FORGOTTEN TELEVISION: HARLEM DETECTIVE (1953-1954) INTERRACIAL COP SHOW

HARLEM DETECTIVE (1953-1954) – Black actors like THE William Marshall and William Hairston played police detectives in multiple episodes of this short-lived television series set in Harlem. They were partnered with the program’s major white detective, portrayed by Owen Jordan. Other black performers appeared in supporting roles each episode and several scripts were written by African American writer William Attaway (Above left). William’s sister Ruth appeared in the first episode of Harlem Detective.   

Not only have no episodes of this pioneering program survived, but I haven’t even been able to find the character names of the regular cast members! A contemporary review of Harlem Detective describes it as a noble effort at depicting interracial cooperation as the cop characters work to carry out their mission to protect and serve the community. Stories were based on police files.

Before I delve into the few episodes that I was able to learn details about I’ll point out that William Marshall was forced off the series when he was accused of being a communist. Some online mentions claim the entire series was canceled because of that.   

THE EPISODES:

SAY HELLO (Oct 14th, 1953) – The first episode of Harlem Detective. No William Marshall yet, but William Hairston (left) played the black detective. According to the review Hairston and Owen Jordan tried to track down a troubled young black kid – a deaf mute – who ran away for unknown reasons. The sensitive interaction between the detectives and the child’s parents and teachers was praised. Ultimately, the cops found the youngster before he could suffer harm at the hands of an escaped mental patient. 

PAY YOU SATURDAY (Oct 21st) – No story information. The title indicates a possible loan shark plotline.

THE MILLION DOLLAR PENNY (Oct 28th) – The first of the episodes written by William Attaway. Hairston and Jordan starred.

THE INVISIBLE WITNESS (Nov 4th) – In this episode Owen Jordan starred with African American actor John Marriott.

ARMED AND DANGEROUS (Nov 11th) – William Attaway co-wrote this episode, which again starred Jordan and Marriott.

THE QUACKS (Nov 18th) – Written by William Attaway. P. Jay Sidney played the black cop in this episode. He went on to a two-year run as Private Palmer on The Phil Silvers Show. Southern stations protested the inclusion of a black actor on Silvers’s program. 

ON A NOTE OF MURDER (Nov 25th) – Written by William Attaway.

A WOMAN’S SWEET TALK (Dec 2nd) – First episode in which William Marshall (at left) appeared. William Attaway was the writer.

THE DANCER (Dec 9th) – Another William Marshall episode.

KILL ME TOMORROW (Dec 16th) – The only other episode of Harlem Detective in which story details are known for certain. A hoodlum plans to murder an insurance broker and frame the counter man at a local diner for the crime. The hoodlum is unaware that another killer is also stalking the insurance man. William Marshall starred with Owen Jordan. 

MIRACLE IN HARLEM (Dec 23rd) – Starring William Marshall and Owen Jordan. Given the broadcast date and the title this would seem to be a Christmas episode.

THE CLUE (Dec 30th) – More Marshall and Jordan.

BEFORE I DIE (Jan 6th, 1954) – No more Marshall OR Jordan. The stars now are listed as Tommy Anderson and Stewart Bradley. Stewart is white so it’s possible that Anderson played the black cop IF Harlem Detective was still using interracial partners.

I HATE WOMEN (Jan 13th) – The 14th and final episode of this series. Tommy Anderson and Stewart Bradley were again the stars. Black actor Richard Ward had a supporting role. 

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