Honor The Law

Honor the Law was a syndicated 15-minute crime drama series that aired in 1938. Produced by Conquest Alliance Co. in New York City and directed by Ralph Scott, the show focused on the adventures of two police officer partners - Senior Officer Kemp and the ambitious Junior Officer Benton. Their dynamic was further livened by the character of Larry Stevens, a nervy newspaperman always on the hunt for a scoop.

The series delivered gripping real-life police cases across 39 standalone episodes (of which 22 are extant), balancing crime-solving with personal drama and humor. Featuring a constant cast of actors including Joseph J. Franz, Barbara Luddy, Frank Nelson, Paul Norby, Ralph Scott, and Frederick Shields,

Honor the Law presented convoluted melodramas where crime, evidence-gathering, and justice all unfolded within each quarter-hour episode.

The Stars

The main stars of Honor the Law were the two police officer partners, Senior Officer Kemp and Junior Officer Benton. Their on-air chemistry and contrasting personalities - with Benton’s ambition for promotion often clashing with Kemp’s more seasoned approach - drove much of the show’s intrigue and drama.

The character of Larry Stevens, a competitive and nosy newspaper reporter, also played a key role, serving as both a humorous foil and a source of competition for the officers, especially since he and Benton both shared affections for the same woman, Julia Allen, a “beauteous theatre cashier.”

The show featured a consistent ensemble cast of actors, including Joseph J. Franz, Barbara Luddy, Frank Nelson, Paul Norby, Ralph Scott, and Frederick Shields, who brought the various police officers, reporters, and other characters to life.

Key Dates

• Honor the Law aired for a single season in 1938, with 39 episodes produced and syndicated across the United States.
• Over the course of the year, the show expanded its reach, with ten episodes airing in Philadelphia, two in New York City, one in the metro Washington D.C. area, and one in Chicago.

Other Information

Produced by Conquest Alliance Co. and directed by Ralph Scott, this show featured scripts by Eugene Alford and Virginia Barber, who infused witty wisecracks and humor into the high-stakes police adventures.

While the show had a relatively short run, it managed to establish a loyal following through its engaging blend of crime-solving, personal drama, and comedic relief. The constant cast of actors and the dynamic between the two lead police officers, Kemp and Benton, along with the meddlesome reporter Larry Stevens, helped to create a memorable and entertaining old-time radio experience for listeners.