Crime Story (1986–1988)

The saga of a Chicago police detective's efforts to stop a young hood's ruthless rise in the ranks of organized crime.

Creators:

Chuck Adamson, Gustave Reininger

Stars:

Dennis Farina, Tony Denison, Bill Smitrovich

Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Dennis Farina	...	Lt. Mike Torello (43 episodes, 1986-1988)
Tony Denison	...	Ray Luca (28 episodes, 1986-1988)
Bill Smitrovich	...	Sgt. Danny Krychek (28 episodes, 1986-1988)
Steve Ryan	...	Det. Nate Grossman (28 episodes, 1986-1988)
Billy Campbell	...	Det. Joey Indelli (28 episodes, 1986-1988)
Paul Butler	...	Det. Walter Clemmons (28 episodes, 1986-1988)
Stephen Lang	...	Atty. David Abrams (26 episodes, 1986-1988)
John Santucci	...	Pauli Taglia (24 episodes, 1986-1988)
Joseph Wiseman	...	Manny Weisbord (18 episodes, 1986-1988)

Storyline

Chicago, 1963. As head of the police department's Major Crime Unit, Lieutenant Michael Torello must deal with the city's most dangerous criminals. And possibly the most dangerous of all is Ray Luca, a young ambitious street hood who's out to gain wealth and power by whatever means - including theft, threats, extortion and murder. As Luca begins his ruthless climb up the ladder of organized crime, leaving a growing number of victims in his wake, Torello becomes more and more determined to bring him down.

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Plot Keywords:

organized crime | police | chicago illinois | gangster | 1960s | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 September 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Brigada mòvil de Xicago

Filming Locations:

Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico

Company Credits

Production Co:

Michael Mann Productions, New World Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (42 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The theme music used for the series was an updated version of the hit song "Runaway" recorded by the original singer Del Shannon.

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Goofs

Throughout the filming of the series in Chicago, if you pay attention, you can see modern cars, billboards, etc. in the background of this series which takes place in the 1960s.

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Quotes

Lt. Mike Torello: Hey you. You hurt anybody else, when this is over, I'm gonna find what you love the most and I'm gonna kill it. Your mother, your father, your dog... don't matter what it is, it's dead.

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Crazy Credits

Al Kooper ... Guy who picks music for the show

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Connections

Referenced in The Directors: The Films of Michael Mann (2001)

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Soundtracks

"Runaway"
by Del Shannon

User Reviews

Absolutely riveting crime drama!

From producer Michael Mann, a brilliant crime drama series that can be mentioned with similar reverence as THE UNTOUCHABLES(TV series)1959-1963. Chicago, Cleveland, St. Louis, Las Vegas...organized crime is spreading its wings. Michael Torello(Dennis Farina)is the head of Chicago's Major Crime Unit and determined to bring down up and coming crime figure Ray Luca(Anthony Denison). The action takes place in the early 60s...and it is very impressive that the clothing, hair styles, automobiles and music are circa 1963. The opening theme is a revved up revised version of Del Shannon's "Runaway". The Torello/Luca relationship may even be more intense than that of Ness/Nitti in THE UNTOUCHABLES. From direction to dialogue; from story line to acting...hard to find fault with one of the best in this genre.

Kudos for strong acting from Stephen Lang, Bill Smitrovich, Andrew Dice Clay, Jon Polito, David Caruso, Ray Sharkey and Joseph Wiseman. Rocker Todd Rundgren is responsible for all original music that drives this 42 episode crime drama.