Thu 14 Sep 2017
POLICE STATION. Syndicated. Official Films / Paramount-Sunset Television Productions, 1959-? Untitled episode (Season 1, #8?). Baynes Barron, Larry Kerr, Henry Beckman, Roy Wright. Guest Cast: Ron Masak, Michael Vandever. Produced, written & directed by Sandy Howard.
A Dragnet wanna-be that lasted one season of 39 syndicated episodes, of which only one, perhaps two, have managed to survive. It’s not very good, and I’m covering it here only because.
There are two cases the cops are working on throughout this episode. The first is that of two 16-years-olds who have been killed in a gang war, city not specified. The second, not nearly as serious, is that of a aged female con artist who gratefully promises to quit the racket. Does she? Wait for the ending to see.
As for the gang war deaths, the cops have two possible suspects, and they play them off each other until they can be sure which one is the one who pulled the trigger. It’s competently done, but not by late 1950s standards, done in by the cheap sets (furnished from a local second-hand furniture store), uninspired camera work, and the mediocre acting by one of the participants.
September 14th, 2017 at 4:29 pm
I found this charming — and if that isn’t the proper word, then likeable and compelling both work. The performances were all of interest, including the one Steve described in his remarks, and Sandy Howard’s teleplay, just fine. Thanks for finding this thing.
September 14th, 2017 at 5:31 pm
I didn’t recognize the names of any of the players, but the two or three that I followed up with on IMDb revealed long careers, mostly in TV. Me, I wouldn’t call the story compelling, but likeable, yes, why not, even the performance I found lacking.
September 14th, 2017 at 4:32 pm
The making of this series is far more interesting than the episode drama.
In the late fifties, the demand for TV programs was greater than what was available. Some local TV stations began to produce its own programs and then syndicate them to others. The two major stations were WNTA-New York and KTLA-Los Angeles.
According to Broadcasting (May 18, 1959) KTLA had produced POLICE STATION as an hour long videotaped series. Official Films agreed to buy the series for syndication if KTLA withdrew the hour long episodes that had been airing on its station and the series would be redone as a 30 minute filmed series. The series was filmed by Paramount Television with Sandy Howard Production. Plans had the half-hour version of POLICE STATION to be released in the fall of 1959.
Broadcasting (March 2,1959) article added more information. The series was originally produced by Sandy Howard. Official Films order was for 39 half-hour episodes. Production began filming February 25, 1959.
Sandy Howard had an interesting career especially as a producer. He is best remembered for producing the movie THE MAN CALLED HORSE.
September 14th, 2017 at 5:33 pm
Thanks, Michael. As usual, you’ve come up with a lot more background than I did on the quick Google search I did last night, and all of it very very interesting.
September 14th, 2017 at 11:19 pm
I’m not sure this one ever played in the Dallas market. I’m certainly not familiar with it. In 59 there was only one independent in that market the big three and PBS.
September 14th, 2017 at 11:20 pm
Michael,
Do you have any idea how many stations may have picked up this series?
September 15th, 2017 at 3:37 am
“I’m covering it here only because…”
Come on! the suspense is killing me!
September 15th, 2017 at 5:34 am
6. Steve, I have not found any answers to your question but found all sorts of stuff about KTLA, Paramount TV, ABC, DuMont and alot about fourth network attempts during the 1950s.
From what I have read my guess is the hour long version of POLICE STATION aired only on KTLA. Official Films half hour version was a failure and did not air in any major market.