The Lawless Years - The Poison Ivy 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 Poison Ivy Story"
Ruditsky is temporarily sent to Brooklyn to catch a gang of young hooligans known as the Poison Ivy Mob, named for their fondness for knocking off drug stores.

Cast
James Gregory ... Barney Ruditsky
Frank DeKova ... Harry the Horse
Harry Dean Stanton ... Maxy Margolis (as Dean Stanton)
Selette Cole ... Polly
Marjorie Bennett ... Mother Gin
Ted de Corsia ... Capt. McClosky
Gene Collins ... Ding Ling
George Conrad ... Izy Lipschultz
Steve Gravers ... Rivkin
Tom Pardew ... Bobby Jaeger

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

Details
CountryUSA
Original Air Date August 27, 1959
Season 1, Episode 18
Filming Locations Iverson Ranch - 1 Iverson Lane, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California
Production Co Jack Chertok Television Productions, California National Productions, NBC

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------