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When Newspapers Mattered

Mickey Cohen, Gangster King of Los Angeles

Mickey Cohen, Gangster King of Los Angeles

Mickey Cohen sits among the front pages of newspapers that helped make him the most infamous citizen in Los Angeles, in 1950. As the flashy kingpin of L.A. crime, the gangster thumbed his nose at the police, seemingly courting publicity and, according to some, selling more newspapers than anyone else in America. He even claimed friendship with William Randolph Hearst.

In this photo: Mickey Cohen

Photo: Ed Clark./Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Jan 01, 1950