Retro : Back Onto the Blotter

Save for “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and “The Twilight Zone,” anthologies haven’t fared very well on television.

NBC’s anthology series “Police Story,” currently in repeats on cable’s A&E;, was an exception to the rule. A critical and audience hit, “Police Story” aired from 1973-77, won an Emmy for the outstanding dramatic series of 1975-76 and spawned two other series.

“Police Story” was a gritty, realistic depiction of life on a police force. And no wonder. It was created by former Los Angeles policeman Joseph Wambaugh. At the time, Wambaugh had penned two enormously successful bestsellers “The New Centurions” and “The Blue Knight.” Wambaugh also served as a consultant on the series to ensure authenticity.

Though “Police Story” had its fair share of gunplay and action, installments also dealt with the more staid day-to-day aspects of being a cop and examined the personal lives and problems of officers.

“The Gamble,” which airs Mondays, stars Angie Dickinson as an officer who is transferred to the vice squad. The episode was such a hit when it aired March 26, 1974, that Dickinson was given her own NBC series, “Police Woman” that fall. That series continued until 1978.

The following year, Lloyd Bridges starred in “The Return of Joe Forrester,” a special 90-minute episode about a veteran patrolman. “Joe Forrester” was turned into an NBC series in September, 1975. But unlike “Police Woman,” it failed to catch on and was canceled after one season.

Over the years, “Police Story” attracted top acting talent. Ed Asner, James Farentino, Bruce Davison, Jackie Cooper, Larry Hagman and William Shatner are among the performers featured this month in repeats.

Characters often would make return appearances in episodes. Tony LoBianco and Don Meredith, for example, weren’t given their own series, but appeared as partners in four episodes during the first two seasons.

In 1988, ABC resurrected “Police Story” and presented four new TV movies. This time around, though, it died in the ratings.

“Police Story” airs weekdays at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on A&E.;