Hitting the Road with Highway Patrol

 

by Guy Belleranti


Highway Patrol was a very popular television series from 1955 to 1959. The program’s popularity continued after its end, with it being shown in reruns for many years.

Art Gilmore’s narration opened each half-hour episode and ran as follows: “Whenever the laws of any state are broken, a duly authorized organization swings into action. It may be called the State Police, State Troopers, Militia, the Rangers or the Highway Patrol. These are the stories of the men whose training, skill and courage have enforced and preserved our state laws.”

Broderick Crawford starred on series. Crawford had played heavies and bad guys in movies for years, most notably in All the King’s Men (1949) where he won the Best Actor Oscar.

On Highway Patrol, his character was once again a tough, beefy no nonsense man. However, this time he was a good guy, The Highway Patrol’s Chief Dan Matthews.

For 156 black and white episodes Chief Matthews led his men in action against robbers, smugglers, hijackers and other bad guys. Crawford’s character made the catch phrase “10-4” famous over the series run.

Much of the shooting was done on location, and not just in studios. It was a program that men especially loved as it featured many car chases. The Highway Patrol would get their man or men via use of high-powered patrol cars, fast motorcycles and/or helicopters.

I think it can be safely said that Highway Patrol helped paved the way for future police dramas such as Adam 12 and CHIPS.


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