Mr. District Attorney
 The cast in 1947. From left: Len Doyle (Harrington), Jay Jostyn (the District Attorney), and Vicki Vola (Edith Miller) | |
| Genre | Crime drama |
|---|---|
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Language(s) | English |
| Syndicates | NBC Blue NBC Red ABC |
| Starring | Vicki Vola Dwight Weist Raymond Edward Johnson Jay Jostyn |
| Announcer | Ed Herlihy Mark Hawley Fred Uttal |
| Created by | Ed Byron |
| Written by | Bob Shaw |
| Directed by | Ed Byron |
| Produced by | Phillips H. Lord |
Mr. District Attorney is a radio crime drama, produced by Samuel Bischoff, which aired on NBC and ABC from April 3, 1939, to June 13, 1952 (and in transcribed syndication through 1953). The series focused on a crusading D.A., initially known only as "Mister District Attorney," or "Chief", and was later translated to television. On television the D.A. had a name, Paul Garrett, and the radio version picked up this name in the final years when David Brian played the role. A key figure in the dramas was the D.A.'s secretary, Edith Miller (Vicki Vola).
History
Created, written, and directed by former law student Ed Byron, the series was inspired by the early years of New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey.[1] It was Dewey's public war against racketeering which led to his election as governor. Phillips H. Lord, creator of Gang Busters, helped to develop the concept and coined the title. Byron lent an air of accuracy and immediacy to his scripts through close study of crime statistics, a library of criminology texts, following the newspapers, and even going around rough bars to gain tips, background, and color from crooks and police alike.[2] His techniques sometimes enabled Byron to predict major crime waves before the news broke.
Produced throughout its run in New York City, the series began as a 15-minute serial, becoming a half-hour, self-contained series three months later as a summer replacement for The Bob Hope Show beginning June 27, 1939.[3] During 1942, Mr. District Attorney began battling Nazis, leading to conflicts with the FBI when the scripts reflected life too closely.[2]
The program was sponsored by Bristol-Myers.[4]
Cast and characters
- Mr. District Attorney – The nameless title role was played by several actors throughout the run, with the breakdown as follows:
- Dwight Weist (1939 serials)
- Raymond Edward Johnson (1939 half hour shows)[5]
- Jay Jostyn (1940 through 1952; Jostyn also guest starred in the role in mystery sketches for the game show Quick as a Flash)
- Tony Randall served as a replacement for Jostyn during the 1940s, because, in his words, he did "a good Jay Jostyn impression".[6]
- David Brian (1952–1953 syndication).
- Voice of the Law – The show's signature was the opening announcer, known as the "Voice of the Law," who defined the creed and duties of Mr. District Attorney. The role was played by Maurice Franklin and also Jay Jostyn, prior to taking over the lead role
- Miss Miller – Edith Miller was the district attorney's faithful secretary, played throughout the run by Vicki Vola
- Miss Rand – The D.A.'s receptionist was played by Eleanor Silver and Arlene Francis.[1]
- Len Harrington – The D.A.'s chief investigator, a former cop; played by Walter Kinsella, who had been heard in various police roles during the early years, and by Len Doyle from 1940 onward.
- Other supporting players and guests on the series included such noted actors as Paul Stewart and Frank Lovejoy.
- Harry Salter conducted the music.[7]
Television
Near the end of the radio run, the series was transferred to television. The first incarnation ran on ABC from October 1, 1951 through June 23, 1952, airing on alternate Mondays, first with The Amazing Mr. Malone and then Out of the Fog. The current radio cast reprised their roles: Jay Jostyn as Mr. District Attorney, Vicki Vola as Miss Miller, and Len Doyle as Harrington.
Season 1 (1951-52)
| No. overall |
No. in season |
Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "The Case Of The Homecoming" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | October 1, 1951 |
| 2 | 2 | "The Case Of The Bindle Boy" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | October 15, 1951 |
| 3 | 3 | "The Case Of The Cop-Killer" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | October 29, 1951 |
| 4 | 4 | "The Case Of The Bird Brain" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | November 12, 1951 |
| 5 | 5 | "The Case Of The Dangerous Clown" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | November 26, 1951 |
| 6 | 6 | "The Case Of The Silent Victim" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | December 10, 1951 |
| 7 | 7 | "The Case Of The Crooked Finger" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | December 24, 1951 |
| 8 | 8 | "The Case Of The Big Day" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | January 7, 1952 |
| 9 | 9 | "The Case Of The Three Ravens" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | January 21, 1952 |
| 10 | 10 | "The Case Of All But Two" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | February 4, 1952 |
| 11 | 11 | "The Case Of The Rain-Check" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | February 18, 1952 |
| 12 | 12 | "The Case Of The Powder Keg" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | March 3, 1952 |
| 13 | 13 | "The Case Of The Golden Square" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | March 17, 1952 |
| 14 | 14 | "The Case Of The Beetle" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | March 31, 1952 |
| 15 | 15 | "The Case Of The Grand Old Man" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | April 14, 1952 |
| 16 | 16 | "The Case Of The Bag-Man" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | April 28, 1952 |
| 17 | 17 | "The Case Of The Promise" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | May 12, 1952 |
| 18 | 18 | "The Case Of The Junk Man" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | May 26, 1952 |
| 19 | 19 | "The Case Of The Empty House" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | June 9, 1952 |
| 20 | 20 | "The Case Of The High Note" | Unknown | Story by : Teleplay by : | June 23, 1952 |
1954 Revival
In 1954, the show was revived in syndication by Ziv Television Programs, who had also handled the 1952–1953 radio syndication. David Brian reprised his role from that series, only now the D. A. had a name, Paul Garrett. Jackie Loughery was Miss Miller.[8]
Season 1 (1954)
| No. overall |
No. in season |
Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Fire Insurance" | Herbert L. Strock | Story by : Teleplay by : Richard G. Taylor | 1954 |
| 2 | 2 | "Hit and Run" | Leon Benson | Story by : Teleplay by : Stuart Jerome | 1954 |
| 3 | 3 | "Numbers" | Leon Benson | Story by : Teleplay by : Ellis Marcus | 1954 |
