Noted Author/Historian (and Film-maker) Max Allan Collins insightfully addresses the life and times of crime-fighter Eliot Ness in this absorbing filmed stage play.
The real Eliot Ness has sadly been overshadowed for decades by the erroneous depictions of TV series, movie portrayals and assorted misguided "experts"....In this excellent effort, Max Allan Collins comes as close as one can to allowing Ness Himself to relate his True Detective adventures. This considerable undertaking is carried out by proxy in the form of a talented actor passionately addressing the audience as Ness. Covered are the pertinent details of the life of Eliot Ness, from his beginnings to his untimely death. From Chicago to Cleveland... Capone, The Mad Butcher Of Kingsbury Run, Moonshiners, Labor Racketeers, and Numbers Runners...Ness went after them all. The Truth is here.
The one hour, forty minute film is much akin to Hal Holbrook's classic "Mark Twain Tonight" production, but is enlivened by a shifting background of settings and assorted props. A snappy, evocative music score adds to the experience. As the man who created the stylish "Nathan Heller" Detective series and "The Road To Perdition" (amongst other notable works); Max Allan Collins knows how to bring a true "Period" feel to life for his audience.
Whether one is already familiar with The Real Eliot Ness, or merely in search of THE TRUTH about The Man; this production is not to be missed.
Here's hoping that Max Allan Collins soon finds a proper venue for getting this gem out to The Public at large !
The real Eliot Ness has sadly been overshadowed for decades by the erroneous depictions of TV series, movie portrayals and assorted misguided "experts"....In this excellent effort, Max Allan Collins comes as close as one can to allowing Ness Himself to relate his True Detective adventures. This considerable undertaking is carried out by proxy in the form of a talented actor passionately addressing the audience as Ness. Covered are the pertinent details of the life of Eliot Ness, from his beginnings to his untimely death. From Chicago to Cleveland... Capone, The Mad Butcher Of Kingsbury Run, Moonshiners, Labor Racketeers, and Numbers Runners...Ness went after them all. The Truth is here.
The one hour, forty minute film is much akin to Hal Holbrook's classic "Mark Twain Tonight" production, but is enlivened by a shifting background of settings and assorted props. A snappy, evocative music score adds to the experience. As the man who created the stylish "Nathan Heller" Detective series and "The Road To Perdition" (amongst other notable works); Max Allan Collins knows how to bring a true "Period" feel to life for his audience.
Whether one is already familiar with The Real Eliot Ness, or merely in search of THE TRUTH about The Man; this production is not to be missed.
Here's hoping that Max Allan Collins soon finds a proper venue for getting this gem out to The Public at large !
