The Truth Behind Mafia Myths: Insights from a Former Mobster

💡The requirement to commit murder to become a made member is partially true, but it doesn't have to be done before being made. The order may come later.

❓The decision to close and open the books to make new members is made by all five families collectively.

💰The family does not support members' families in prison. They are left to fend for themselves.

💔Former mobster Michael Frances walked away from the life when he realized that it meant putting the family above everything else, even personal relationships.

⚖️Despite the portrayed honor in movies like 'The Godfather,' loyalty and support within the mafia are often lacking.

Is it true that you had to commit murder to become a made member?

—Yes and no. While it was a requirement at some point, it didn't have to be done before being made. The order might come later in one's mafia career.

Who made the decision to close and open the books for new members?

—The decision to close and open the books is made collectively by all five families of the mafia.

Do mafia families support their members' families while they are in prison?

—No, the families are left to fend for themselves. There is no financial support from the mafia.

Why did you choose to walk away from the mob?

—Former mobster Michael Frances walked away when he realized that the life meant putting the family above everything else, even personal relationships.

Is there real honor and loyalty within the mafia?

—While movies like 'The Godfather' portray honor and loyalty, the reality is that loyalty and support within the mafia are often lacking.

00:00Former mobster Michael Frances and Chazz Palminteri discuss common myths about the mafia and provide insights into the truth behind them.

02:32The requirement to commit murder to become a made member is partially true, but it doesn't have to be done before being made. The order may come later in one's mafia career.

11:07The decision to close and open the books to make new members is made collectively by all five families of the mafia.

17:40The idea that the family supports members' families in prison is a myth. In reality, families are left to fend for themselves.

19:46Former mobster Michael Frances walked away from the life when he realized the importance of putting the family above everything else, even personal relationships.

22:10While movies like 'The Godfather' portray honor and loyalty within the mafia, the reality is that loyalty and support are often lacking.