
The Untouchables
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.
Series Overview
Main Cast
Narration & Tone
Production Background
Broadcast History
Cultural Impact
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