Dellaventura

1 9 9 7 – 1 9 9 8 (USA)
14 x 60 minute episodes

“If you need me, I’ll be around”

This CBS drama series starred Danny Aiello as Anthony Dellaventura, a former New York City police officer turned private investigator whose philosophy was“Expect the unexpected.”

He had been a detective with the 27th Precinct of the NYPD for 15 years but liked to do things his own way, which the department didn’t appreciate – and so they parted company.

His clients now were people who had nowhere else to turn. His fee was $100 per hour per associate, and he spent his time dispensing goofy narration, making grand promises and helping distraught women.

Although he carried a gun, he would rather shoot off his mouth – he was the gabbiest private detective in television history. He sounded off on everything from stickball to pornography to hotel doormen . . .

Dellaventura usually wore sunglasses – even at night – and hung out at the Knickerbocker Bar and Grill. Root beer was his favourite drink and he liked each case to end happily; “I like happy endings.”

Dellaventura worked with Jonas Deeds (Byron Keith Minns), an electronics surveillance expert; Ted Naples (Rick Aiello), an ex-fighter who used his fists as weapons; and Geri Zarius (Ann Ramsay), a sweet-looking girl who was a tough weapons and explosives expert and proficient at breaking and entering.

Danny Aiello also acted as executive producer for the show. Joe Delia composed the theme.

Anthony Dellaventura
Danny Aiello
Jonas Deeds
Byron Keith Minns
Ted Naples
Rick Aiello
Geri Zarius
Ann Ramsay