National Affairs: Big Al

He was born in Naples and brought up in Brooklyn. He was hot-tempered, dramatic, sentimental and tough; a hairy, meaty youth with cold eyes and a brawler's arms. An ugly scar disfigured his left cheekĀ—the mark of a fiery little Sicilian who was the first and last man ever to cut him with a knife. He fought with either his fists or a pistol. By the time he was 19, he was skilled in robbery, and was suspected of two murders.

Then he moved to Chicago. In Prohibition days, Chicago was easy pickings for...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!