RELEASED ON DVD
25TH FEB 2008
BY REVOLVER ENTERTAINMENT

Nicky Barnes is Mr Untouchable, in the incredible documentary out 25th February about the original American Gangster, whose notorious real life criminal escapades inspired the film.

This epic tale of drugs, money, women, power and revenge follows Barnes, the man who was the head of one of the largest organised crime syndicates the USA has ever seen. This documentary takes us on an unforgettable journey using archive footage, rare interviews with Barnes himself and accounts from the people who knew him best.

Growing up in Harlem, drugs became a part of Barnes’ life at a young age. He cemented his status as the biggest heroin dealer in America and at the height of his notoriety was dubbed Mr Untouchable by the New York Times.

Barnes was eventually prosecuted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. After several years in prison, Barnes turned State's evidence and testified against his fellow gang members in order to reduce his sentence. In this documentary he comes out of hiding to recount his fascinating life story.

Interesting Facts about Nicky Barnes

-Leroy ‘Nicky’ Barnes was initiated into the world of drug trafficking when he was sent to prison in 1965 where he met Colombo crime family member Joe ‘Crazy Joe’ Gallo. It was through connections made in prison that Barnes hooked up with the drug suppliers who would help him build his criminal empire.

-A New York Times article estimated Barnes had purchased approximately 300 suits, 100 pairs of shoes, and 50 leather coats.

-He strengthened his power by creating alliances with other members of organised crime, in a group he referred to as The Council.

-According to Barnes, while in prison one of his fellow council members, Guy Fisher, was having an affair with his wife. The Council had a rule that no council member would sleep with another council member's wife. In response, Barnes became an informant. He forwarded a list of 109 names, five of which were council members, along with his wife's name, implicating them all in illegal activities related to the heroin trade.

-Now in his 70s, Barnes is part of the Witness Protection Program.

-Barnes has been portrayed in films countless times: by Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the film American Gangster, by Sean Combs in Carlito’s Way and Wesley Snipes’ character Nino Brown in New Jack City was also loosely based on Barnes.

MR UNTOUCHABLE is released on DVD 25TH February 2008

Price: £15.99
Certificate: 15 - TBC
Running Time: 87 minutes

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