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Arts & Culture

How realistic are the Jewish mobsters in The Irishman?

TJI Pick
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Published: 29 November 2019

Last updated: 5 March 2024

It’s only a minor reference but how accurate is it?

THE IRISHMAN, Martin Scorsese’s latest organised crime epic, became streamable on Netflix this week.

Even if the significant digital de-aging of the actors involved is a bit distracting, the film’s good reviews hold up thanks in large part to its legendary director and cast — Scorsese and none other than Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino.

Making a very brief appearance in the mafia madness? Jewish mobsters.

The story follows Frank Sheeran (De Niro), who becomes a hitman for the Bufalino crime family, led by Russel Bufalino (Pesci), and spends time working for union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino).

About 30 minutes into the film, Sheeran takes a job from mobster Whispers DiTullio (Paul Herman). Whispers instructs him to burn down the Cadillac Linen Service in Delaware, a competitor to the laundry company that Whispers owns in Atlantic City.

Whispers also tells Sheeran that Cadillac Linen is owned by “a bunch of Jews,” hands Sheeran an envelope of cash and says, “Let them collect their insurance, which I’m sure they have plenty, and leave this f***ing other place alone, the one I’m involved in.”

FULL STORY Are the Jewish mobsters referenced in ‘The Irishman’ real? (JTA)

Photo: Joe Pesci and Robert de Niro
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TJI Pick

TJI Pick

TJI Picks are curated articles selected by The Jewish Independent Editorial team.

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