The Untouchables: Real history behind the Al Capone film

The 1987 cult film ‘The Untouchables’, directed by Brian De Palma, is partially inspired by the real-life investigation into mob boss Al Capone during the Prohibition era in Chicago.

While the film depicts Eliot Ness as a Treasury agent leading a crusade against Capone’s illegal alcohol empire, historical records show the crackdown involved two distinct investigations. One was led by Ness and a Bureau of Prohibition team focusing on clandestine distribution networks through surveillance and seizures. The second, led by Frank J. Wilson and the Intelligence Unit, focused on reconstructing Capone’s hidden income through financial records, which ultimately led to his conviction for tax evasion.

The film stars Kevin Costner as Ness and Robert De Niro as Capone. To enhance authenticity, Albert H. Wolff, a survivor of the actual events, served as a consultant for the production.