What was the only thing Geraldo Rivera found in Al Capone's vault during the two hour TV special that took place?

On the live two-hour 1986 television special, "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults" when the vault in the Lexington Hotel once owned by Al Capone was finally opened, the only things found inside were dirt and several empty bottles, including one TV personality Geraldo Rivera claimed was for moonshine bathtub gin. Consequently, after several more attempts to dig into the vault, Geraldo finally admitted defeat. He voiced his disappointment to all the viewers and apologized for a stunt that failed to deliver on a titillating promise.

Rivera next thanked the excavation team for their efforts. Although the show quickly gathered criticism and became infamous for its disappointing ending, this special program was the most watched syndicated television special for the year of 1986. It had an estimated TV audience of approximately 30 million people. After the show, Rivera was quoted in the media as saying "Seems like we [totally] struck out".

The TV special and its failure did not end Rivera's professional career. It may have helped him. In 1987 he started "Geraldo," a daytime talk show. This show was criticized for its controversial sometimes tasteless topics and for the many scuffles between guests. The show ended in 1998. Today, he hosts the news magazine program, "Geraldo at Large" and appears regularly on the Fox TV News Channel.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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36 Comments

Kathleen Kennedy

I actually watched most of it, "knowing" that it wouldn't turn up much -early spectacle non-event reality TV!

Tom Seigo

Geraldo acts the part that fits him so well, a blowhard two bit attorney!

catmom

I always liked Geraldo Rivera.

twatkielski

Okay, want to hear what started that whole Al Capone safe thing? Ok one of my Brother's Bob owned a Construction company in Chicago and happened to meet the Caretaker lady, and her Child, who cared for the Lexington Hotel!! My Brother got to know her fairly well I guess, so she took him on a tour including the basement, and probably for no other reason than to possibly do some renovating work that it sorely needed! Well, it was BOB who saw the safe and got the idea to make something out of it! Since Bob was awfully busy and probably thought nothing much of interest or value, so he introduced the Lady to my Brother John, who was a dynamo, and instinctively saw some value to it! Anyway, Brother John found a producer who thought it might be a great idea and they both ran with it, with my brother acting mainly as an Advisor or Sponsor of sorts? In john's mind, and believe me it was impenetrable at times, John probably thought Geez, AL CAPONE, a LOCKED SAFE in the basement, so nothing stopped him until the Project got underway! We all watched with amazement, as did everyone else did I suppose, as the Hype was huge and profound! Okay go a head a period of time, which I can't recall how long it was, but John lived in the Basement of a 2 Flat on North Albany St., Chicago, and I lived on the first floor! One day he knocked on my door, came in with a letter in his hands! On the letter was attached a CHECK for $250,000 dollars! I went over the letter and it was from the Production Company thanking John for his contribution, which was the most major contribution of all, for nothing would have been done without first BOB, then JOHN'S more active participation! It was a steal for the production Company for sure, but when John did not see his name on the Credit list, he started a lawsuit that went on for quite a long time, and since I had moved away from Albany St., I really don't know what happened after I saw the Letter and that attached check for $250,000! John A. would not be denied another misuse of his name, and I cannot fault him for that!! Maybe the Biggest publicity campaign of all time, but who knew for sure what was inside the Vault or Safe? I swear this is a TRUE EXPERIENCE, not a piece of fiction by any means, as I don't have it in me to lie about anything more than my age!! I am telling you folks this exactly as I remember it! Not such a big deal in the travels of life, but something to talk about in the dull moments!!! Older Brother Tom....

billbranch

gridirongreen, Jethro bodine of the Beverly hillbillies?

Carl Belken

Whoever emptied the vault many years ago probably had a party before they shut it down.

Sue Gembrini-Spataro

Didn’t expect anything...

Susan Cece MacVicar

Lucky guess!

Rosie Whitlock

Did not see the program, but figured it was empty alcohol bottles because of prohibition at the time.

Eric Leif Peters

And a stop sign. Chicago is still laughing.

Lynne Zeman

Remember watching it on TV - exceptionally boring. Knew it didn't have the prize he said expected but don't remember what was there except for dirt and spider webs. Guess it made an impression on me, eh?

Shirley Dutt

Too bad he didn't stay there. Useless man.

pamela h

Hmmm, ever where that I searched said there was nothing in the vault. Lucky guess, but where is it found that there were empty alcohol bottles in the vault?