Gone is the staccato Walter Winchell narration that opened the TV show. The movie begins with a speech by Capone (Robert De Niro) to a British journalist who has just asked him if he isn't the de facto mayor of Chicago. Capone laughs, acknowledging the truth of the statement, and says: "I'm responding to the will of the People."

In the $20-million movie now being filmed on the streets of Chicago by director Brian De Palma, Ness is an innocent boy scout (played by Kevin Costner) who needs the help of gruff old Jimmy Malone (played by Sean Connery). Malone teaches Ness how to fight firepower with firepower: a sermon on the practical meaning of good versus evil, delivered in church.

De Palma said De Niro wanted one extra scene written for his character, as well as time to complete his current play on Broadway, "Cuba and His Teddy Bear," and time to put on approximately 30 pounds to play Capone. "He's very concerned about the shape of his face for the part," De Palma said. To add bulk, producer Linson revealed, De Niro already has started on his " 'Raging Bull' Diet," which means beginning each day with a lot of pancakes.