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Burke's Law: Season 1 - Volume 1 (First 16 Episodes)x$12.65
  (17 reviews)
Best Price: $29.99 $12.65
"Burke's Law" was a hit prime-time TV series that aired on ABC in 1963 and ran until 1966. It starred Gene Barry in the title roll (for which he won a Golden Globe - Best TV Actor Award in 1965) of an LA chief of detectives, who also happened to be a millionaire! Each episode featured unusual plot twists, glamorous settings and a fabulous list of guest stars. So good it was brought back for a brief run in 1994! VCI will be releasing season one in two separate collector's sets of 16 episodes each. Digitally remastered from the original 35mm master, each collection will also include `bonus' original commercials and previews. Bonus Features: Scene Selection| Burke's Lawisms| Vintage Commercials Specs: 4-DVD9s; Dolby Digital; 800 minutes; Color; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1963-65; SRP - $29.99
Watching the smart, sexy, sophisticated, and more than a bit naughty Burke’s Law is like entering Hef’s swinging pad for a little Playboy After Dark action. Gene Barry, in his Golden Globe-winning role, stars as Amos Burke, a millionaire playboy. He is described as "a bon vivant, elegant, an attractive man." He also happens to be a police captain in charge of homicide. "It’s what he does best," his partner explains. Well, not quite. He’s better at juggling a bevy of beautiful ladies. "We have a nodding acquaintance," he smooth-talks one. "You say ‘nodding’ about marriage and that’s the way I like it." Inevitably, his trysts are interrupted by word that a murder has been committed and a body found. Then, it’s off to the crime scene in his chauffeur driven Rolls Royce (piloted by the trusty Henry, portrayed by scene-stealer Leon Lontoc). Fun enough, but what further distinguishes Burke’s Law is its dazzling array of stellar suspects; former Hollywood greats, contemporary stars, comedians, indelible character actors, and fresh-faced up-and-comers. Just dig this line-up for the episode, "Who Killed Billy Jo?": Cesar Romero, Phil Harris, Tina "Ginger" Louise, Ida Lupino, Ken Berry as a swinging partygoer, and in a surprising cameo, David Niven as a bumbling juggler. Gary Collins provides some potent youth appeal as Tim, a go-getting new detective and fount of arcane information related to each case. But he’s no match for "the old captain," who dispenses his own brand of wisdom, such as, "Never drink martinis with a beautiful suspect," and "Never grow up; you’ll grow old," punctuating each aphorism with, "Burke’s law." A cop show like no other, Burke’s Law’s pleasures are anything but guilty, from the seductive voice that purrs, "It’s Burke’s Law" during the opening credits to guessing which star is the culprit. Wally Cox? Carl Reiner? Frankie Avalon? Carolyn Jones was nominated for a Golden Globe for her virtuoso quadruple role as sisters in "Who Killed Sweet Betsy?" and Barry himself has a high time with his dual role as a lookalike murder victim in "Who Killed Snookie Martinelli?" Almost worth the price of this set is the prologue in which Barry’s Snookie regales his exhausted all-night party guests with an energetic rendition of "C’est Si Bon." How ‘60s can you get? As a welcome bonus for classic TV buffs, each disc contains vintage 1963 commercials (Arnold Palmer for L&M cigarettes--"He’s been smoking them for years"). You’re still deciding whether to order this? "Don’t think about it, just do it." That’s Burke’s law! --Donald Liebenson
MPN: 8510 - UPC: 089859851025
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Customer Reviews
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A Unique and Funny Cop Show
By A30LMTLC9XVWKJ on 2008-02-25
The 64 black and white hour-long episodes of "Burke's Law" were originally broadcast from 1963-65 on ABC. The show then morphed into "Amos Burke, Secret Agent" for another 17 episodes during the 1965-66 season. And one episode "Who Killed the Jackpot" served as the introduction of the "Honey West" characters played by Anne Francis and John Ericson.
Gene Barry played police captain Amos Burke, who headed up homicide while maintaining a lavish lifestyle; not because he was on the take but because he was already extremely rich and was just working for whatever intrinsic value the job provided. This was the main hook or novelty of the show, which was a weekly showcase of his lavish lifestyle (chauffeured limo with fully stocked bar, mansion, and a host of gorgeous women clamoring for his affections). Although technically a mystery-adventure series there was a significant comedy element generated by the reactions of his detectives and his superior to Burke's displays of wealth and indulgence.
Barry was perfectly cast as the suave and sophisticated working playboy. Unfortunately the supporting cast was quite marginal and the writers never developed these secondary characters beyond the most superficial level. But this did allow room to showcase a multitude of guest stars and like "The Wild Wild West" many of these were Hollywood's hottest starlets. Especially memorable was former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley whose unexpected chemistry with Barry led to multiple appearances during the course of the series.
Unlike "Columbo", the series withheld the identity of the killer from viewers until the end although it was not disclosed in the standard "Murder She Wrote" moment of revelation.
The huge popularity of "James Bond" and "The Man From UNCLE" caused producer Aaron Spelling to introduce a secret agent formula into the final season. Unfortunately what had been a unique cop show became just another silly spy series and it expired after just half a season.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
Great Show!! Terrible marketing!
By A2A2QGGPSG2DLJ on 2008-04-24
I loved this show as a kid and will(may)purchase this set. The question is, WHY the volume one etc" crap? This was done to The Big Valley, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea etc: and this splitting up seasons to charge more really frosts me!! All it accomplishes is to slow sales which eventually leads to(is it Fox?) never releasing the whole series(refer again to examples above). RELEASE THE WHOLE SEASON in one box,dammit! Then follow through with the remaining sets...you greedy bast...s!
