The Untouchables (1959)

Episode Overview

In late summer of 1930, Wichita, Kansas, became the epicenter of a troubling trend known as the Jake Dance. (We see a man unsteadily moving, a cane in each hand.) While there are numerous types of alcohol, only ethyl alcohol is safe for consumption. Unfortunately, many individuals turned to Ginger Jake, a dangerous brew tainted with methyl alcohol, or "wood alcky." Those who indulged excessively often experienced severe loss of muscle control, resulting in the characteristic staggering movement of the Jake Dance. Tragically, many lives were lost to this perilous choice.