Al Capone (film) Al Capone (film) Al Capone is a 1959 biographical crime drama film directed by Richard Wilson, written by Malvin Wald and Henry F. Greenberg, and released by Allied Artists. It starred Rod Steiger as Al Capone. Steiger reportedly refused the producers' first offer to star in this film because he thought the initial screenplay inappropriately romanticized Capone and criminality. In an interview Steiger said, "I turned the picture down three times." According to TCM, he agreed to play the role only after the producers agreed to rewrite. The finished film was noted for its deglamorized portrayal of the subject. Chicago,
Al Capone (film) role." "Variety" called it "a tough, ruthless and generally unsentimental account" and "also a very well-made picture." The film won a Laurel Award as 1959's "Sleeper of the Year". Its box office performance was described as "phenomenal" and led to Allied making a number of biopic gangster films including "The Big Bankroll" and "The George Raft Story". Al Capone's sister sued the filmmakers for $10 million not securing permission to make the film, citing invasion of privacy. A judge ruled in the filmmakers' favor. Capone's sister, widow and son later sued Delisu and other makers of "The Untouchables" for six