The Valachi Papers

When l'd watched this movie for the first time in 1986, l found it's good, after more twenty years revisiting this picture again in full restoration DVD with original audio (UGH!) l still find a fine work from Terence Young, but has two things that could explains how the movie didn't get a proper respect from the viewers, firstly was released in same time with Godfather, second the producer was Dino de Laurentiis is foreign and didn't has a usual critic treatment like the Americans have, this is absolutely a naked true, foreign producers didn't have any respect from Americans and critical, but the movie is quite good, the casting are fine, Charles Bronson, Lino Ventura, Joseph Wiseman, among others, the movie is based in a true events and had a remarkable job from Charles Bronson as Joseph Valachi who actually died in prison. Resume: First Watch: 1986 / How many: 4 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 7.5

I thought this was one of the better gangster pictures I have seen. There were many events in the picture that were based on fact. I also found it interesting that most of the actors actually resembled the characters they were portraying. Great work by the make up crew. This was an entertaining film, and a must see for Charles Bronson fans.

This totally under-rated mob film is right up there with the best mob movies (Godfathers 1 and 2, Scarface, Once Upon A Time In America, Goodfellas, A Bronx Tale, Capone, Casino, Untouchables, etc). Charles Bronson, although not italian, plays a very convincing role as mobster turned "rat" Joe Valachi. The scenes are never boring and the acting is excellent. Unfortunately, this film was never released on video in the United States. Sometimes it is shown on tv but there is a lot taken out from the original version (including the more graphic castration scene). Full of action and brutality. If you love mob movies, this is one you gotta see. No arguments here....Forget about it!

The gangster Joseph "Joe" Valachi (Charles Bronson) has worked for the Mafia for more than thirty years in New York. When he has been imprisoned for fifteen years, he learns that the mobster Don Vito Genovese (Lino Ventura) is offering a reward for his life. Without any alternative other than stay in the solitaire, he accepts the DA offer of protection. In return, he has to disclose the secrets of the Cosa Nostra. "The Valachi Papers" is based on a true story and tells the rise and fall of a gangster from the Mafia. The role of Joseph Valachi is tailored for Charles Bronson and fans of gangster movie will certainly enjoy this film. My vote is six. Title (Brazil): "O Segredo da Cosanostra" ("The Secret of the Cosanostra")