LAS VEGAS (AP) — Diane Capone Pette, the granddaughter of infamous mobster Al Capone, is shedding light on a lesser-known side of her grandfather's life. Despite his notorious reputation as a crime boss, Capone was also described as a man with multiple dimensions, capable of both ruthlessness and deep loyalty to his family and friends.
A new exhibit titled 'The First Public Enemy' at the Mob Museum in Las Vegas offers a rare glimpse into Capone's personal life. On display are some of his personal belongings, including his favorite weapon, a Colt 1911 .45-caliber pistol, which he affectionately referred to as his 'sweetheart.' The pistol, a treasured family heirloom, is said to have saved Capone on multiple occasions.
The exhibit also features a short home movie filmed by Capone in 1929 at his Miami waterfront mansion. The film captures a day with friends, including fellow mobsters Lucky Luciano and Frank Costello, lounging by the pool and on a boat. This 12-minute and 20-second silent film, the only physical copy in existence, provides a unique perspective on Capone's life outside of his criminal activities.
After serving a prison sentence for federal tax evasion, Capone retired from mob life and spent his final years in Miami. Despite his notorious past, Pette fondly recalls her grandfather as a loving figure in her life. Her earliest memories include celebrating birthdays together, and her last vivid memory of him was a tender moment of farewell before his passing.
The artifacts from the Capone family collection showcased in the exhibit offer a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors, providing a personal insight into the life of one of America's most infamous figures. The museum's historian emphasizes the significance of these items, noting that they offer a unique perspective that cannot be found elsewhere.
