Highway Patrol
Highway Patrol
TV-G | 03 October 1955 (USA)
SEASON & EPISODES
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  • Reviews
    Kattiera Nana

    I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

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    WillSushyMedia

    This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

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    FirstWitch

    A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

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    Maleeha Vincent

    It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

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    dougdoepke

    Good action series from the 50's. There were a number of law enforcement programs at the time, Dragnet, The Line-Up, State Trooper, et al. Highway Patrol, however, lasted four years, an unusual span amidst its many competitors. Success certainly didn't come from a telegenic leading man. In fact, I doubt Crawford would have had a shot without the name recognition that an Oscar afforded. Still, his aggressively bluff manner was perfect for the commander's role. To my knowledge, unlike some series (Dragnet), Patrol made no claim to be based on actual cases. Thus writers had free reign.The 50's was a popular decade for cars of all kinds. I expect another reason for success was action on the highways, where speed and skill prevail. A typical episode included riveting chases or some kind of speedy action. Never mind that highway locations seldom left greater LA with its non-scenic scrublands and mountains. On the other hand, city scenes were usually shot on location as well. Part of the series appeal, I think, came from consistent use of locations, showing 1950's styles and car models.Plots were usually unremarkable, mainly the kind of kernel (escapes or pursuits of some sort) that drew in Mathews and the Patrol. Generally, casts didn't include name actors or celebrities. That way focus remained on the story and action rather than actors. Even though the series remains mainly a period piece, there's enough entertainment value to keep modern audiences tuning in, as I do. As Mathews would say, "10-4".

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    csimpkins53

    I've always thought it to be very interesting that all of the guest stars whether they be criminals or victims all drive exactly the same make and model of car. This is especially noticeable in the episodes made in about 1958. All of the cars used by criminals and victims are Plymouth Furys. Some are convertibles, some are sedans but they are always Plymouth Furys. This is a bit ridiculous as in reality criminals and victims in 1958 as well as any other modern year would have used a multitude of different types of vehicles. Granted, in 1958 the selection of vehicles may have been a bit less, but still, there were Buicks, Chevys, Pontiacs, Cadillacs, Olsmobiles, Fords, Mercurys, Lincolns, Ramblers, Chryslers, Dodges, etc. and all of the various models produced by each. For the show to assume that ALL criminals and victims would drive Plymouth Furys is simply ridiculous and unbelievable.

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    John T. Ryan

    In 1950's Television, Syndicating of TV half-hours was truly was big business. By 'Syndication' we mean the sale of programming to individual stations in different markets for showing over said station at the individual managers' pleasure. This is much like a newspaper syndicate distributes comic strips or feature articles to various papers.* And the King of these Syndicated programs was ZIV Television Productions. What with Such entries as "SEA HUNT"', "SCIENCE FICTION THEATRE", "I LED THREE LIVES", "MacKENZIE'S RAIDERS", "WEST POINT" and others. They racked 'em up and kept 'em going', and in the process, became the independent TV stations' best friend.Although syndicated shows were usually looked down upon as being sub-par to the typical Network Programming, ZIV managed to get some shows out there that topped the "Webs" (Show Biz Jargon for Network) showings. Our featured Highway Patrol show was one of the most successful series in syndication, and was so for the vast majority of its run.The producers took a half hour and managed to weave in all kinds of criminal activity, all with Captain Dan Matthews (Broderick Crawford, Oscar Winner in 1950 for his lead performance in ALL THE KING'S MEN. There were many rank and file Patrolmen, who had come and gone during the series life on the air, and B.S.** But at least one member of the Highway Patrol was destined to become a career man in Law Enforcement. That Guy was William Boyett, a burly, athletically built sort of "Man's Man" of an actor who portrayed Sgt. Ken Williams. A few years later, in A.D. 1968, the rugged character actor retained his Rank of Sergeant, but being transferred to the Los Angeles Police Department and became Sergeant MacDonald on the non-syndicated Drama of Uniformed Big City Cops in Jack Webb's and R.A. Cinader's Mark VII, Ltd. & Universal Studios "ADAM 12" (1968-75).As far as the filming, Captain Matthews*** & Company were for the most part (if not completely) on location. These locations would be on the open Highways in Southern California, and in the Truck Stops, Greasy Spoon Grills, Public Kybos and the small towns dotting each route, like Pearls on a necklace. For this the series closely resembled the over-all look of films like WHITE HEAT, THE WILD ONE and so many of those American International epics that kept the Drive In Theatres.And as far as the realism is concerned we must remember that all Policemen, regardless of their locale or type of assignment, can and do run into all sorts of law-breaking and wrong-doers. Although the real Highway Patrols/State Police are usually assigned to the safe-guarding the highways and byways of our States, with the particular special attention to Traffic Enforcement, Accident Investigation and Safety Inspections of Commercial Traffic.And please remember, there is no such thing as that "Routine Traffic Stop" that we hear so much about on the 10:00 Newscast. The vast majority of serious, forcible felonies committed in the U.S. make some use of the automobile in facilitating their anti-social behaviour. A Cop doesn't know who he's stopping, so cut him some slack the next time when you're stopped.Who knows, maybe you'll even get a pass! NOTE:* In reality, the series are not "sold"to the individual stations, but rather rented or leased for a certain period of time.NOTE:** Now relax, it's not that B.S.but rather the abbreviation for "Before Syndication". Re-runs of successful shows would be sent out via the syndication route to the individual stations for another bite at the Old Apple. Often these re-run episodes had alternate series titles; like "BADGE 714" for "DRAGNET". "SAN FRANCISCO BEAT" for "THE LINEUP" and for our "HIGHWAY PATROL", we had "10-4", Captain Matthews's favourite tag-line.NOTE*** Broderick Crawford's Captain Dan Matthews became so much of a figure in American Pop Culture, that he made an uncredited appearance as himself, a motorist stopped by Ponch and John for traffic violation! That was in the 9th episode that first year entitled, "Hustle"

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    illusiondweller

    There has been much fun made of the part played by Broderick Crawford---and much denigration accorded the show in general. I have a complete collection of the series. I watch them when I need a fix from the current workaday world of crime now overwhelming law-enforcement...and the courts allowing it to happen. Crawford, whose mom and dad worked the Vaudeville circuit, was a very talented and forceful visage in "Highway Patrol". One didn't have to look like Clark Gable in order to portray a dedicated cop. No, he wasn't pretty. Yes, he looked like an unmade bed. But, that just added authenticity to the show in my 15-19 year old (at the time) eyes.I would have hated being interrogated by him even if I hadn't done anything wrong. Think about how much more latitude the first line of law-enforcement had during that show's time. It started four years before the passage of the Miranda Act. Folks who got too chirpy with "the law" in those days, learned a pretty good lesson before they even got locked up. Wish it still held true. Buddy Buchanan

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