AllMovie

Meyer M. Cohen -- best known to his friends and foes as Mickey Cohen -- was one of the most powerful organized crime figures on the West Coast during the 1950s, starting out as a "mechanic" and rising through the ranks to take over for Bugsy Siegel as leader of the Mafia's operations in California and Nevada. Not flashy, but highly effective, Cohen was a ruthless leader who wasn't afraid to use violence to get what he wanted. He also possessed a rough, "tough guy" charm which made him a favorite with reporters, and he was a frequent subject of news stories -- including a photo spread of Cohen relaxing at home with his wife and pets in Life magazine -- until his death in 1976. West Coast Rogues Gallery: Mickey Cohen is a documentary which explores his life of crime and the bloody path that brought him to the top of his game.