Forty years after Geraldo Rivera's televised opening of Al Capone's vault became what many consider the biggest disaster in television history, a new book promises to reveal what truly happened during that broadcast and why it mattered beyond the empty chamber. William Elliott Hazelgrove's "Capone's Vault," set for release on April 16, 2026, by Bloomsbury, draws on newly uncovered documents, interviews with Rivera and the original producers, unpublished photographs, and eyewitness accounts to dissect the media spectacle, correct myths about the notorious gangster, and expose the Chicago forces that enabled the stunt.
The broadcast on April 21, 1986, captivated an audience of thirty million viewers as Rivera, at 9:15 p.m. Eastern time, signaled for dynamite to blast open a subterranean vault in the Lexington Hotel, anticipating revelations about Capone's secrets. Authorities, including a medical examiner prepared to examine bodies and IRS agents ready to catalog millions in hidden wealth, stood by as workers in hardhats breached an earthen wall under studio lights. Instead of treasure or evidence, Rivera emerged with only a single bottle of bootleg gin, turning the event into a national punchline and a landmark television failure.
Hazelgrove's investigation aims to uncover what was genuinely in that basement, challenging the narrative of mere emptiness. The book delves into the broader implications of the broadcast, exploring how it reflected media sensationalism, public fascination with crime legends, and the cultural dynamics of 1980s America. By revisiting this moment, the author argues that the event's significance extends beyond its outcome, offering insights into television's power to shape historical perception and entertainment.
The release coincides with the fortieth anniversary of the original broadcast, adding timeliness to its revelations. Hazelgrove, a national bestselling author with numerous accolades, brings credibility to the project, having written extensively on historical topics and been featured in major publications. His work, including the forthcoming titles "Dead Air: The Night Orson Welles Terrified America" and "Hemingway's Attic: Hell and Glory in Cuba and the Writing of The Old Man and the Sea," demonstrates a focus on unpacking iconic moments in American culture.
For readers and historians, this book matters because it recontextualizes a pop culture milestone, suggesting that even perceived failures can hold deeper truths about society and media. It may influence how future generations understand the intersection of journalism, entertainment, and history, prompting reflection on the stories we consume and the myths we perpetuate. More information about the author and his works can be found at https://www.williamhazelgrove.com.
