1960′s Car Moments – Car 54 Where are you?
A bit zany and certainly mild by today’s standards, Car 54 was a popular series that ran from September 17th, 1961 until September 8th 1963.
The series starred Joe E. Ross as Officer Gunther Toody and Fred Gwynne as Officer Francis Muldoon. The chemistry between the two stars was the deciding factor on the shows success.
Following the often hilarious adventures of the fictional 53rd precinct in The Bronx, New York, the show was actually shot in parts of the Bronx as well as Biograph Studios.
To keep from alarming the public, the studios had all the police cars painted a bright red. Thankfully with the Black and White filming of the day, the cars showed up in a perfect shade of black and white on film.
Additional Cast members included Hank Garrett as Officer Ed Nicholson, Jim Gormley as Officer Nelson, Albert Henderson as Officer Dennis O’Hara, Bruce Kirby as Officer Kissel, Al Lewis as Officer Leo Schnauser, and the reuniting of Beatrice Pons with Joe E. Lewis (formerly, husband and wife on Sgt Bilko) as Lucile Toody.
Charlotte Rae portrayed Sylvia Schnauser, Paul Reed was Capt. Paul Block, Joe Warren was Officer Steinmetz and the amazing Nipsey Russell stepped in as Officer Anderson.
Quite an impressive cast for it’s time.
Equally impressive was the catchy opening tune and catch phrase that can still bring a smile today. “Car 54…Where are you?
Several episodes guest starred some familiar faces including this one with Tom Bosley who later went on to star in Happy Days.
Car 54 Where are you was made into a movie in 1994 that bombed at the box office. Without the camaraderie of Gywnne and Lewis, and a premise that was outdated the movie seemed domed from the start.