Burke's law

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Synopsis

Burke's Law is a classic American TV series that blends elements of detective procedural drama with a distinctive sense of high society glamour. Originally airing in the 1960s and revived in the 1990s, the show explores the life of an affluent, charming police captain who is tasked with solving crimes in the glamorous world of Los Angeles. Known for its combination of crime-solving and opulent settings, Burke's Law made a notable mark in the world of television by featuring unique storylines, a wealthy protagonist, and an atmosphere of sophistication. This series is remembered for its sleek portrayal of crime-solving amidst the luxurious backdrop of a city filled with celebrities and high society figures. It epitomizes the golden age of television with its sharp dialogue, polished visuals, and interesting dynamic between wealth and justice.

Technical Sheet

• Air dates: 1963–1966 (Original); 1994–1995 (Revival)
• Number of episodes: 79 (original); 22 (revival)
• Creator: Harold Q. Masur
• Genre: Crime Drama, Detective, Mystery

Summary

Burke's Law centers around Captain Amos Burke, a suave, wealthy police detective who solves high-profile cases in Los Angeles. What sets Burke apart from other detectives of the time is his immense wealth and social status, as he lives in a luxurious mansion and drives a custom-made car, which adds an air of sophistication and intrigue to the show. Each episode presents a murder case that Burke must solve, often involving wealthy and influential individuals, which leads to a combination of mystery and intrigue. The character of Burke, portrayed by the charismatic Gene Barry, is a man of distinction and is depicted as both a brilliant detective and a gentleman of leisure, often navigating the world of the rich and famous. His cases typically start with a social event or a high-society gathering, where the murder occurs, and Burke's task is to find the murderer before the investigation turns into a media spectacle. The show also featured regular appearances by guest stars who played the victims or suspects, further adding to the excitement. The revival of the series in the 1990s brought a more modern spin to the character, with Burke now being depicted as a retired police captain solving cold cases. The 1990s version retained the show’s charm while updating the format for a new audience. Despite the changes in setting and character development, the show maintained its core mystery-solving format, showcasing a sophisticated detective who balances his personal life with his professional duties.

Main Cast

• Gene Barry as Captain Amos Burke
• Gary Conway as Officer Tim Tilson
• Regis Toomey as Lieutenant King
• Jacqueline Scott as Jean

Why Was It Iconic?

• Character and Concept: Captain Burke's character is one of the most iconic detectives in television history, mainly due to his blend of detective skill and wealth. He was one of the first TV detectives to be portrayed as a high-society figure, which gave the show a unique angle compared to other detective dramas of the time.
• Guest Stars: The show became well-known for its guest appearances, featuring a wide range of actors who would later go on to become famous, such as Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson, and even future stars like Dick Clark. These guest stars added excitement and kept the series fresh and engaging.
• Visual Style: The series was also iconic for its visual style, featuring beautiful sets and locations that reflected the glamorous, rich world of Los Angeles. From the mansions to the luxurious cars and the elegant wardrobes, the show's look was as polished as its stories.
• Distinctive Soundtrack: The music of Burke's Law also contributed to its iconic status. With its jazzy, orchestral scores, the soundtrack perfectly complemented the tone of the show, evoking a sense of sophistication and mystery.
• Genre Innovation: Although detective dramas were popular in the 1960s, Burke's Law was one of the first to infuse a level of elegance and social commentary, addressing the class divide and presenting a protagonist who was as much a part of the upper echelon as he was a part of the police force. This combination set the show apart from others in the genre and cemented its place in TV history.

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Trivia

Actor of prolific series, Gene Barry also played as a star in "Bat Masterson", "The rules of the game" (alongside Robert Stack and Tony Franciosa) and "The Adventurer" before resuming his role as Amos Burke in a new version of "L'Homme à la Rolls" in the 90s.

Authors of the card

• Creation date: 2010-04-23 by stef5702

Source(s)

http://www.imdb.com