jack durant

For 37 years he taunted and ridiculed his customers while they whispered, "Is he a mobster or, as he claims, just a country boy who knows a thing or two.

Making himself valuable to men of power, Durant cultivated a close friendship with the notorious New York gangster, Bugsy Siegel.

His associates used his talents yet his code of ethics and way of doing business were clearly his own. He played by his own rules. How and why did he get away with it? You decide.

Though publishers and agents turned down my manuscript on this mysterious man, I was constantly asked when the book would be available. That's when I decided to find out about self-publishing. Despite those who said no one was interested in this story of a local man, the book has sold steadily since 1996. As Helen Gilbert, who co-starred in movies with Andy Rooney and Robert Cummings, said, "Jack Durant was much more interesting than Bugsy Siegel." Who was this man who became the only man Bugsy trusted with his life? Now you can know.

In 2004 playwright Terry Earp contacted me about writing a play based on my book about Jack! Naturally I was thrilled. She then asked if I'd talk to the audience after each performance about my research and answer any questions. Of course!

The play opened January 6, 2005 with 5 performances scheduled. After all, Jack was a local man; how many people would want to see his story on stage? Surprisingly, a lot! At every performance people were lined up outside the theater, hoping to get in. Terry rescheduled, adding 10 more showings. The crowds kept coming and, finally, after 22 full houses, she had to call a halt. The actors had other commitments and so the play was shelved.

On November 3, 2005 Terry brought the play back for those who had missed it. More surprises. Many who had been at the first showing,wanted to see it again! Opening night was a disaster. A new system for the lighting, the music, the sound affects wasn't working properly. Terry was beside herself, as were the rest of us who could do nothing but watch and pray! And the actors - they were real troopers. When the lighting wandered, a car horn or telephone went off at the wrong time. they ad-libbed, as though it was all normal. Terry closed the theater for the next night, got everything straightened out and the rest of the 15 performances were great. Whew!

Have to admit I was getting tired of listening to myself and tried to find new ways to tell the story of my research after each performance. The whole experience was terrific and I will owe Terry forever. Never, ever did I think a book of mine would be performed live, on stage. Wow. Now read on -there's more!

Jack's World

Terry talked me into doing another book about Jack so here it is - "Jack's World"; more stories about the infamous Jack Durant along with sightings of his ghost at the restaurant!This book contains stories of Jack not told in the first book along with pictures not in the first book. Also included are old menus' from his restaurant when a T-bone steak was $1.45! And lamb chops were $1.45!

(See book cover at bottom of page.)

A writer from California who grew up near Durant's Restaurant, is writing a screenplay based on my book about Jack! She plans on a 3-part miniseries for A&E or similar program. We've met several times and her credentials are excellent. She came to the play in November, loved it.

If you've read the book you know about Jack's movie star wife, Helen Gilbert. Her daughter learned of the play through a friend and also came to the play. She wanted to see Jack's house as she had been there with her mother when she was six years old. Also wanted to dine at his restaurant. It was so much fun showing her around town, watching her eyes light up when memories flooded her mind. She loved the play, especially the actress portraying her mother.

Another surprise came when a man at the play revealed that he had been Jack's bodyguard! No one knew he had one. Jack always had his secrets.

Naturally everyone - including friends & families - connected with the play was thrilled when on Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, the play, "In My Humble Opinion" won FOUR prizes from the AriZoni Theatre Awards for Excellence; Best supporting actor, best stage design, best lighting, best original play! What a night! It was the first big event at the new Mesa Art Center which is beautiful. Several of my friends were there with me - of course, they gave me a bad time as I was seated down front with the playwright, director, and the cast while my friends were in the balcony . We planned to celebrate at nice restaurant but the ceremonies ran 3 hours and by- the end of the evening we were all bushed. The competition was tough, plays like "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf", "Taming of the Shrew", "Steel Magnolias" to name only a few. We won! Wow!

Now in 2008 I offer you the 3rd book about Jack; MOB MOLE which delves into his life in the Mob. I haven't conquered website design so you'll fnd the cover of the book at the bottom of this page with a list of characters you'll meet. Thanks for your patience..

Before writing the book I rarely ate at Durant's Restaurant. If I saw Jack, I didn't know who he was nor would I have cared. Regardless, I owe him a lot. He started my writing career and even 10 years after the book came out, he is still influencing my life. Thank you, Jack.

WHO YOU’LL MEET:

Meyer Lansky- Known to many as a quiet family man with a string of legitimate businesses, the brains behind the National Crime Syndicate.

Bugsy Siegel – Childhood friend of Lansky, dangerous sociopath.

Johnny Stompanato – Former U.S. Marine, body guard/enforcer for gangster Mickey Cohen, boyfriend of actress Lana Turner.

Sam Tucker – Associated with Cleveland Syndicate, bootlegger, gambler, casino boss, Kentucky

Benny Binion – Casino owner in Vegas, a Texas numbers runner and bootlegger – the only one from Las Vegas to send flowers to Durant’s visitation.

Gus Greenbaum – Syndicate Accountant

Virginia Hill – Mafia sexual punch board

Jack Durant – Self-made man, friend of gangsters, lover of women

Rita – Exotic showgirl – teaches Durant “Karma Sutra”

Helen Noland – former ballet dancer – teaches dance in Reno – becomes Durant’s first wife.

Helen Gilbert – Actress – forced to marry Durant – twice.

The Tailor – Hired killer – worked as a tailor of men’s clothing – found sewing lips together more lucrative then sewing buttons.

Shirley – street-smart cab driver

Lana Turner – Movie star – one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood – abused by boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato – daughter stabs him to death with knife given to Lana by Helen Gilbert.

Gay Senator – Jack finds letter addressed to U.S. Senator from his lover offering young man to join them.

Lucky Luciano – New York Sicilian refused to join Italian gangs, instead joined forces with Jewish Meyer Lansky in bootlegging and running profitable gambling houses.

NOTE: My apologies for not being able to activate PayPay on the order page for MOB MOLE - technical difficulties. The book sells for $15.00 plus $3.00 postage. BUT to make up for inconvincing you, I'll absorb the postage. Just send your check (or money order) for $!5.00 per book to Mabel Leo, P.O. Box 17413, Phoenix, AZ 85011-0413. THANK YOU!