Why do the untouchables in films wear clothing, when they commit unspeakable acts? This is a common question, but I want to shed some light on this phenomenon. Here are a few reasons why. Let’s start with the period of the film. This crime thriller is set in the 1930s. The ‘batter up’ scene is based on a true story. Al Capone murdered an associate with a baseball bat. Then, when he discovered the plot, he invited them to dinner.
Ness, who starred as Sam Spade, was single during the Untouchables’ heyday. Despite being married three times, she never gave birth to a child and only had one adopted son. The film’s most iconic sequence is the Hardy Bridge scene. Paramount Pictures requested permission to shoot this scene in Montana, and the state agreed to allow the production to film there. They added touches to the set that made it seem like it was the 1930s. They even rented a vintage car for the scene.
The Untouchables films draw on complex codes of authenticity. Those who are corrupt wear uniforms; every color is deemed corrupt. Despite this, there are few “straight arrow” citizens in Chicago. However, the four “untouchables” are represented by non-conformist street clothes. This allows them to be a part of a group while still showing their individuality.