The Untouchables
Lejátszó szerver
Epizód
Évad
The Untouchables

The Untouchables

19598
DrámaBűnügyi
Megjelenés
1959. okt. 15.
Ország
Egyesült Államok
Gyártások
Desilu ProductionsLangford Productions
Eliot Ness különleges ügynök és elit csapata, amely korrupciózhatatlan ügynökök harcolnak a szervezett bűnözés ellen az 1930-as évek Chicagójában.

About

A classic crime drama following Eliot Ness and his squad of incorruptible agents in 1930s Chicago.

The 1959–1963 ABC series chronicles Special Agent Eliot Ness and his elite team as they confront organized crime in Chicago during the 1930s. With a mix of gritty investigations, moral dilemmas, and sharp dialogue, the show portrays the battle against notorious gangsters like Al Capone and Frank Nitti. Its black‑and‑white aesthetic and tense narration by Walter Winchell give it a distinct noir feel while keeping the story grounded in the era’s law‑and‑order challenges.

What to know

  • The series ran for four seasons with 118 episodes, each about 50 minutes long.
  • It was produced by Desilu Productions and broadcast on ABC.
  • Episodes are filmed in black‑and‑white, a signature of the era’s crime dramas.
  • Walter Winchell provides the opening and closing narration in each episode.
  • The show frequently features real historical figures such as Al Capone and Frank Nitti.
  • Dialogue is fast‑paced and often heavy on procedural detail.
  • Violence and occasional drug references were considered bold for 1950s television.

Watch if

If you appreciate tight, noir‑style police procedurals with strong character work, enjoy 1950s production values, and like shows that balance moral conviction against gritty crime, The Untouchables offers a classic view of law‑making in the Prohibition era.

Skip if

If you prefer contemporary settings, high‑definition visuals, or lighter‑hearted crime comedies, this 1950s black‑and‑white drama may feel dated and its heavy, sometimes graphic content could be off‑putting.

crime violencedark tonedialogue heavyinvestigation heavylanguage someintense actionsuspensefulmature themespolitical themessome gore
Series Overview
The series chronicles Special Agent Eliot Ness and his squad of incorruptible Treasury agents as they dismantle Chicago’s criminal network during the Prohibition era. Set in the early 1930s, each episode follows a single investigation, blending historical references with dramatized events.
Main Cast
Robert Stack stars as Agent Eliot Ness, with Nicholas Georgiade as Agent Rico Rossi, Abel Fernandez as Agent William Youngfellow, Paul Picerni as Agent Lee Hobson, and Steve London as Agent Jack Rossman. Neville Brand portrays Al Capone in the two‑part pilot.
Narration & Tone
Narrated by Walter Winchell, the show opens and closes with his distinctive voice, framing the episodes in a documentary‑style tone that grounds the drama in historical fact while maintaining suspense.
Production Background
Produced by Desilu Productions and directed by various uncredited directors, the series aired on ABC from 1959 to 1963. It was filmed in monochrome, using single‑camera setups and a tight shooting schedule.
Broadcast History
Initially a two‑hour pilot aired on CBS’s "Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse," ABC later picked up the series. Episodes aired Thursdays from 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm for the first three seasons, moving to Tuesdays in the final season.
Cultural Impact
The show set a standard for future police procedurals, inspiring series such as "The FBI" and "S.W.A.T.". Its gritty portrayal of law enforcement remains a touchstone for crime‑drama creators.

FAQ

What is The Untouchables TV series about?
It follows Special Agent Eliot Ness and his squad as they pursue organized crime in 1930s Chicago. Each episode focuses on a single investigation.
Who stars in the series?
Robert Stack plays Agent Eliot Ness, with Nicholas Georgiade, Abel Fernandez, Paul Picerni, and Steve London as key team members.
How many seasons and episodes were produced?
The show ran four seasons, totaling 118 episodes, plus a two‑part pilot.
What was the runtime of each episode?
Each episode ran about 50 minutes, typical for hour‑long dramas of that era.
Which network aired the series?
ABC broadcast the show from 1959 to 1963.
Was the show filmed in color or black and white?
It was filmed in black‑and‑white, a common practice for 1950s television crime dramas.
Who narrated the series?
Walter Winchell provided opening and closing narration, lending a documentary feel.
Which real historical figures appear in the series?
Al Capone, Frank Nitti, and other 1930s gangsters are featured, though many episodes are fictionalized.
Is the show historically accurate?
While grounded in real events, the series dramatizes many situations for entertainment, and some details are fictional.
Who produced the series?
Desilu Productions produced the series, with Quinn Martin and others as executive producers.
Why did ABC pick up the show after CBS declined?
ABC saw potential in the high‑profile cast and the success of the pilot, leading to the series’ pickup.
What is the role of Walter Winchell?
Winchell’s narration frames each episode, offering context and a sense of time, adding to the noir tone.
Did the show include violence and drugs?
Yes, the series was known for its frank depictions of violence and drug use, unusual for its time.
How often did the episodes air?
The show aired weekly, typically Thursdays in the first three seasons and Tuesdays in the final season.
Was there a pilot before the series?
A two‑hour pilot aired on CBS’s Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse in 1959, featuring Al Capone played by Neville Brand.
Who played Al Capone in the pilot?
Neville Brand portrayed Al Capone in the pilot, appearing only in that two‑hour episode.
Was there a film version of the series?
The pilot was released theatrically as "The Scarface Mob" and later adapted into the 1987 film starring Kevin Costner.
How was the show received by critics?
Critics praised its tough, realistic portrayal of law enforcement and its sharp dialogue, though some noted the harsh violence for the time.
Did the show influence later police dramas?
Yes, it set a template for team‑based, procedural police dramas like "The FBI" and "S.W.A.T.".
Where can I watch the series?
The complete series is available on DVD, and some seasons may be found on classic television streaming platforms.
Is it available on streaming services?
Availability varies by region; check major streaming sites or the official CBS store for licensing options.
Are there any DVD releases?
All four seasons were released on DVD in 2016 as a complete series set, with remastered black‑and‑white footage.
What is the theme music like?
The series uses a dramatic, orchestral theme composed by Nelson Riddle, underscoring the tense atmosphere.
How many seasons did it run?
Four seasons from 1959 to 1963, totaling 118 episodes plus the pilot.
Who wrote the episodes?
Episodes were written by a rotating team of writers, including Quinn Martin and other seasoned television writers of the period.

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