On April 21, the 40th anniversary of a landmark televised event revived public interest in the legacy of Al Capone, the notorious gangster whose influence shaped Chicago’s history in the early 20th century. The occasion marked four decades since the live broadcast of "The Mystery of Al Capone’s Vaults," a two-hour special hosted by journalist Geraldo Rivera that aired from the site of the Lexington Hotel at 22nd Street and Michigan Avenue, where Capone once operated.
Al Capone’s reign, lasting roughly 12 years before his imprisonment in 1932, has fueled ongoing fascination with organized crime. Capone’s story concluded with his death in 1947 in Miami Beach, Florida, after years of declining health linked to untreated neurosyphilis. Experts attribute the enduring interest in figures like Capone to society’s long-standing fascination with crime, a cultural phenomenon that historian Richard Lindberg traces back to literary traditions of the 19th century.
The televised vault-opening is recounted in detail by Chicago-based author William Elliott Hazelgrove, who has extensively researched Capone’s life and times. Hazelgrove’s recent book, "Capone’s Vault: The Real Story of the Biggest Disaster in Television History," provides insight into the event that captivated an estimated 30 million viewers, making it the highest-rated syndicated television show at the time. Hazelgrove’s work emphasizes the impact of the broadcast on the entertainment industry, characterizing it as a pioneering moment that helped birth the reality television genre.
The program was produced and distributed by Tribune Entertainment, a then-nascent syndication company known primarily for less prominent shows. Hazelgrove notes that the success of the broadcast led to a surge in syndicated television projects across Hollywood. Central to the program’s appeal was Rivera, newly departed from his 15-year tenure at ABC, who agreed to host the special for $50,000 amid personal financial difficulties, including significant alimony and child support obligations following a divorce.
Despite high expectations fueled by dramatic headlines promising secrets hidden in the vault, the live broadcast revealed little of significance. Rivera later expressed disappointment in how the event unfolded, recounting that he sought solace in a nearby tavern after the show ended without any sensational discoveries. Nonetheless, the broadcast’s popularity helped revitalize his career, eventually leading to his own talk show and ongoing work as a correspondent.
Today, Rivera reflects on the show's unique success, highlighting its live format and originality in an era before reality TV took hold. Meanwhile, Al Capone rests in Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois, buried alongside his family. The vault event remains a notable chapter in Chicago’s cultural history, symbolizing both the enduring mystique of Capone and a turning point in television programming.