Capone

Ben Gazzara gained 20 pounds by eating spaghetti for the title role in this slick exploitation biography of Al Capone, lavishly produced by Roger Corman for $1million. Showing the rise of the iron-hearted, death-dealing kingpin of Chicago's machine-gun mobs in the Roaring Twenties, and his fall at the hands of the tax men and descent into syphilitic madness, director Steve Carver emphasises fast-paced action, copious blood-letting and speakeasy atmospheres above the true facts. Sylvester Stallone plays Frank "The Enforcer" Nitti, Capone's treacherous lieutenant, an early role that showcased his talent and raw power as an actor.