Purple Gang Documentary Premieres Wednesday in Clare - Northern Michigan's News Leader

Purple Gang Documentary Premieres Wednesday in Clare

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The film looks into the Purple Gang, Detroit's most powerful crime syndicate during prohibition and their reach into small communities.

"Purple: Organized Crime in a Small Town" will premiere Wednesday in Clare and revolves around the town's reaction to a murder at the Doherty Hotel in 1938.

Tales of the murder are still told today.

Filmmaker Benjamin Tigner wanted to know why organized crime is so fascinating to Americans as they look back on the horrible crimes.

The movie is showing at both 7 PM and 9 PM at the Ideal Theater in Clare.

Admission is free but donations are welcome.

9&10's Eric Lloyd photojournalist Jacob Johnson sat down with Tigner and have more details.