Yes, Gangster Squad (2013) is loosely based on a true story about the LAPD’s efforts to take down organized crime boss Mickey Cohen in 1940s Los Angeles. However, the movie takes many creative liberties and is not a fully accurate portrayal of historical events or the real people involved.
What is the true story behind the movie Gangster Squad (2013)?
Gangster Squad is a film based on the true events of the LAPD’s efforts to take down notorious mob boss Mickey Cohen in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The movie is loosely based on the non-fiction book “Gangster Squad: Covert Cops, the Mob, and the Battle for Los Angeles” by Paul Lieberman.
In real life, Cohen was a powerful figure in the Los Angeles underworld and controlled much of the city’s illegal activities, including gambling, prostitution, and drug trafficking. The LAPD formed a special unit of officers, known as the Gangster Squad, to target Cohen and dismantle his empire.
The Gangster Squad utilized aggressive tactics, including violence and intimidation, to take down Cohen and his associates. The officers involved became legendary figures in the department, with some even earning the nickname “The Untouchables” after the famous group of law enforcement officials who took down Al Capone.
Overall, although the film takes some liberties with the true story, it does accurately portray the real-life efforts of the LAPD to eliminate organized crime in Los Angeles.
Are there any books about the true story behind the movie Gangster Squad (2013)?
Yes, there are books that provide insight into the true story behind Gangster Squad (2013):
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“Gangster Squad: Covert Cops, the Mob, and the Battle for Los Angeles” by Paul Lieberman.
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“LA Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America’s Most Seductive City” by John Buntin.
Both books provide historical context and detail the real-life events and people that inspired the movie.
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