| 4 | 4 | "Wife Killer" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : Gene Roddenberry | 1954 |
| 5 | 5 | "The Art Forger" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : Ellis Marcus | 1954 |
| 6 | 6 | "Bad Cop" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 7 | 7 | "Blow-Up" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 8 | 8 | "College Story" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : Frank Moss and Lee Berg | 1954 |
| 9 | 9 | "Court Escape" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : Gene Roddenberry | 1954 |
| 10 | 10 | "Court Room" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 11 | 11 | "D.A. Killer" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 12 | 12 | "Gambling" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : Gene Roddenberry | 1954 |
| 13 | 13 | "Hi-Jack" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 14 | 14 | "Juvenile Gang" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 15 | 15 | "Narcotics" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 16 | 16 | "No Parole" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 17 | 17 | "Planned Murder" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 18 | 18 | "Police Academy" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : Gene Roddenberry | 1954 |
| 19 | 19 | "Pollution" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : Jack Rock | 1954 |
| 20 | 20 | "Protection" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 21 | 21 | "Reconciliation" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 22 | 22 | "Rehearsed Robbery" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : Hendrik Vollaerts | 1954 |
| 23 | 23 | "Roy Ruby" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 24 | 24 | "Safe Cracking" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 25 | 25 | "State Politician" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 26 | 26 | "The Jewel Racket" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 27 | 27 | TBA | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 28 | 28 | TBA | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 29 | 29 | TBA | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 30 | 30 | TBA | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
| 31 | 31 | TBA | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1954 |
Season 2 (1955)
| No. overall |
No. in season |
Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 1 | "Man on the Edge" | Lambert Hillyer | Story by : Teleplay by : Ellis Marcus | 1955 |
| 33 | 2 | "Auto Racket" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 34 | 3 | "The Kid" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 35 | 4 | "Animal Poisoner" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 36 | 5 | "Cameraman" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 37 | 6 | "Cave-In" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 38 | 7 | "Courtroom#2" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 39 | 8 | "Courtroom#3" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 40 | 9 | "Crime School" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 41 | 10 | "Executer" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 42 | 11 | "Hidden Witness" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 43 | 12 | "Kidnaped" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 44 | 13 | "Legit Business" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 45 | 14 | "Lost Case" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 46 | 15 | "Mob Rule" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 47 | 16 | "Patrol Boat" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : Gene Roddenberry | 1955 |
| 48 | 17 | "Police Brutality" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : Gene Roddenberry | 1955 |
| 49 | 18 | "Posed Pictures" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : Kalman Phillips | 1955 |
| 50 | 19 | "Prisoners At Home" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 51 | 20 | "Professional Killer" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : Jack Rock | 1955 |
| 52 | 21 | "Re-Model" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 53 | 22 | "The Search" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 54 | 23 | "Usary" | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 55 | 24 | TBA | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 56 | 25 | TBA | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
| 57 | 26 | TBA | TBD | Story by : Teleplay by : | 1955 |
Comic books
DC Comics published a Mr. District Attorney comic book series which ran for 67 issues (January–February 1948 to January–February 1959).[9][10] In 1941, the Whitman Publishing Company published a Big Little Book, Mr. District Attorney on the Job,[11] that included a flip book.[12]
References
- ^ a b Terrace, Vincent (1999). Radio Programs, 1924–1984: A Catalog of More Than 1800 Shows. McFarland & Company, Inc. ISBN 978-0-7864-4513-4. p. 233.
- ^ a b Dunning, John (1998). On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. pp. 464–65. ISBN 978-0195076783.
- ^ "Bob Hope Replaced". Circleville, Ohio. The Circleville Herald. June 19, 1939. p. 3. Retrieved July 13, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Sies, Luther F. (2014). Encyclopedia of American Radio, 1920–1960, 2nd Edition, Volume 1. McFarland & Company, Inc. ISBN 978-0-7864-5149-4. p. 453.
- ^ "Mr. District Attorney". Circleville, Ohio. The Circleville Herald. July 10, 1939. p. 8. Retrieved December 23, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ 1970 Tony Randall interview for "Those Were the Days", 11:00, speakingofradio.com
- ^ Grunwald, Edgar A., Ed. (1940). Variety Radio Directory 1940–1941. Variety, Inc. p. 316
- ^ McNeil, Alex (1996). Total Television: The Comprehensive Guide to Programming from 1948 to the Present. London, United Kingdom: Penguin Books. p. 558. ISBN 978-0140249163.
- ^ Mr. District Attorney at the Grand Comics Database
- ^ Widener, Mike (September 17, 2010). "Lawyers in Comics: Mr. District Attorney". Lillian Goldman Law Library. Archived from the original on May 15, 2016.
- ^ "Mr. District Attorney on the Job". BigLittleBooks.com. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
- ^ Ross E. Davies. "The Popular Prosecutor: Mr. District Attorney and the Television Stars of American Law". Retrieved 2018-06-29.
External links
- 1930s American radio programs
- 1940s American radio programs
- 1950s American radio programs
- 1950s American television series
- 1951 American television series debuts
- 1954 American television series endings
- American legal drama television series
- ABC radio programs
- American Broadcasting Company original programming
- American radio dramas
- Defunct American comics
- NBC Blue Network radio programs
- NBC radio programs
- Television series based on radio series
- Television series by MGM Television
- Syndicated radio programs
- Ziv Company radio programs