GALLOWS HUMOUR
A recent clear-out in the flat revealed an old press cutting displaying my favourite example of "gallows
humour" (albeit deliciously uinintentional).
The content was a widely syndicated news photo from New York showing the aftermath of the shooting
of mafia boss and aspiring "boss of bosses", one Carmine Galante - in an Italian restaurant, and the
scene as the deceased's corpse was being stretchered from the premises by some of "New York's Finest"
in its black bag, witnessed by interested spectators..
Above and beyond the departing small stretcher party, the restaurant SIGN clearly displays the words:
WE GIVE SPECIAL ATTENTION TO OUTGOING ORDERS.
................................................................................................
M.C. Newberry
Sat 23rd Jul 2022 10:08
Certainly, the "eaterie" seems a frequent venue in gangland
murders. Perhaps it's the feeling there is a certainty the intended victim will be there and their "guard" may be down,
allowing the job to be done. In Galante's case, I recall that he was eating in an area behind and beyond the indoor section of that particular Italian restaurant and that his
assailants shot him there. Others have been disposed of in the
process of arriving (or leaving?) such a venue. Even the film "The Godfather" used a restaurant setting for the scene
of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) shooting the corrupt police officer played by Sterling Hayden. The practice doesn't reflect well on fabled Italian hospitality!!.