Eliot Ness and the Untouchables: The Historical Reality and the Film and Television Depictions [Paperback]

Kenneth Tucker (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786407727 | ISBN-13: 978-0786407729 | Publication Date: July 2000

The name "Eliot Ness" carries with it images of Chicago gangland speakeasies and shootouts with some of the nation's most notorious criminals. Ness has been transformed into a legendary figure by the films and television programs that depicted the war he and his "Untouchables" waged against the mobsters of Prohibition-era Chicago. Yet the real Ness is an enigma and the actual men who worked with him are little known. This analysis of Ness the person and Ness the myth brings together careful historical analysis and descriptive critiques of the many films and television programs devoted to interpreting his life and war with Al Capone. Reasons for the popularity of Eliot Ness and his mythic importance are also explored. Photographs, bibliography, and an index are included.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kenneth Tucker is a professor of English at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. He has written previously on a variety of literary figures and on the performing arts. He lives in Murray.

Product Details

• Paperback: 202 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (July 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786407727
• ISBN-13: 978-0786407729
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,779,376 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Overpriced re-hash, April 23, 2001

By 

Paladin "Have Gun ~ Will Travel" (La Brea Tar Pits, Loss Angellese) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eliot Ness and the Untouchables: The Historical Reality and the Film and Television Depictions (Paperback)

A 202-page paperback ... welcome to a typical McFarland "book."No new information, as the author simply took several earlier books and 'digested' them into this TOTAL waste of money.Who would want to pay ...for a 'work' that consists, primarily, of an episode guide for the tv show?Only TWENTY pages (out of a slim 202) are devoted to Eliot Ness.Then, about 20 more to the "real Al Capone and Frank Nitti."Then, on page 49, this so-called author starts in on movies and tv.So, in sum, if you want information on Eliot Ness, go elsewhere.And, save your $ ...I wish I had.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book about the Untouchables, November 22, 2000

By 

takamura "onoo" (loin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eliot Ness and the Untouchables: The Historical Reality and the Film and Television Depictions (Paperback)

The most comprehensive book ever written about the Untouchables! You can find everything you ever wanted to know about Eliot Ness and his arch enemies Al capone and Frank Nitti. A brief historical background about the real characters, the making of the pilot episode, the original series starring Robert Stack, the 1987 movie, the new series. A very detailed episode guide is also provided for both the series. This is the book that every fan of the Untouchables must have.