Stand By For Crime

Stand By for Crime was a groundbreaking American television police drama that aired on ABC from January 11 to August 27, 1949. This unique series combined elements of crime drama with interactive audience participation, making it one of the earliest examples of interactive television programming.

Set in Chicago, the show followed the investigations of Inspector Webb, later replaced by Lt. Anthony Kidd, as they solved various criminal cases. What set Stand By for Crime apart from other police dramas of its time was its innovative format. Each episode would present the crime and the investigation up to a certain point, but before revealing the culprit, viewers were invited to phone in their own guesses as to who the killer was.

The series was notable not only for its interactive element but also for its historical significance in the development of television broadcasting. Stand By for Crime was the first program to be transmitted from Chicago to New York City, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of television networks across the United States.

The Stars

The original lead of Stand By for Crime was Boris Aplon, who portrayed Inspector Webb. Aplon, primarily known as a radio actor, brought his vocal talents to the small screen. However, his transition from radio to television proved challenging, as he struggled with the demands of working without a script in the visual medium.

In May 1949, a significant change occurred in the cast. Myron Wallace, better known to later audiences as Mike Wallace, took over the lead role. Wallace played Lt. Anthony Kidd, replacing Aplon’s character. This change was made to address the scripting challenges faced by Aplon and to bring a fresh dynamic to the series.

Supporting the lead was George Cisar in the role of Sgt. Kramer. Cisar’s character provided assistance to the main detective, adding depth to the investigative team portrayed in the series.

Key Dates

• January 11, 1949: Stand By for Crime made its debut on ABC. This premiere was particularly significant as it coincided with the opening of the Bell System’s coaxial cable linking television’s Midwestern and Eastern networks. The show was ABC’s contribution to a special event where each network presented 15 minutes of its programming to showcase this technological advancement.
• May 1949: A major cast change occurred when Myron Wallace replaced Boris Aplon as the lead detective. This shift marked a turning point in the series, introducing a new dynamic to the show’s central character.
• August 27, 1949: The final episode of Stand By for Crime aired, concluding its run after less than a year on the air.

Other Information

Production Details: Stand By for Crime was produced by Greg Garrison, a name that would become well-known in television production circles. The writing team consisted of Jane Ashman and Nancy Goodwin, who crafted the intricate mysteries that formed the core of each episode.

Broadcasting Origin: The series originated from WENR in Chicago, which was significant given the show’s role in early network television broadcasting.

Critical Reception: Upon its debut, Stand By for Crime received a mixed but generally positive review from the influential trade publication Variety. The review, published on January 19, 1949, suggested that with improved pacing and perhaps “more blood and guts,” the show had the potential to become a standard in television programming. The characters were praised as “keenly etched,” with Boris Aplon receiving particular commendation for his portrayal of Inspector Webb.

Technical Milestone: The show’s premiere on January 11, 1949, was part of a larger technological event. It was one of the first programs to utilize the newly established coaxial cable connection between the Midwest and the East Coast, allowing for live broadcasts across a much wider geographic area than previously possible. This development was a crucial step in the nationalization of television broadcasting in the United States.

Format Innovation: The interactive element of Stand By for Crime, where viewers could call in with their guesses about the culprit, was ahead of its time. This format predated many of the interactive television concepts that would become popular decades later, showcasing the early potential for audience engagement in the medium.

Historical Context: Stand By for Crime aired during a pivotal time in television history. The late 1940s saw rapid growth in television ownership and programming in the United States. Shows like this helped to establish conventions of television drama and paved the way for the golden age of television in the 1950s.

Legacy: While Stand By for Crime had a relatively short run, its impact on early television should not be underestimated. It demonstrated the potential for live drama on television, the possibilities of interactive programming, and the technical capabilities of emerging network broadcasting. The show also provided an early platform for Myron Wallace, who would go on to become one of the most respected figures in American broadcast journalism as Mike Wallace.

In retrospect, Stand By for Crime represents a fascinating snapshot of television in its infancy. It combined the narrative traditions of radio drama with the visual elements of the new medium, all while experimenting with audience interaction.

Though it may not be as well-remembered as some later police dramas, it holds a unique place in the history of television as an innovative and groundbreaking series that helped shape the future of the medium.