In 1986, a television event captivated millions of viewers with the promise of uncovering hidden treasures and secrets from the infamous gangster Al Capone. Hosted by Geraldo Rivera, "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults" was a live broadcast that aimed to reveal the contents of a sealed underground chamber in Chicago's Lexington Hotel. Despite its high ratings, the show became infamous for its anticlimactic conclusion, as the vaults turned out to be empty.
This article delves into the background, production, and aftermath of this unique television special.
The Background of the Vaults
Al Capone, the notorious crime boss of the Chicago Outfit, moved his headquarters to the Lexington Hotel in 1928. He operated his criminal enterprises from this location until his arrest in 1931. Decades later, during the 1980s, a construction company discovered several walled-off subterranean chambers while surveying the hotel for reconstruction. This discovery sparked interest and speculation about what might be hidden within these chambers, leading to the idea of a live television broadcast to unveil their contents.
The producers, John Joslyn and Doug Llewelyn, saw an opportunity to create a media spectacle. They proposed a live broadcast, knowing that taping the event in advance would spoil the surprise. Despite initial reluctance from major networks, Tribune Entertainment financed the production with a $900,000 budget. Geraldo Rivera, who had recently been fired from ABC News, was chosen as the host, seeing this as a chance to revive his career.
The Live Broadcast
On April 21, 1986, "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults" aired live, drawing an estimated audience of 30 million viewers. The two-hour special included a documentary segment about gangsters and the Prohibition era, building anticipation for the vault's opening. The show even featured a medical examiner and IRS agents on standby, ready to handle any potential discoveries of bodies or money.
As the vault was finally opened, the contents were revealed to be nothing more than dirt and empty bottles, including one that Rivera claimed was for moonshine bathtub gin. Despite several attempts to dig further, the team found nothing of value. Rivera expressed his disappointment to the viewers, apologizing and thanking the excavation team for their efforts.
Aftermath and Legacy
Although the show ended without the dramatic discoveries viewers had hoped for, it became the highest-rated syndicated television special of the year. The program drew criticism and mockery for its anticlimactic ending, with some accusing it of glamorizing Capone. However, the high ratings pleased Tribune Entertainment, and the event helped to solidify Rivera's reputation as a charismatic television personality.
In retrospect, "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults" is remembered as a significant moment in television history, illustrating the power of media hype and the unpredictability of live broadcasts. Despite its lack of tangible findings, the special remains a cultural touchstone, often cited as one of the most famous non-events in TV history.
