Godfather of Harlem "Bumpy Johnson" | Mob Movie Monday With Michael Franzese 

Forest Whitaker is such a talent!

Giancarlo Esposito is an all time great in my book. He's been ridiculously underrated throughout his career!

Don’t forget about the movie called “Hoodlum” portraying Bumpy Johnson.

Forest Whitaker is one of the best actors I've ever seen. His portrayal of Charlie Parker - perhaps the best sax player who ever walked this planet - was fabulous.

I don’t think Bumpy Johnson got the credit he deserves. No other black man could do deals with the Italian mob . And he was a stand up man who didn’t even fear whites in that time period . He fed families also . Far as the series yes it’s a great review you did . Thanks Mike 🙌🏾

Michael, you and Chazz should do projects and collabs together. Chazz's wisdom and intelligence and life advice is what we need these days. You two are too classy. We need this.

Agreed the Guy playing Malcom X is phenomenal.

Gian Carlo's father was a carpenter from Napoli Italy who emigrated to Copenhagen Denmark where he met, fell in love with and married an African American night club singer from Alabama. They moved to the USA when Gian Carlo was a child. What a great actor.

Michaels knowledge of these movies and TV series is unmatched!!! Appreciate you Boss!! 💯💯

I had a criminology class several years ago, and studied organized crime, had text books on it, etc. and there was some information on Bumpy Johnson and from that base, I studied more independently about him. So, at the time, Harlem was informally divided between Black, Latino and Italian sections. The war between Bumpy Johnson and Dutch Schultz over the numbers was very bloody with more the 40 people killed and/or kidnapped throughout the course of it. Bumpy Johnson didn't actually "lose" because prior to the war being completely over, Dutch Shultz was killed on orders of Lucky Luciano over an unrelated matter. Johnson and Luciano then struck a deal, where the Harlem bookmakers would retain their independence as long as they agreed to pass along a cut of their profits. Bumpy Johnson and Lucky Luciano would meet regularly to play chess, sometimes at Luciano's favorite spot in front of the YMCA on 135th Street. (That's probably where they got the whole him and Costello playing chess together for the show). Bumpy Johnson did have some connections to Frank Costello through Luciano, but not what was portrayed in the show. In that alliance with Lucky Luciano, Johnson ruled over the black Harlem underworld for years. To make a long story short, he got arrested and spent several years in jail, and when he came out in 1963, things were very different, and he died about 5 years later in 1968 of a heart attack. It is a fact that Malcolm X and Bumpy Johnson did know each other and were friends. Malcolm X in fact declined protection from Bumpy Johnson's men not long before his assassination, because of what Malcolm was representing, he couldn't really be seen fraternizing with criminals, so he declined that protection from Bumpy, even knowing his life was in danger. All of it was pretty fascinating once I got into it.

I enjoyed the series. Well done and smartly executed. I was particularly impressed that the writers managed to stay authentic in their portrayal of differing people. No gimmicky minstrel show! Black women were portrayed with a real nod for truth telling. These were Harlem women.

Giancarlo Espansito and Vincent D’Onfrio both being in this is pretty cool to me. Gus Fring is one of the greatest villains in TV history in my book, and D’Onfrio as Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin is amazing in the Daredevil series.

Nigel Thatch absolutely was one of the best parts of this show, he played Malcolm X in a movie called Selma also!

Another great one right off the bat! Thanks Michael! We all love you Mr. Franzese!!

Thank you Michael, loved show! As always. I really enjoyed the truth and fiction that you explain from the experience you lived at that time. I also too enjoy the mobster writers and the great actor's that play them.

Mob movie Mondays are always awesome. It is interesting to see films being made nowadays on these real figures. It is proof that overtime known people become legends and this is how hundreds of years down the line they become mythical. In modern times it is film. Always tuning in Michael thanks again for the great content as usual. Love and upmost respect

Amazing review Michael. I'm gonna enjoy the episodes more after hearing this from you.

The one tv show that I think gets unnoticed is the 1980's tv series "Wiseguy" with Ken Wahl it was one of my favorite shows when I was growing up.

I know I'm late but I just finished Godfather of Harlem. I really enjoyed how you explained the history of the different people involved in this show. I appreciate your insight and commentary. Thank you sir. 🙏🏾

Michael you can narrate anything you got the perfect voice/accent your well spoken your knowledge is incredible such a pleasure to listen to you keep up the great work

Really glad you reviewed this show, this is a fantastic series regardless of the accuracy and would highly recommend it to anyone here!

I had been looking foreward to this. It is a great series and can't wait for part 3.

