GLAMOUR, VIOLENCE & SCANDAL: INSIDE MICKEY COHEN’S HOLLYWOOD

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary delves into the captivating and often brutal world of Mickey Cohen, the notorious "Hollywood hood" who masterfully intertwined the glitz of show business with the shadows of organized crime. Narrated by William Devane, the program meticulously charts Cohen's ascent from boxer and protégé of Bugsy Siegel to the architect of a vast bookmaking empire. It compellingly illustrates his adeptness at cultivating media attention and his social maneuvering among Hollywood's elite and influential figures. The narrative skillfully contrasts Cohen's public image with his documented private violence, exploring the peculiar habits that paradoxically aided his survival and the significant impact of the 'War of the Sunset Strip'. The episode further chronicles the relentless pursuit by law enforcement, including LAPD surveillance and IRS investigations, and highlights sensational events like the Brenda Allen scandal and the infamous Lana Turner-Johnny Stompanato affair. Ultimately, it depicts Cohen's downfall, marked by tax evasion convictions, imprisonment in Alcatraz and Atlanta, a near-fatal assault, and a late-life effort to reshape his legacy before his passing in 1976. The documentary offers a sobering look at post-war Los Angeles, providing context on corruption, celebrity culture, and the evolution of law enforcement.