"The Man Behind the Badge" (1953) TV series 1953-1955

Seasons:

1 | 2

Release Date:

11 October 1953 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Plot Keywords:

Deputy | Police | Justice | Sheriff | Order

Cast

Charles Bickford	...	Himself, Host / ... (38 episodes, 1955)
Norman Rose	...	Himself (33 episodes, 1953-1954)

Runtime:

30 min | 30 min (38 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

Prockter Television Enterprises

a good solid procedural

I have little or no recollection of this series from my childhood but was fortunate enough to obtain some episodes on a cheapie DVD set call "Police TV". Filled with interesting character actors from half a century ago, some of whom are (surprisingly) still alive e.g. Dabbs Greer, through most are long gone. So many of these fine journeyman actors populated television and motion pictures for decades that they are like familiar acquaintances. It provides an extra dimension seeing these talented and often unsung folk. "The Man Behind The Badge" provides starring roles for many who seldom had such as it is in effect a series with no central character. Only the narrator provides continuity and so we have almost repertory theatre. The cases vary in subject, setting and interest while the writing benefits from its roots in such radio programmes as "Gangbusters". The sets are simple and there is sometimes a stage bound feel but such as the case with all 50s series. At least we do not have to endure the change from film inside to video outside that tortured our eyes in many slightly later series. Worth a look; a good solid police procedural.