Been listening to your interviews since the Jim Rome Show back in 2008...always informative...keep up the good work

Godfather of Harlem is historical fiction and it’s a great show. Love it

Great content Michael I'll have to check out the series. Glad u reviewed it for us that haven't watched it 👍

Are you looking forward to "The many saints of Newark"? I've been looking forward to that for the last year and a half plus!

Godfather of Harlem is criminally underrated (no pun intended) and deserves much much more recognition. It's a masterpiece, and almost every episode is a work of art. If you have any influence Michael, it would be phenomenal if you could lobby for a third season.

Have to say I was thoroughly impressed by Nigel Thatch’s impression of Malcolm X. Brilliantly done.

This channel is like the best find of 2021... You're doing an excellent job Michael, thank you!

You should review The Wire. It's not about Italian Mobsters, but about inner-city African American gangs, police corruption, government corruption, community outreach and more (they change what aspect of the city is focused on each season). It is a big time-sink and it starts off slow, but I personally think it's better than The Sopranos.

Love all these actors in this series. I hope y’all can make that happen with Vincent! He would be great!

Vimcent D'onofrio is killing the roll. Adam Clayton Powell is my favorite character, Giancarlo Esposito is so underrated. My dude is the villain in Far Cry 6. I remember him from Fresh

Brilliant video Michael, really enjoyed it and what a fantastic cast in Godfather of Harlem, definitely worth watching.

I love Mob Movie Monday's. Thanks Mike. Praise God for you and your testimony 🙏

Thank you Mr Franzese. You share that even though things aren't factual in this series, it's still great stuff for entertainment purposes.

The writing, acting and cinematography on this show is Outstanding!

My hubby and I watch this. It's an awesome series!!

Yes! No matter how my day been, your video notifications make my day!

Thank you for the Review Mr.Franzese i just started watching The Godfather Of Harlem 2 days ago when i found it. so i just had to come check your review on it. seems i seen it already but now im watching the Show so i just had to watch this review again. But yeah the show is great i been hooked since i started lol

I loved the first two seasons. Well written and amazing actors. I watched both seasons within 2 days

Another great Sit-down Michael!! Shows like these is why I love this channel and being part of your crew.

Mike, I'd watch you narrate anything. Such good content from a really good guy. Thank you as always.

Forest Whitaker is often underrated. Superb actor who deserves more credit from Hollywood

Great review, as always. I'm about to start watching Breaking Bad for the third time. It has one of my favorite endings of a series ever. It might just be my favorite ending. I also love your conversations with Chazz Palminteri. You two communicate so well together.

Where else can we watch these entertaining shows/movies & get a lot of actual facts and details? Thank you Michael! 🙏

The beauty of really great writing paired with great acting is that it can make you question whether or not something did or didn’t happen.

Bumpy had the longest run of any boss.. the guy ruled Harlem for damn near 40 years. That's a long time for that life.

It's a watchable series. Ya gotta love Chaz, Forrest, and Vincent. Now I'm gonna watch this video. I love your content. Waiting patiently for your series, mini series, movie, what ever it is. Peace!

Love how your production value continues to move forward brotha! Be blessed!

Again, amazing review. Michael, I could watch and listen to you all day, but I have to go to work. God bless you.

Definitely a must watch! Thanks, Mr. Franzese!

Great series! I enjoyed the characters so much! I am hoping there us a season 3. Thanks for the insight!

I can't wait to see your review about : " The Many Saints of Newark" . Greetings From Italy! Ciao Michele! 🇮🇹🙂

I was listening carefully and I am glad that he had mentioned that it was 'HIS opinion' that the Dutchman, won the war as he lost BIG TIME' that night !!!Whether his death was a down the road set up or not bumpy lived longer and he knew the game that he was in.! FACTS!!!!

I watched the whole two seasons based on your analysis. I wasn't disappointed.

I was waiting for this one!

Very excited, thanks Michael!

I know i will be the hundredth person to say this, but Hoodlum by Bill Duke is a great movie about Bumpy. Pretty sure it was factual since i doubt Bill would make some bullsh*t.

@MichaelFranzese I am thankful for your passion & knowledge of the truth

I saw A Bronx Tale ( the Play One man show with Chazz Palminteri) it was outstanding. I'm a huge fan and was lucky enough to b get a picture with Chazz Palminteri and Tommy ( the hitman) Hearns. I always acted to see this Play but after watching Chazz on your show Michael Franzese the closest show was in Warren Michigan just outside Detroit. I came up from Chicago and they were cutting off picture taking 2 people in front of me . I took one step to leave but my goal was to get that picture and I bought the $ 30.00 set of the poster for a Bronx Tale and the card. ( I bought 3 sets and surprised the couple I was with so they could have them all signed by Chazz Palminteri). I turned around and said I came all the way from Chicago please don't cut it off at me. The gentleman that works either with Chazz or the venue let us be the last ones. I'm giving this long story to let you know seeing Chazz on your show tipped the scales to go that far. Thank you for the entertainment and knowledge that you and your guests provide.

