Although largely forgotten, Crime Story is, without a doubt, one of the best dramatic television programs ever made.
The Crime Story pilot episode is one of the best introduction pieces in modern television. The surprising part is that it's not modern, but almost 20 years old. The pilot and series combine the best of Police procedurals with good old fashioned mob-drama. And when compared with the mid-80's state of the art (Cagney and Lacey, Hunter, T.J. Hooker), you truly come to appreciate the ground it broke.
From another viewpoint, Crime Story is also a look into the developing style of the best ever crime drama producers. If you combine this movie and TV series with Michael Mann's earlier and later works, including Heat and Collateral, you can chart the development of his style, and it's growth through time.
Also, this pilot and the following series are great for the supporting cast and guest stars, some of whom have become household names in the last 2 decades. Keep a sharp eye out, and you never quite know who you'll see.
There is a new 2 part DVD box set that gives all 46 episodes of this awesome program, and it is worth every penny to rent or own, even if only to wonder how they came up with all those mint condition, vintage late 50's and early 60's cars and consumer appliances.
The Crime Story pilot episode is one of the best introduction pieces in modern television. The surprising part is that it's not modern, but almost 20 years old. The pilot and series combine the best of Police procedurals with good old fashioned mob-drama. And when compared with the mid-80's state of the art (Cagney and Lacey, Hunter, T.J. Hooker), you truly come to appreciate the ground it broke.
From another viewpoint, Crime Story is also a look into the developing style of the best ever crime drama producers. If you combine this movie and TV series with Michael Mann's earlier and later works, including Heat and Collateral, you can chart the development of his style, and it's growth through time.
Also, this pilot and the following series are great for the supporting cast and guest stars, some of whom have become household names in the last 2 decades. Keep a sharp eye out, and you never quite know who you'll see.
There is a new 2 part DVD box set that gives all 46 episodes of this awesome program, and it is worth every penny to rent or own, even if only to wonder how they came up with all those mint condition, vintage late 50's and early 60's cars and consumer appliances.