Watch Lepke

Lepke is a 1975 biographical crime drama film based on the life of notorious gangster Louis "Lepke" Buchalter, who was the head of a mafia crime syndicate in New York City during the prohibition era. The film stars Tony Curtis in the titular role, portraying the rise and eventual fall of Lepke. Joining him are actors Anjanette Comer and Michael Callan as co-stars in the film.

The movie is set against the backdrop of the 1920s and 1930s, where Lepke and his gang known as the "Murder Inc." terrorize the city. He and his group are responsible for countless killings and are feared by many, including the police.

The film opens with a newsreel footage of Lepke's trial, which is viewed by reporters and spectators. The story then flashes back to the life of Lepke, a Jewish immigrant who was raised in poverty and turned to a life of crime. He quickly moved up the ranks and became the head of his own gang, which was responsible for contract killings for the mafia.

Through the film, Lepke's character is portrayed as ambitious, but also as a complex figure who has some good qualities but is foremost driven by his greed and thirst for power. We learn that he has a soft side, especially for his wife and children, but his loyalty to the mafia is what drives him, and he'll do anything to stay ahead of the competition.

One of the primary storylines of the movie is Lepke's power struggle with fellow gangster, Bugsy Siegel. The pair initially work together but have a falling out after Bugsy seizes control of Lepke's extortion racket. The tension between the two continues to rise until Lepke eventually orders Bugsy's assassination, which proves to be a tipping point towards his downfall.

Throughout the film, the police pursue Lepke and his gang for their crimes, and we see the internal struggles within the criminal organization. But despite the danger, Lepke refuses to give up and stubbornly fights to keep his empire intact.

The direction of the film by Menahem Golan is gritty and realistic, with a great attention to detail in recreating the era of the prohibition. The script, co-written by Golan and Joseph Barbera, is compelling and well-paced, making the film a highly engaging and thrilling watch.

Tony Curtis delivers a strong performance as Lepke, capturing the character's intensity and unpredictability. He's backed up by a solid supporting cast, which includes Anjanette Comer as Lepke's loyal wife, who tries to convince him to turn towards a more honest life, and Michael Callan as his trusted associate, who seems to be torn between loyalty and his conscience.

Overall, Lepke is an excellent and gripping gangster film that has aged remarkably well since its release. With a great cast and tight direction, it's a movie that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Lepke is a 1975 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.