The Lawless Years - The Lion And The Mouse

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 Lion And The Mouse"
A small-time hood who works in a garage for Johnny Lucky is severely beaten by the gangster's henchmen for wanting a meeting with the mob boss. After recovering "mama's boy" Eddie Safronik stars his own successful shakedown racket of gas stations by using Lucky's name.
Cast
James Gregory ... Barney Ruditsky
Richard Bakalyan ... Eddie Safranik
Katherine Squire ... Mrs. Safranik
Robert Karnes ... Max Fields
Norman Alden ... Johnny Lucky (as Norm Alden)
Selette Cole ... Florrie
Peter Mamakos ... Arnie Cooley
Mario Siletti ... Carlucci
Richard Benedict ... Link

Directed By Allen H. Miner
Screenplay Written By Allen H. Miner, Arthur E. Orloff
From The Memoirs Of Barney Ruditsky
Produced By Jack Chertok
Cinematography By William Margulies
Film Editing By Ira Heyman
Art Director William A. Horning, Merrill Pye
Set Decoration By Henry Grace, Otto Siegel
Assistant Director Maxwell O. Henry

Details
CountryUSA
Original Air Date May 21, 1959
Season 1, Episode 6
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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