The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond (1960)

Set in the vibrant yet tumultuous era of the 1920s, "The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond" follows the relentless pursuit of power by Jack Diamond, a calculated small-time thief, and his sickly brother Eddie, as they arrive in New York with dreams painted with glimmers of illicit wealth and dominance. Jack, a cunning manipulator, charms his way into the life of Alice Shiffer, a graceful dance teacher, using deceit to secure a stolen necklace and a foothold in her world. After enduring the harsh realities of prison, Jack emerges with a newfound ambition. He works for Alice at her dance school during probation, only to later turn his sights on the city's underworld, becoming the bodyguard of the formidable gangster boss, Arnold Rothstein, nicknamed 'Legs'. Jack's ambitions aren't satisfied with mere protection; he eyes Rothstein's empire of bootleg alcohol, gambling, and narcotics, aiming to usurp the throne. However, when Rothstein's life is abruptly extinguished, Jack seizes the opportunity to muscle into the criminal vacuum, selling protection to other gangs, turning the underworld into his personal playground. As he vacations in Europe with Alice, he learns of the seismic changes in New York due to the Volstead Act enacting Prohibition. Upon his return, he finds a transformed city, a landscape of shadows and uncertainty that he struggles to comprehend. "The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond" is a riveting exploration of ambition, power, and the ever-changing tides of fortune. It's a tale of a man who dared to steal from thieves, who danced with danger and dreamed of ruling the underworld, only to confront a city that had moved beyond his grasp.

The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond is an action movie featuring Bob Herron and directed by Budd Boetticher.

It is possible to buy The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.