Lucky Luciano (1973)
Francesco Rosi's unflinching portrait of the legendary mob boss — a landmark of Italian political cinema.
Lucky Luciano - Movie Information
- Original Title: Lucky Luciano
- Release Year: 1973
- Directed by: Francesco Rosi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: French, English, Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 19, 1973 (Italy), November 1, 1974 (United States - R), April 7, 1974 (Germany - 16)
- Alternative Titles: Дон Лучиано (RU)
- Production Companies: Vides Cinematografica, Les Films La Boétie, Titanus
- Production Countries: France, Italy
Lucky Luciano - Plot
Lucky Luciano is one of the bosses of the Mafia. He orders the slaughter of 40 other responsibles, therefore becoming the only boss. But a few years later he is put into jail. In 1946, he got a pardon and is sent back to Sicilia. There, he begins becoming one of the chief of the Mafia. The US Army seems to refrain from interfering.
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Lucky Luciano - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Francesco Rosi
Main Cast
- Gian Maria Volonté
- Edmond O'Brien
- Rod Steiger
- Vincent Gardenia
- Silverio Blasi
- Charles Cioffi
- Larry Gates
- Magda Konopka
- Jacques Monod
- Karin Petersen
Writers
- Tonino Guerra
- Lino Iannuzzi
- Francesco Rosi
Producers
- Franco Cristaldi
Lucky Luciano - FAQs
Is Lucky Luciano based on a true story?
Yes. The film dramatizes the real life of Charles 'Lucky' Luciano, the Sicilian-born mob boss who rose to dominate American organized crime, was convicted on prostitution charges, deported to Italy in 1946, and continued his criminal activities from abroad until his death in 1962.
Where can you watch Lucky Luciano online?
Streaming availability for Lucky Luciano varies by region and platform. You can check the most current viewing options — including rental, purchase, and subscription services available in your area — by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information.
Who plays Lucky Luciano in the 1973 film?
Italian actor Gian Maria Volonté portrays Charles 'Lucky' Luciano. Volonté was one of the most acclaimed European actors of his generation, known for his intense, politically charged performances. The film also stars Edmond O'Brien, Rod Steiger, and Vincent Gardenia in key supporting roles.
What is Lucky Luciano (1973) about?
The film chronicles the rise and fall — and continued influence — of mob boss Lucky Luciano. After eliminating rivals to seize control of the American Mafia, he is imprisoned, then deported to Sicily in 1946. Director Francesco Rosi examines how Luciano rebuilt his criminal network with apparent tolerance from U.S. authorities.
Who directed Lucky Luciano (1973)?
The film was directed by Francesco Rosi, the celebrated Italian filmmaker renowned for his politically engaged, documentary-style crime dramas. Rosi previously directed Salvatore Giuliano (1962) and The Mattei Affair (1972), both of which similarly blurred the line between fiction and investigative journalism.
What is the age rating for Lucky Luciano?
Lucky Luciano is rated R in the United States, indicating the film contains content suitable for adult audiences. Viewers can expect mature themes including organized crime, violence, and morally complex political subject matter consistent with Francesco Rosi's unflinching investigative style.
How long is the film Lucky Luciano?
Lucky Luciano has a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes (110 minutes). The film was originally released in Italy on October 19, 1973, and reached U.S. audiences on November 1, 1974.
Did Lucky Luciano (1973) receive critical acclaim?
The film earned considerable respect among critics for Francesco Rosi's rigorous, quasi-documentary approach to the gangster genre. Praised for Gian Maria Volonté's commanding performance and Pasqualino De Santis's cinematography, it is regarded as an important entry in Italian political cinema of the 1970s.
More About Lucky Luciano
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