Calling All Cars

Calling All Cars was a groundbreaking police drama that captivated radio audiences from 1933 to 1939. As one of the first police procedurals on radio, this series set the stage for future crime dramas and offered listeners a thrilling glimpse into the world of law enforcement.

The show dramatized real cases handled by the Los Angeles Police Department, bringing true crime stories to life with gripping narratives and authentic details. Each episode followed a similar format, beginning with an overview of a particular crime, introducing the key players involved, and then diving into a dramatic reenactment that culminated in the arrest of the perpetrator. The stories concluded with the outcome of the trial, providing listeners with a satisfying resolution to each case.

What set Calling All Cars apart was its commitment to realism and its close collaboration with actual law enforcement. The series was hosted by Chief James E. Davis of the Los Angeles Police Department, lending an air of authenticity to the proceedings. This partnership with the LAPD allowed the show to access real case files and present accurate portrayals of police work, making it a forerunner to later, more sophisticated police dramas like Dragnet.

The show’s format was designed to be both entertaining and educational, offering listeners insight into the methodical and often tedious nature of police investigations. While it may have lacked the polish of later crime dramas, Calling All Cars laid important groundwork for the genre, demonstrating the public’s appetite for realistic crime stories and the potential for radio to bring these tales to life in vivid detail.

The Stars

While Calling All Cars did not feature a regular cast of actors in the traditional sense, it did have some key figures who were integral to the show’s production and presentation.

Chief James E. Davis of the Los Angeles Police Department served as the host of the program, providing an authoritative voice and a direct connection to the law enforcement community. His presence lent credibility to the stories and underscored the show’s commitment to authenticity.

Charles Frederick Lindsey, a professor of speech education at Occidental College, took on the role of narrator for the series. His skilled delivery helped to guide listeners through the complex twists and turns of each case, ensuring that the audience could follow the intricate details of the investigations.

Behind the scenes, the show benefited from the talents of William N. Robson, who both wrote and produced the program. Robson’s contributions were crucial in shaping the series’ distinctive style and approach to storytelling. Additional writing support came from Mel Williamson and Sam Pierce, while Robert Hixon directed the episodes, bringing the scripts to life with skilled audio production.

Although the actors who portrayed the various characters in each episode were generally uncredited, their performances were essential in bringing the true crime stories to life for the radio audience.

Key Dates

• November 29, 1933: Calling All Cars makes its debut on the CBS West Coast network and the Mutual-Don Lee Network, marking the beginning of its influential run.
• September 8, 1939: The final episode of Calling All Cars is broadcast, concluding nearly six years of crime drama on the airwaves.
• January 1939: The show’s reach expands as Axton-Fisher Tobacco Co. begins sponsoring the program on stations in Detroit, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri, using transcriptions to bring the series to new audiences.
• March 1939: Gruen Watch Co. starts sponsoring Calling All Cars on a station in Syracuse, New York, further extending the show’s geographical reach.
• May 1939: Liebmann Breweries begins sponsoring the series on eight stations in the eastern United States, demonstrating the program’s growing popularity beyond its original western markets.
• February 1940: Despite the show’s official end in 1939, its influence continues as Ford dealers in the Midwest begin sponsoring the series on eight stations in the region, building on an existing sponsorship in Des Moines, Iowa.

Other Information

Calling All Cars was more than just a radio show; it was a multimedia phenomenon that engaged listeners in various ways beyond the broadcast itself.

Sponsorship: The series was originally sponsored by Rio Grande Oil Co., which had a network of dealers across California, Arizona, and Nevada. The company used the show as a platform to promote its petroleum products and other vehicle-related services. This sponsorship played a crucial role in the show’s success and longevity.

Promotional Magazine: To complement the radio broadcasts, Rio Grande Oil Co. published a monthly magazine called Calling All Cars News. This publication was available for free at service stations that sold Rio Grande products. The magazine often featured stories related to upcoming episodes of the radio program, creating a synergy between the print and audio media. By November 1936, the circulation of this promotional magazine had reached an impressive 400,000 copies.

Junior Police Safety Department: Rio Grande Oil Co. also created a youth organization tied to the show. Young listeners could obtain a form from a Rio Grande dealer, fill it out, and send it in to receive a metal badge with “Junior Police Safety Department” inscribed on the front. This initiative helped to engage younger audiences and foster a sense of community around the program.

Award-Winning Program: The quality and popularity of Calling All Cars did not go unnoticed by the industry. On December 21, 1938, the show received the Institute of Audible Arts Trophy for “the most consistently excellent program broadcast in western United States during 1938”. This recognition underscored the series’ impact and the high standards it maintained throughout its run.

Syndication and Expansion: As the show’s popularity grew, it expanded beyond its original broadcast area through syndication. Various sponsors picked up the program in different regions, using transcriptions to bring Calling All Cars to new audiences. This expansion included sponsorships by cigarette companies, watch manufacturers, and beer breweries, demonstrating the show’s broad appeal and adaptability to different markets and demographics.

Influence on Future Programs: Calling All Cars played a significant role in shaping the police procedural genre on radio. It paved the way for later, more sophisticated crime dramas like Dragnet, which would further refine the format and bring even greater realism to radio crime stories. The show’s legacy can be seen in the enduring popularity of police and crime dramas across various media.

Historical Value: Today, Calling All Cars serves as a fascinating time capsule of 1930s law enforcement and societal attitudes towards crime. The cases featured in the show provide insights into the types of crimes that captured public attention during this era, as well as the investigative techniques and legal procedures of the time.

In conclusion, Calling All Cars was more than just a pioneering police drama; it was a cultural touchstone that engaged listeners, promoted products, educated the public about law enforcement, and laid the groundwork for future crime dramas. Its influence extended far beyond its six-year run, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of American radio entertainment.