The Man Behind the Badge
GenrePolice drama
Developed byProckter Television Enterprises
Directed byJohn Peyser, Paul Landres
StarringNorman Rose (1953-1954)/
Charles Bickford (1955) (Host)
Theme music composerMelvyn Lenard
Country of originUSA
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes52 episodes (live, 1953-1954)
38 episodes (filmed, 1955)
Production
Executive producersBernard J. Prockter, Jerome C. Robinson
EditorFred W. Berger
Running time30 mins.
Production companiesProckter Television Enterprises
Revue Studios
MCA TV
Original release
NetworkCBS
Syndicated
ReleaseOctober 11, 1953 (1953-10-11) –
September 24, 1955 (1955-09-24)

The Man Behind the Badge is a half-hour American television police drama series which aired on CBS from October 11, 1953, to October 3, 1954,[1] originally hosted by Norman Rose. In its second syndicated season, the host became character actor Charles Bickford.[1] Jerry Robinson was the producer.[2]

The CBS version was broadcast from 9:30 to 10 p.m. Eastern Time on Sundays.[1] It replaced Arthur Murray Party[3] and was replaced by Honestly, Celeste!.[4] The sponsor was Bristol Myers.[3] Everett Rosenthal was the executive producer, with Arthur Singer as director.[5]

Beginning in January 1955,[1] a filmed version of the program was syndicated to local stations by MCA TV.[6]

In an interview with Kliph Nesteroff, assistant director Arthur Marks stated the filmed episodes were shot at the same time and on the same sets as Treasury Men in Action.[7] Bernard J. Prockter produced the series in Hollywood.[6]

Synopsis

The series is based on files from agencies of law enforcement.[8] In addition to police, the subjects of episodes included judges, park rangers, parole officers, and public defenders. Topics of episodes included divorce, life in a boys' home, and rehabilitation.[1]

Recurring roles and notable guest stars

Actor Role Appearances
Norman Rose Himself 52 episodes
Charles Bickford Himself 38 episodes
Charles Bronson Ralph "The Case of the Invisible Mark" (1955)
Paul Brinegar 3 episodes
Sam Flint 3 episodes
Vivi Janiss 2 episodes
Carolyn Jones Louise "The Case of the Desperate Moment" (1955)
Ann McCrea Laura "The Case of the One-Armed Bandits" (1955)
Paul Newman "The St. Paul Story" (1953)
Leslie Nielsen 2 episodes
Anthony Perkins Pedro 2 episodes
Lillian Powell 3 episodes
Denver Pyle Detective Lashley "The Case of the Crying Lady" (1955)
Jason Robards "The Case of the Last Escape" (1954)
Lee Van Cleef Floyd "The Case of the Desperate Moment" (1955)
Jack Warden "The Portland, Oregon Story" (1953)

Critical response

Dwight Newton, writing in the San Francisco Examiner, said that the first episode "had possibilities but fell apart at the themes."[9] He mentioned transparent acting and too much use of narration in particular and referred to actors who "gesture like they did in the old silent movie days."[9]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle F. (2009). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present. Random House Publishing Group. p. 844. ISBN 9780307483201. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
  2. ^ McNeil, Alex (1996). Total Television: the Comprehensive Guide to Programming from 1948 to the Present (4th ed.). New York, New York: Penguin Books USA, Inc. p. 513. ISBN 0-14-02-4916-8.
  3. ^ a b "(untitled brief)" (PDF). Broadcasting. July 20, 1953. p. 31. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  4. ^ Leszczak, Bob (November 8, 2012). Single Season Sitcoms, 1948-1979: A Complete Guide. McFarland. p. 83. ISBN 978-0-7864-9305-0. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  5. ^ "This Week (Cont'd)". Ross Reports on Television including The Television Index. October 4, 1953. p. 4. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "MCA Tv to Distribute 'Lombardo,' 'Badge' Films" (PDF). Broadcasting. September 13, 1954. p. 46. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
  7. ^ Nesteroff, Kliph (15 April 2012). "Classic Television Showbiz: An Interview with Arthur Marks".
  8. ^ "Radio-TV Notes". The New York Times. July 16, 1953. p. 28. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  9. ^ a b Newton, Dwight (October 26, 1953). "Day and Night with Radio and Television". The San Francisco Examiner. p. 30. Retrieved March 4, 2023.

External links

Categories