While every genre has movies that subvert tried and tested formulas, some of the best gangster movies of all time follow a similar blueprint. They typically chronicle mobsters who come from humble beginnings, make their mark in the criminal underworld, and ultimately fall from grace, often in a hail of gunfire. Brian De Palma's 1983 "Scarface," starring Al Pacino as the trigger-happy Tony Montana, is one of the most iconic stories of this ilk -- but does it have any basis in reality?
De Palma's "Scarface" is a retelling of Howard Hawks' 1932 film of the same name, which is also highly regarded among crime film aficionados. Despite making some changes to the characters, story, and settings, the '80s classic is inspired by the same real-life criminal kingpin who influenced Hawks' seminal film. With that in mind, get ready to say hello to Montana's little friend as we revisit "Scarface" and the brutal true story that had an impact on its creation.