The Black Hand (1906 film)


The Black Hand — full title The Black Hand: True Story of a Recent Occurrence in the Italian Quarter of New York — is an American silent film directed by Wallace McCutcheon. It is generally considered the earliest surviving gangster film.

Plot summary

In New York City, two Italian-American criminals blackmail a butcher, demanding a ransom of $1,000, otherwise, they will kidnap his daughter and blow up his shop. Unable to afford the sum, the gang kidnaps his daughter. The butcher calls the police who finally arrest the extortionists and rescue the little girl.

Cast