The writer shown above, Tom Folsom, published a book called 'The Mad Ones" which documents the life of a mafia gang in Red Hook. He offered a free walking tour of the waterfront area of Brooklyn and spoke about some key events that took place in that neighborhood. The gang leader, Joey Gallo is reputed to be the character that many films and books were later based on. Most famously, the Godfather is said to use bits from his life to shape the main characters. However a more silly film came out, “The Gang who couldn't Shoot Straight” starring Jerry Orbach was released a year earlier than the Godfather. The actor is said to have befriended Joey Gallo and brought him into the elite parties and introduced him to the social life in New York City at the time. Eventually Joey was gunned down in little Italy by a rival gang. Most interesting facts of course, were the gang's 'pet' lion used to encourage their victims to pay up. As well as nicknames of fellow gang members, Kid Blast, Mondo the Midget and Big & Little Lollipop.
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