Watch Highway Patrol

Highway Patrol was an American crime drama television series that aired from 1955 to 1959. Starring Broderick Crawford, the show revolved around the daily duties of the state police force responsible for enforcing traffic laws on the vast network of highways in California. Shot in black and white, Highway Patrol was a captivating drama that captured the attention of American audiences during the late 1950s.

The show presents Crawford as the commanding figure of the Highway Patrol, Chief Dan Mathews. With his signature gravel voice and tough guy demeanor, Mathews is portrayed as a no-nonsense cop who takes his job very seriously. Every episode sees Mathews and his team of Highway Patrol officers tackle a range of dangerous and high-risk situations, from high-speed car chases to emergency medical rescues.

This show was a pioneer in the genre of television cop dramas with a focus on highway patrol officers. The episodes feature different plots based on true events involving highway crimes such as car thefts, hijackings, and accidents. The series has several intense moments where the police officers put themselves in harm's way to protect the public.

Throughout the four seasons of Highway Patrol, Crawford brought his unique perspective to his character. He was not only the enforcer of justice but also a father figure for his subordinates, who strive to live up to his high standards while still maintaining their own integrity. The show is notable for portraying a sense of justice in the role of law enforcement. It highlights the importance of enforcing regulations and investigating a situation thoroughly before coming to any conclusions.

Despite the fact that the show took place in the 1950s, Highway Patrol has a timeless appeal. It manages to capture the atmosphere of the era, showcasing classic cars, vintage clothing, and architecture, only seen on this show. Highway Patrol's fast-paced action and suspenseful chase scenes are equally thrilling today as they were then, keeping the viewer engaged throughout the episode.

One of the standout aspects of Highway Patrol is its attention to detail. The show goes into great depth, showing police procedures and tactics used by state troopers when dealing with criminal activity. The series accurately depicts how these police officers go about their day-to-day business, often displaying admirable professionalism and bravery with a focus on maintaining public safety.

Another prominent feature of Highway Patrol is its use of location shots. In many of the scenes, the surroundings play a role in the telling of the story, such as the geography of the highways or the settings of various criminal activities. These settings, including America's vast and picturesque highways, provide the perfect backdrop to make the show more appealing to audiences.

Overall, Highway Patrol is an innovative and engaging series that never loses its appeal. Its focus on real, everyday crimes, as well as the occasionally extraordinary events, gives viewers an insight into the many challenges that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. It remains a classic, old-school show, providing American audiences during the late 1950s an unvarnished look into the important work of highway patrol officers depicted in cinematic quality.