Hey Mike if you're looking for a proper crime series 'Love/Hate' is something you guys have to watch 10/10. Wish ye all the best, God bless

Let's give Nigel Thatch, who plays Malcolm X, his flowers. Excellent portrayal.

Forrest Whitaker deserve an Award, I’m patiently waiting to see him receive it for his portrayal in God Father of Harlem!

I look forward to watching these types of videos 🇲🇽❤

Awesome episode Mr. Franzese!!

Love the program. Thanks for the info you provide

Mr. Franzese has the best commentary and has the most insightful stories and knowledge I never miss a vid

Michael, I imagine they threw all those guys together because their names would ring bells with people, a bit like when Marty used your name in Goodfellas , I think I remember you saying you asked why they used your name and you were told it was because your name was relevant at that time which added something to the movie. I can't wait for the sit down with yourself and Sammy by the way. God bless.

Took the words right out of my mouth about tv and movies. The small screen has become the big screen I feel and it’s only gonna continue growing as more of these premier actors no longer feel like Tv is “beneath them” like in the past. But the fact you haven’t seen all of the sopranos is killing me!!! I think if they gave an all time Emmy awArd for best show ever, that would likely win it.

So glad season 4 is coming. What a great show. The attention to detail is unreal!

I'm enjoying your relaxing story telling,bringing us along for the ride,thank you for your insights and comments on whos who .continued success on your podcast with chazz .

A retired D.E.A. agent caught Bumpy Johnson on wire tap talking about kidnapping made men from the Mafia and also Dutch Shultz never took over Bumpy business but nice video 👍

I had it backwards. When I saw Goodfellas in my late teens, I saw Paul Sorvino and said, "Hey, they got the mob guy from The Rocketeer! Cool!"

Just started watching the godfather of harlem it's brilliant.

Great review Mr Franzese! Huge respect from the UK and been a follower of the channel since day 1! ✌🇧🇷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

I was writing for this show for months now! Thank you, Michael! 😍

Hey Michael! This should be a good one!! Have a great week! God Bless from The Bronx 👊🙏🇺🇸

The Godfather of Harlem has THE BEST opening credits of any film or TV series I've ever seen; the creators rightly won an award for it.

Brilliant. I really enjoy these reviews. Many thanks 👍👏

10:42 Nigel Thatch actually did do a good job as Malcolm but they should've given him lifts since the real Malcolm was 6'3" with better posture.

@Michael Franzese: Thanks for recommending this series. Although not based upon actual facts, the acting and writing is excellent. All the major characters were rendered full of life. Chin's daughter was a bit annoying (destroying every man she comes in contact with) but a rich, full character nonetheless. Adam Clayton Powell was everything. Love this series.

Thank you for the review I enjoy the show too. I’ll be on the lookout for your show.

Love all the videos

Alright Michael, i'll watch it. Looks like my cup of tea since i loved American Gangster. Are you guys gonna cover Once Upon A Time In America anytime soon? very underrated.

The actor's of this series are the true icons of the film industry! Never be able to duplicate the films and series and shows that these guys have done enjoy them while they still last God bless them!

I'll check it out thanks Mike!

Thank you for your insight.

Awesome show, the acting is incredible. Chazz is unbelievable!

Godfather of Harlem is the best show on cable !! 💯

Mr Franzese I really enjoy your shows. Done with such respect and intelligence. Thank you sir.

Great Show! I really enjoyed listening to your take on this movie and others! Have to subscribe! Thank you!

Big fan of Godfather of Harlem. You didnt even mention Forest Whitaker as Bumpy Johnson but the whole series is amazing. Lots of good actors!!

Michael I know you’re no longer a wise guy, but that OG spirit is still alive and well! That’s a compliment btw. Love your content. God has anointed you.

The casual way in which he said "he eventually got assassinated" made me laugh. Thank you for the break down.

Mr. Michael Franzese it's a pleasure to watch these videos u be dropping keep dropping this heat and I'm in love with the culture fr.

Bumpy won the war because he had Lucky Luciano backing him. The war was against Dutch Shultz.

Chaz is one of the greatest screenwriters of all time. A brilliant one-of-a-kind artist.

Ask him about Frank Matthews having the Italians shook so bad they started snitching😂😂😂

Another great video, excellent stuff sir! 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