Factual error: At the end of the film, the subtitles say that Frank was convicted and incarcerated from 1976 to 1991, which implies a continuous sentence. Lucas was actually paroled in 1981, and served a separate sentence for other drug-related offenses from 1984-91.
American Gangster (2007)
Plot summary
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Starring: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Armand Assante
American Gangster tells the true story of Frank Lucas and Richie Roberts. Denzel Washington plays Lucas, a heroin kingpin who rose to power during the Vietnam War era by smuggling drugs into the US and distributing at unusual prices. Russell Crowe plays Roberts, the honest cop who is bent on bringing down Lucas' drug empire.
Jezzy T
More mistakes in American Gangster
Richie Roberts: This man murdered thousands, and he did it from a penthouse and driving a Lincoln.
More trivia for American Gangster
Question: What was the whole thing of not wanting to turn in the $987,000 they found in the car because it would make them appear untrustworthy? Why would all cops distrust them for handing it in? I get that dirty cops would be annoyed but when they were counting it in the precinct, every cop was drawing them daggers.
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Answer: The idea is if cops wouldn't take a million dollars for themselves, free and clear without risk, they are impeccably honest. Therefore, they wouldn't accept bribes and probably not hold still for shakedowns or payoffs. They wouldn't cover up drug or weapon planting and would testify against crooked cops.