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GALLOWS HUMOUR

A recent clear-out in the flat revealed an old press cutting displaying my favourite example of "gallows

humour" (albeit deliciously uinintentional).

The content was a widely syndicated news photo from New York showing the aftermath of the shooting

of mafia boss and aspiring "boss of bosses", one Carmine Galante - in an Italian restaurant,  and the

scene as the deceased's corpse was being stretchered from the premises by some of "New York's Finest"

in its black bag, witnessed by interested spectators..

Above and beyond the departing small stretcher party, the restaurant SIGN clearly displays the words:

WE GIVE SPECIAL ATTENTION TO OUTGOING ORDERS.

................................................................................................

 

◄ MEETING HER MAJESTY

DARKNESS AND THE OTHER SIDE ►

Comments

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M.C. Newberry

Sat 23rd Jul 2022 10:08

Certainly, the "eaterie" seems a frequent venue in gangland
murders. Perhaps it's the feeling there is a certainty the intended victim will be there and their "guard" may be down,
allowing the job to be done. In Galante's case, I recall that he was eating in an area behind and beyond the indoor section of that particular Italian restaurant and that his
assailants shot him there. Others have been disposed of in the
process of arriving (or leaving?) such a venue. Even the film "The Godfather" used a restaurant setting for the scene
of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) shooting the corrupt police officer played by Sterling Hayden. The practice doesn't reflect well on fabled Italian hospitality!!.

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John Coopey

Fri 22nd Jul 2022 16:48

“Joey” by Bob Dylan charts the life and death of mobster Joey Gallo, MC, who also met his end in a restaurant.

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M.C. Newberry

Fri 22nd Jul 2022 15:09

To those who took the trouble to "like" this contribution...I am
content to know that the taste in grim humour is shared. So,
welcome to the club! 😈

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M.C. Newberry

Fri 22nd Jul 2022 10:54

Thanks for the comment, Ray. You had me check my yellowed
curling bit of newsprint dating from July 1978 and allowed me
to correct a slight misquote by me. See the amended last line.
Much obliged!. If the humour I experienced in the Met. back in
the day was a common feature of policing everywhere, those Brooklyn officers carrying the
stretcher would have enjoyed the connection. The cutting added
that it was said Galante had a hand in 50 murders! Cheers.

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raypool

Thu 21st Jul 2022 21:24

It's a bit of irony that other bosses have been bumped off outside restaurants , Paul Castellano for example in 1985. I enjoyed the story , I wonder if the photographer spotted it?

Ray

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