Unsolved (1960 TV Movie) User Reviews (2)

Dramatizing famous unsolved crimes.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 2 June 2018]

"Unsolved" is an interesting example of what could have been, as it was a proposed television series that never went beyond the pilot episode. Apparently, the TV execs didn't see much future for a show like this.

The program begins with a recreation of the famous Albert Anastasia gangland killing. Then the show recreates the events leading to the murder of another gangster, Mugsy Heidel (Simon Oakland). However, the events are so similar to those leading to the death of Bugsy Siegel, I can only assume that the show is a veiled attempt to solve the Siegel murder.

The program was interesting, well made and featured pretty good production values. I think it might have worked as a series...but who am I to say?! Worth watching.

The tale of Bugsy Seigel

[gordonl56 · 7/10 · 22 January 2013]

UNSOLVED – The Mugsy Heidel Case – 1960 - This is the unsold pilot episode for a series called, "Unsolved". This series was to have a new unsolved case each week based on a real murder. This one is a thinly veiled story on the murder of Bugsy Siegel.

Simon Oakland headlines as an east coast gangster named, Martin "Mugsy" Heidel. We get a short rundown on his life as he moves up the underworld, from thug to a top torpedo with the Lansky mob.

He is then shipped out west to take care of the L.A. end of the mob business. He takes over the various wire services and become a big wheel locally. He keeps his hand in the wet work as well when he has to bump of an ex-mob type named, "Big Moe".

Oakland decides he really wants to hit the big time and asks the mob for 3 million bucks. He is going to build a gambling palace in Las Vegas called the, "Moroccan".

He has also picked up a knockout bit on the side, Lisa Gaye, in a take on Virginia Hill. She of course is helping herself to Oakland's cash.

The mob is not amused with the non payback situation involving the cash. All they get is, "later boys, later" from Oakland. A meeting is called in Havana with "Lucky", John Marley in charge. A vote is taken, and a torpedo is given the job.

Oakland is sitting quietly having a drink when 9 rounds rip through the glass ending his life.

The rest of the cast includes, Vicki Raaf, Joseph Ruskin, Dabbs Greer, Richard Karlan, Steve Gravers and Joe De Santis. The director of the episode was Charles R. Rondeau. (b/w)