FORGOTTEN TELEVISION: THE D.A. (1971-1972)

THE D.A. (1971-1972) – For any readers who are not familiar with the topic, D.A. stands for District Attorney. This short-lived series starred Robert Conrad as Deputy D.A. Paul Ryan in Los Angeles. Harry Morgan portrayed H.M. Stafford, Ryan’s investigator. 

A pair of 2-hour made-for-tv movies served as pilots for the potential D.A. series beginning in 1969. The subsequent series was only a half-hour long with the first segment detailing the criminal investigation and the second segment presenting the trial.

MURDER ONE (December 8th, 1969) – Deputy District Attorney Paul Ryan (Robert Conrad) works at convicting a beautiful nurse who is using her medical skills to conceal her murders of her rich husbands and other relatives. It’s an uphill battle since his superiors think the woman is innocent. Also starring Diane Baker, Howard Duff, J.D. Cannon, Dana Elcar, Fredricka Meyers and Scott Brady. (2 hours)  

CONSPIRACY TO KILL (January 8th, 1971) – Ryan convicts a pharmacist of manslaughter for the suspicious shooting of an alleged burglar. He vacates the conviction and tries a murder charge when evidence indicates that the pharmacist is part of a drug ring that the “burglar” was also part of. Also starring THE William Conrad, Belinda Montgomery, Don Stroud, Leslie Parrish and Virginia Gregg. (2 hours)  

THE EPISODES:

THE PEOPLE VS DRAKE – D.A. Ryan is prosecuting a father for premeditated murder when he claims to have accidentally drowned his daughter. Also with Julie Cobb, Odessa Cleveland, Ned Romero and George Wyner.

THE PEOPLE VS HENDRY – In this episode, Ryan’s case hinges on the legal question regarding the admissibility of the accused’s confession. Guest stars Cal Bartlett and Jay Robinson.

THE PEOPLE VS GAYDA – A cop is suspected of over-reliance on informants whose criminal activities he lets slide. Colby Chester and Robert Forward guest star.

THE PEOPLE VS SAYDO – This crossover two-parter began on the Adam-12 episode The Radical and concluded in this episode of The D.A. Perpetual sleazebag John Davis Chandler plays Robin Saydo, a left-wing bomber. Also stars Michael Lerner and Victor Bozeman.   

THE PEOPLE VS EDWARDS – Conviction of a drug dealer hinges on the ability of one of his junkies to stay clean long enough to convincingly testify against the man in court. Sharon Farrell and Lloyd Bochner are in the guest cast. 

THE PEOPLE VS SLOVIK – Tim Matheson guest stars in an episode about racial tensions in Los Angeles and the issues it causes in the courtroom.

THE PEOPLE VS LINDSEY – Ryan tries to prove child molestation in court. Guest stars Dawn Lyn.

THE PEOPLE VS BARRINGTON – Our hero’s star witness is on the verge of having a nervous breakdown. With David Nelson and Parley Baer.

THE PEOPLE VS SWAMMERDAM – Money and power stand in the way of Ryan’s conviction of an oil tycoon. Russ Conway and Ron Foster appear.

THE PEOPLE VS FOWLER – The difficulties of prosecuting a rape are at the core of this episode. With Leigh Christian and James McEachin as the Defense Attorney. 

THE PEOPLE VS HOWARD – Ryan’s open-and-shut case is thrown a curve by the sudden confession of a figure who may be lying. With THE Nichelle Nichols and Roger Perry.

THE PEOPLE VS NELSON – Robert Lipton guest stars in this episode about a robber who has enigmatic ties to his accusers.

THE PEOPLE VS WHITEHEAD – Ryan clashes with a corrupt government official while prosecuting an extortion case. Susan Oliver guest stars.

THE PEOPLE VS WALSH – Our hero tries prosecuting the accused in a reopened case from 20 years ago. With William Schallert and Sonja Dunson.

THE PEOPLE VS BOLEY – In this final episode Ryan prosecutes a furniture tycoon known for ripping off poor customers. Shelley Novak guest stars.   

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