participated in a blood oath ritual to join the Cosa Nostra, swearing loyalty and secrecy. |
| Colombo family | One of the Five Families of the Italian-American Mafia, originating from Palermo, Sicily. | Franzese worked with prominent figures like Carmine Persico and Salvatore Santoro, highlighting his high-level position in the Colombo family. |
| Blood oath | A ritual in which an individual swears loyalty and secrecy, often involving a symbolic act of bloodletting. | Michael Franzese participated in a blood oath ritual to join the Cosa Nostra, swearing loyalty and secrecy, with the warning that betrayal would result in death and damnation. |
| Mafia boss | A high-ranking member of a Mafia organization, often responsible for making key decisions and overseeing operations. | Michael Franzese was ranked 18th in a 1986 Fortune magazine article listing the 50 biggest mafia bosses, close to John Gotti at 13th. |
| Informant | An individual who provides information to law enforcement agencies, often in exchange for protection or leniency. | Franzese discusses the FBI and a notable agent who created informants to take down the Green Reaper and Scarpa. |
| RICO | The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal law aimed at combating organized crime. | Although not explicitly mentioned, RICO is relevant to the context of Michael Franzese’s experiences with the Mafia and law enforcement. |
| Omertà | The code of silence and loyalty observed by members of the Mafia, prohibiting them from cooperating with law enforcement. | Michael Franzese’s decision not to testify against anyone or send them to prison reflects his adherence to the code of omertà. |
| True-crime | A genre of media that focuses on real-life crimes and their investigations, often presented in a documentary or dramatized format. | Franzese is currently working on a true-crime unscripted show called “Mafia Democracy” highlighting cases where the government was complicit in framing individuals. |
| Underworld | The world of organized crime, often involving secret societies, corruption, and illicit activities. | Michael Franzese’s story provides a glimpse into the underworld of the Mafia and its inner workings. |
| Organized crime | A type of crime that involves a structured group of individuals working together to engage in illicit activities, often with a hierarchical leadership. | Michael Franzese’s experiences are a prime example of organized crime, highlighting the complexities and dangers of this world. |
Watch The Video
Vocabulary Quiz
1. Which word means ‘a promise or vow, especially one to a secret society’ in the context of Michael Franzese’s story?
A) Oath of office
B) Blood oath ritual
C) Mafia life
D) Street credit
2. What does ‘street credit’ refer to in Michael Franzese’s early life?
A) A form of currency used by the mafia
B) Respect and protection from others due to his father’s influence
C) A type of loan from the mafia
D) A way to earn money quickly
3. What was the result for those who betrayed the Cosa Nostra, according to the warning given during the blood oath ritual?
A) They would be rewarded with wealth and power
B) They would be given a second chance
C) They would face death and damnation
D) They would be forced to leave the mafia
4. Why did Michael Franzese devise a scheme to avoid paying taxes on gasoline?
A) He wanted to help the government increase its revenue
B) He was trying to reduce his carbon footprint
C) He took advantage of the government’s inability to track the tax per gallon
D) He was forced to do so by the mafia
5. What is the name of the true-crime unscripted show that Michael Franzese is currently working on?
A) Mafia Life
B) The Godfather
C) Mafia Democracy
D) The Mob Story
Answer Key:
1. B
2. B
3. C
4. C
5. C
Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus: The Use of the Past Perfect Tense
Grammar Quiz:
1. By the time Michael Franzese joined the mafia, his father ____________________ him how to be a “man’s man”.
- A) teaches
- B) had taught
- C) was teaching
- D) is teaching
2. Michael Franzese ____________________ his associates, who either went to jail or got killed, by the time he decided to leave the mafia life.
- A) outlasts
- B) had outlasted
- C) was outlasting
- D) outlasted
3. Before Michael Franzese became a successful businessman, he ____________________ in a blood oath ritual to join the Cosa Nostra.
- A) participates
- B) had participated
- C) was participating
- D) participate
4. By the time Rudy Giuliani claimed his motivation for becoming a US Attorney, Michael Franzese ____________________ his experiences with the mob.
- A) discusses
- B) had discussed
- C) was discussing
- D) discuss
5. Michael Franzese ____________________ several projects, including a movie and a stage show, by the time he reflected on his past experiences.
- A) works
- B) had worked
- C) was working
- D) has worked
Answer Key:
1. B) had taught
2. D) outlasted
3. B) had participated
4. B) had discussed
5. C) was working