Mr. Sin: The Abe Saffron Story

Mr. Sin: The Abe Saffron Story (DVD) (*)

~~$35.99~~ $29.97

Language Selections:
English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 )

Product Origin/Format:
Australia ( PAL/Region 0 )

Running Time:
53 min + 130 min extras

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen (1.78:1)

Special Features:
2-DVD Set
Interactive Menu
Scene Access

Movie filmed in 2009 and produced in:
Australia ( Australia, New Zealand )

Directed By:
Hugh Piper

Written By:
Hugh Piper

Actors:
Hugh Piper

Synopsis:

Before Underbelly, there was Abe Saffron. Australia's first and most motorius Godfather, who ruled the underworld like a modern Caesar. For 40 years, the so-called 'Mr Sin' was at the forefront of organised crime in Sydney. This riveting documentary is a story of bribery, blackmail and corruption and examines how Australia's enigmatic crime boss Abe Saffron remained untouchable for so long. Few major cities, anywhere in the world, escape a degree of corruption. In Sydney, corruption became so entrenched that organised criminal activity became institutionalised. From the top down, just about everyone in a position of power was on the take. Quietly spoken Abe Saffron, whose tools of trade were blackmail and bribery, was the spider at the centre of the web. Before Abe, Sydney's underworld was run by razor gangs and thugs. Abe introduced respectability, lawyers, accountants and businesses that fronted for any number of illegal activities. Australians know the name Abe Saffron but little else beyond the fact he ran brothels and strip clubs. This film provides real revelations about who Abe was, what he did and who he did it to. Those who were closest to Abe take us into the life of the man who became the number one crime boss in Australia. Mr SIN: THE ABE SAFFRON STORY is full of engaging and unique characters, family members and others a little more rough around the edges.

Australia's most enigmatic crime figure, Abe Saffron loved all things American. He was never found guilty on any charge until, like Al Capone, they got him on tax evasion. In the fifties, Abe visited Las Vegas and returned with gold. He brought Sinatra to Australia four times as well as over 300 other US acts. Saffron also imported something far more enduring and sinister, the business model for organised crime that survives to this day. This is a universal story, few major cities anywhere in the world escape a degree of corruption. In Sydney Australia, from the 1950's through to the 1980's organised criminal activity became institutionalised. From the top down just about anyone in a position of power was on the take. For thirty years, Abe's shadowy influence was profound. This is a social history of a city, chock full of unique and engaging characters that tell the story of Abe Saffron, a quietly spoken man whose tools of trade, blackmail, corruption and bribery enabled him to become Australia's number one crime boss.

This product was added to our catalog on Friday 11 June, 2010.