The Lawless Years - The Jane Cooper Story

Crime drama which ran on NBC for three seasons from 1959-61. The show was based on the memoirs of Barney Ruditsky, a former New York City police detective who was a member of their so-called "Gangster Squad." It detailed his battle against organized crime elements in the 1920's and 1930's. The real life Ruditsky was still alive at the time the series was filmed and served as a technical advisor for the show. James Gregory played Ruditsky and Robert Karnes played his partner, Max Fields. Unfortunately for The Lawless Years it was overshadowed by another series with a similar theme, The Untouchables and only lasted for 47 episodes.

Tonight's Story "The Jane Cooper Story"
Parolee Jane Cooper's goal is to improve her status in life by trading in her low-class boyfriend for progressively wealthier gangsters. As she moves up the food chain and plays one man off another, each of her ex-boyfriends meets a tragic end. This doesn't go unnoticed by Ruditsky or the mob; they give her the nickname "Jane the Jinx.

Cast
James Gregory ... Barney Ruditsky
Rebecca Welles ... Jane Cooper
Henry Corden ... Lefty
Paul Clarke ... Danny Stone
David Fresco ... Toad
Marc Towers ... Nick Roma
Gertrude Flynn ... Mrs. Coloper

Directed By Allen H. Miner
Screenplay Written By Lou Shaw, Peggy Shaw
From The Memoirs Of Barney Ruditsky
Produced By Jack Chertok
Cinematography By William Margulies
Film Editing By John Baxter Rogers
Art Director William A. Horning, Merrill Pye
Set Decoration By Henry Grace, Otto Siegel
Assistant Director Maxwell O. Henry

Details
CountryUSA
Original Air Date April 30, 1959
Season 1, Episode 3
Filming Locations Iverson Ranch - 1 Iverson Lane, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California
Production Co Jack Chertok Television Productions, California National Productions, NBC

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