"The Untouchables," an American crime drama television series, left an indelible mark on the landscape of television during its run from 1959 to 1963. Originating as a segment of the anthology series "Desilu Playhouse" in 1959, it quickly gained traction and was picked up as a regular series by ABC. The show captivated audiences with its portrayal of the relentless battle between federal agents, led by Robert Stack as Eliot Ness, and notorious gangsters
in Prohibition-era Chicago. Its distinctive style, narrative approach, and eventual critical acclaim cemented its place as a classic of the Golden Age of television.
From Pilot to Primetime Phenomenon
The journey of "The Untouchables" to a full series began with a two-part episode titled "The Untouchables," which aired on CBS's "Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse" on April 20 and 27, 1959. These pilot episodes, later retitled "The Scarface Mob," were the only ones in the series to be more or less directly based on Eliot Ness's bestselling 1957 memoir, concluding with the conviction and imprisonment of Al Capone, portrayed by Neville Brand. Despite the success of the pilot, CBS, which had a long-standing relationship with Desilu's productions, declined to pick up the series on the advice of network vice president Hubbell Robinson.However, ABC saw its potential and agreed to air the series, which premiered on October 15, 1959. Initially broadcast on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. from 1959 to 1962, the show shifted to Tuesday evenings for its final season (1962–63). A notable change from the pilot to the series was the dropping of the unrealistic pseudo-Italian accents used by mobsters in the initial episodes, a decision that likely contributed to a more grounded portrayal as the series progressed.
Narrative Shifts and Stylistic Hallmarks
The weekly series initially focused on the power struggle to establish a new mob boss following Capone's absence, often featuring Frank Nitti in this role, though this was a fictionalized element. As the series continued, the portrayal of Ness and his crew evolved into a highly fictionalized account of multi-agency crime fighters. They confronted a wide array of 1930s-era gangsters and villains, including figures like Ma Barker, Dutch Schultz, Bugs Moran, Vincent "Mad Dog" Coll, Legs Diamond, and Lucky Luciano, and even Nazi agents in one episode. This expansion beyond the strict historical account of Ness's memoir allowed for a broader scope of criminal adversaries."The Untouchables" was characterized by several stylistic elements that contributed to its unique identity. The terse narration by gossip columnist Walter Winchell, delivered in his distinctive New York accent, became a signature feature. This was complemented by the ominous theme music composed by Nelson Riddle and the show's shadowy black-and-white photography, which was heavily influenced by the film noir genre. These elements combined to create a gritty and dramatic atmosphere that resonated with viewers. The Lebanon (Pa.) Daily News praised the series, stating, "Between the hard-nosed approach, sharp dialogue, and a commendably crisp pace (something rare in dramatic TV at the time), this series is one of the few that remains fresh and vibrant. Only the monochrome presentation betrays its age. The Untouchables is one of the few Golden Age TV shows that deserves being called a classic."
Controversies and Legacy
While celebrated for its dramatic impact, the series also faced criticism, particularly regarding its frequent depiction of Ness blatantly violating suspects' Fourth Amendment rights without legal ramifications. This aspect, though common in fictional crime dramas, highlighted a departure from strict legal realism. Despite these narrative liberties, the show's core premise of a dedicated squad fighting an unbribable war against organized crime resonated deeply with audiences. The squad's nickname, "The Untouchables," stemmed from their courage and honesty, signifying their resistance to bribery or intimidation by the mob.Eliot Ness himself, who died suddenly in May 1957, did not live to see the full extent of the fame his memoir and the subsequent TV adaptation would bring him. The series, however, ensured his name, albeit in a highly dramatized form, became synonymous with the fight against Prohibition-era crime. Its enduring appeal lies in its blend of historical inspiration with compelling, if fictionalized, storytelling, making it a significant benchmark in television history.
