Few American cities, with the possible exception of Chicago, do urban ethnic drama like New York. In the late 19th century and into the 20th, Gotham's Italians and Irish mixed it up in a prizefight for power, influence and access.

Pint-size pol Fiorello La Guardia battled debonair James W. Walker in mayoral politics, while Frank Sinatra jousted with Bing Crosby for the hearts (and ears) of swooning fans everywhere. Such contests were emblematic of larger struggles between the two ethnic groups in the church, workplace, union office and police station.

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