The Black Hand

The Black Hand (The Birth of the Mafia) is a 1973 Italian crime film written and directed by Antonio Racioppi and starring Lionel Stander, Rosanna Fratello and Michele Placido. Plot Italian-American cop Joe Petrosino infiltrates the Mafia in turn of the 20th century New York. Cast Production Luigi Cozzi, one of the nine credited screenwriters on the film that producer Carlo Infascelli wanted to change the script depending on the actors demands. For example, Cozzi claims that Infascelli had to change the film per Phillipe Leroy's request. Cozzi noted that he was phoned by Infascelli and was told to change the scenes per Leroy's demands within 24 hours. Cozzi noted he was often phoned and told to find reasons and ways things changed.