Momo - The Sam Giancana Story

This 2011 documentary chronicles the life of Sam "Momo" Giancana, the notorious Chicago mob boss who succeeded Al Capone as the leader of The Outfit, one of the most powerful organized crime syndicates in American history. Directed by Dimitri Logothetis and produced in collaboration with Giancana's family, the film draws on personal accounts from his daughters, Antoinette and Francine Giancana, who speak publicly for the first time about their father's dual existence as a ruthless criminal and a devoted family man. It traces Giancana's rise from impoverished Chicago streets through violent gangland activities, his extensive gambling and extortion operations, and his deep entanglements with political figures, including his alleged assistance in John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential election via Chicago vote manipulation. The narrative delves into Giancana's romantic liaison with singer Phyllis McGuire and his CIA collaborations, particularly the plots to assassinate Fidel Castro during the Kennedy administration. Central to the film are explorations of Giancana's purported involvement in high-profile deaths, such as the assassinations of Marilyn Monroe in 1962 and JFK in 1963, as well as his own mysterious murder in 1975 while preparing to testify before Congress. Through archival footage, expert interviews, and family anecdotes, the documentary examines themes of power, betrayal, and legacy in mid-20th-century American organized crime, offering a nuanced portrait that balances his criminal infamy with intimate human elements.