The Late Movies: Death To Prohibition!

On this date in 1933, the 21st amendment nullified the 18th and America was no longer a dry country. In celebration of this event, here the ten best TV shows and movies that would have never existed without the Volstead Act and the organized crime that came from those events.

1. Ken Burns' Prohibition

Historian Ken Burns created a PBS documentary about Prohibition that came out in October. Well worth a look if you haven't seen it yet!

2. The Sopranos

Enough said.

3. The Untouchables

It's easy now to forget how influential this movie was, but at the time it was a praised for its groundbreaking direction.

4. Boardwalk Empire

If you're not watching this show, you're missing out. Steve Buscemi is masterful in his portrayal of Nucky Thompson.

5. Some Like It Hot

This 1959 classic stars Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. In the film, Curtis and Lemmon flee from mobsters in drag after accidentally witnessing a gangland massacre. This is the film's classic closing line...

6. The Great Gatsby

The classic work of American literature, set in the roaring 20s, had a film starring Robert Redford that came out in 1974, and is slated to be released in 2012 with Leonard DiCaprio in the title role.

7. The Godfather & The Godfather II

Although Sofia redeemed herself with Lost In Translation, we're going with only the original pair of classic mobster films.

8. Once Upon a Time in America

In Robert Di Niro's second appearance on the list, we have the classic crime tale Once Upon a Time in America.

9. Goodfellas

In Robert Di Niro's third appearance on the list, we have Goodfellas, which is one of my favorites.

10. Community's "Contemporary American Poultry" Episode

Community featured an episode parodying mafia and mob movies which is simply incredible. Because clips from that episode seem to be in short supply, I'll leave you with a rap song from Troy and Abed featuring Betty White.

Go enjoy a frosty glass of goodness!