Italian Americans

Historian Russell Shorto, delved into his own family and his grandfather who was a mob boss in the industrial town of Johnstown, Pa. Shorto says his grandfather's involvement with the Johnstown mob initially began as an offshoot of Prohibition, which opened doors for Italian Americans facing employment discrimination.

Actor Stanley Tucci. He's appeared in the films "Kiss of Death" and "The Pelican Brief." On television he was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of the slimy billionaire on "Murder One." He co-wrote, co-directed, and co-starred in the film "Big Night," an homage to Italian food and family. (REBROADCAST from 10/2/96)

Tucci has appeared in the films "Kiss of Death" and "The Pelican Brief." On television he was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of the slimy billionaire on "Murder One." His latest project is the film "Big Night," a homage to Italian food and family, which he co-wrote, co-directed, and co-stars in.

Terry talks with the celebrated character actor. He's in the new movie "It Could Happen to You." Tucci has also appeared in the movies "Prelude to a Kiss," "Beethoven" and "Billy Bathgate." TV fans may remember him as crime boss Ricky Penzola in the TV series "Wiseguy."

Gardenia passed away today. We re-broadcast excerpts from our interview with him three years ago.

Writer Gay Talese. His new book, "Unto The Sons," is the story of the immigrant experience in America, and also the chronicle of Talese's own Italian ancestors coming to this country. Talese's previous works include the best-sellers "The Kingdom and the Power," "Honor Thy Father," and "Thy Neighbor's Wife."

Character actor Vincent Gardenia.

Character actor Vincent Gardenia.

Jerre Mangione is an author and the director of Creative Writing at the University of Pennsylvania. His newest book is "An Ethnic at Large: A Memoir of America in the Thirties and Forties." He's currently writing a book about Italian-Americans. He joins the show to discuss the recent enforcement of an IRS regulation that requires that publishers destroy or remainder their back-stock in order to take certain deductions. Mangione's book "The Dream and the Deal" nearly faced that fate.