Highway Patrol was an American TV series that aired from 1955 to 1959, starring Broderick Crawford as Chief Dan Mathews. The show followed the fast-paced, no-nonsense operations of a state police force as they tackled crimes such as car thefts, robberies, and highway accidents.
Known for its tight 30-minute episodes, rapid-fire dialogue, and frequent car chases, the series emphasized law enforcement's dedication to public safety.
Filmed in a semi-documentary style, it showcased real police procedures and used actual California Highway Patrol locations. Crawford’s signature closing line, “10-4,” became a popular catchphrase, cementing the show’s influence on later police dramas.
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The main cast of Highway Patrol included:
Broderick Crawford as Chief Dan Mathews – The tough, no-nonsense leader of the highway patrol force, known for his gravelly voice and signature “10-4” catchphrase.
Art Gilmore (Narrator) – Provided the authoritative voice-over, giving the show a documentary-style feel.
William Boyett – Played various police officers throughout the series, later gaining fame as Sgt. MacDonald in Adam-12.
Guy Daniels – Another frequent supporting actor portraying different officers.
Stuart Randall – Appeared in multiple episodes as a law enforcement official.
Since the show focused on procedural crime-solving rather than character development, there were no long-term supporting characters beyond Crawford’s Chief Mathews. Many actors appeared in different roles across episodes, a common practice in 1950s television.