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The Untouchables

The Untouchables is a 1987 American crime film directed by Brian De Palma and written by David Mamet.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Untouchables is a 1987 American crime film directed by Brian De Palma and written by David Mamet. It stars Kevin Costner as Eliot Ness, with Sean Connery and Robert De Niro in supporting roles, and dramatizes Ness’s effort to bring down Al Capone during Prohibition-era Chicago. The film was released on June 3, 1987, in the United States.

Plot and historical setting

The film dramatizes the efforts of Eliot Ness and his hand-picked team to stop Al Capone’s criminal operations during Prohibition in Chicago. It is inspired by real events, though later accounts note that the film takes dramatic liberties with history.

Production

The movie was directed by Brian De Palma, produced by Art Linson, and scripted by David Mamet. It is adapted from the 1957 book by Eliot Ness and Oscar Fraley.

Cast and awards

Kevin Costner plays Eliot Ness, Sean Connery plays Jim Malone, and Robert De Niro portrays Al Capone. The film received Oscar recognition, including a supporting actor win for Connery.

Release and reception

The Untouchables was released in the United States on June 3, 1987. Contemporary database listings and reference entries identify it as a crime film and a major studio release of the year.

Key facts

  • The film is set in Prohibition-era Chicago and follows federal agent Eliot Ness’s campaign against Al Capone.
  • It was directed by Brian De Palma and written by David Mamet.
  • Sean Connery won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.
  • The movie is based on the 1957 book The Untouchables by Eliot Ness and Oscar Fraley.
  • It premiered in the United States on June 3, 1987.
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Canadian context

The film is part of widely distributed North American popular cinema and remains familiar to Canadian audiences through television, home video, and streaming availability.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Untouchables about?
It follows Eliot Ness and his team as they try to bring Al Capone to justice during Prohibition-era Chicago.
Who directed The Untouchables?
Brian De Palma directed the film.
Who wrote The Untouchables?
The screenplay was written by David Mamet.
Who stars in The Untouchables?
Kevin Costner stars as Eliot Ness, with Sean Connery as Jim Malone and Robert De Niro as Al Capone.
When was The Untouchables released?
It was released in the United States on June 3, 1987.
Did The Untouchables win any Academy Awards?
Sean Connery won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film.

References

  1. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Untouchables_(movie)
    Supports: Director, writer, producer, release date, and basic plot summary.
  2. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Untouchables
    Supports: Directed by Brian De Palma, inspiration from the 1957 book, release date, and Oscar recognition for Sean Connery.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094226/
    Supports: Plot summary, cast, and release date.
  4. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Untouchables_%E2%80%93_Die_Unbestechlichen
    Supports: Film identification, director, and Sean Connery's Oscar win.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/untouchables
    Supports: Film classification as crime/drama and original theatrical release date.
  6. Internet Movie Firearms Database — https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/The_Untouchables_(1987)
    Supports: Adaptation details, cast, and note that the film takes liberties with historical events.