PS And I bet you don't even have to pay royalties...not even to Gene Barry!
First Class Show, First Class Release!
By A31QLSGDGB30H5 on 2008-05-06
A decade before Aaron Spelling gave us a long list of big-name celeb guests on shows like "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island" he was serving them up on this great 1963-65 detective show "Burke's Law", which starred Gene Barry as the suave millionaire playboy police captain solving a murder from which a half dozen big named guest stars were among the suspects.
VCI's release of the first half of Season 1 (16 hour long episodes) is first-rate, especially since they've never handled a TV series before for release. The episodes clearly come from the original 35 mm masters, and while not as sharp as the prints we see on CBS/Paramount DVDs, they look very good. Original commercials from the film prints have been presented as a supplement, similar to Image's later releases of "Naked City" while the end of each episode retains the preview for the following week's show narrated by Barry.
VCI is committed to doing the entire run of the show (including its reimagined "Amos Burke" version) as well as the spin-off "Honey West" and they are to be commended for bringing back these B/W gems of mid-60s TV to us!
"Some TV shows don't age well" - Burke's Law
By A1GEQRNPY8R85N on 2008-05-19
Sorry to differ from the other reviewers, but my wife and I just watched a few episodes of Season 1, Part 1, and were quite disappointed. I'm referring to both the quality of the DVD - and "Burke's Law" itself. Prior to getting the DVD set from Amazon, my wife fondly recalled the show and as such, I bought it for her as a gift.
It seemed that her memories of the show had been kind, and upon viewing the first few episodes, we were left shaking our heads: what was the appeal? Yes, the guest stars are fun to spot (e.g., a pre "Bewitched" Elizabeth Montgomery plays a flaky floozy who even twitches her nose - Samantha Stevens style - well before her bewitching TV sitcom aired).
But the stories are slow-moving, the characters are too wacky and unbelievable, and, well, the regulars are just plain dull. The Zucker Brothers "Police Squad!" would have had a field day with "Burke's Law".
Also, we noticed that the dialogue doesn't keep pace with the lip movements, at least in the second episode. That suggests poor workmanship in putting the DVD together.
(We did enjoy the only DVD extra - the old commercials, including one with Arnold Palmer pushing L&M cigarettes - even littering by tossing a lit cigarette onto the golf green!)
Finally, we compared "Burke's Law" to its contemporary, "Perry Mason", and found that there really is no comparison. "Mason" was generally full of well-developed characters - both the regulars and guests - and, despite repetition over the years - had interesting stories that allowed Raymond Burr & co. to shine. "Burke's Law" is at best, two-dimensional.
"You need interesting characters and stories in order to make a good TV show" - that's MY law.
Improbable, but highly entertaining series....
By A5UGX57EV695M on 2008-05-07
How many of LA's Chief of Detectives, have been chauffeured to work in a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, live in a palatial mansion, and are the toast of society? Enter one, Amos Burke, played expertly by Gene Barry, whose only real distinction in the cinema was a starring role in George Pal's "War of the Worlds," (1953).
Barry, not unlike the character depicted in "Burke's Law," was well-suited to the role. Born into a family with musical credentials, (his father was a violinst; his mother a singer) Barry had a sense of effortless style, grace, charm and an attractive baritone voice and, at one time, entertained the idea of an operatic career for the stage.
After appearing in several forgettable films, save "War of the Worlds," Barry embarked on a successful acting career throughout the 50's and 60's. He even had the distinctive honor to be the first villain in the pilot for "Columbo" entitled "Prescription Murder" (1968), as what else? An eminent psychiatrist suspected of killing his wife. In the 70's Barry starred in the short-lived series, "The Adventurer" with Barry Morse and the lovely Catherine von Schell (Maya from Space 1999), as a globetrotting, ultra wealthy, bachelor (although a little too old for the role)solving international capers. The european locales added a bit of flair to this otherwise pedestrian series.
Nonetheless, this first set of Burke's Law comes highly recommended. VCA has done a superb job of remastering the episodes and has even included vintage commercials from LARK and L&M cigarettes, Crest toothpaste, and other interesting spots from VCA's vaults--all accessible from the menu screen. The only downside to this set is that VCA has opted to only release the first 16 epsidoes of Season 1, rather than the whole season. Taking the economically expedient and profitable route, it seems VCA's practice has become all too familiar with these popular vintage series' cherished by classic television fans like me.
The show also stars a pre-"Land of the Giants" Gary Conway as Burke's indispensable assistant. The show has a bevy of recognizable guest stars that reads like recitation from Hollywood's Walk of Fame--even silent star Zazu Pitts and Anne Francis in the pilot episode, "Who Killed Honey West?"
If you like classic crime dramas as I do, here is yet another collection you will add to your DVD library.
- "Burke's Law (1963) ... Gene Barry ... VCI Ent. (2008)"
By A2A7NHE5HTK79N on 2008-05-09
VCI Entertainment presents "BURKE'S LAW-SEASON 1 - VOLUME I" (20 September 1963) (Dolby digitally remastered) --- 1964 Golden Globe Winner best TV Show & Best Male TV Stars --- Capt. Amos Burke (Gene Barry) was a Los Angeles chief of detectives who was also a millionaire with a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce, a mansion, and a high wheeling lifestyle --- The hallmarks of this series were glamorous, sophisticated settings, unusual twists on formula homicide plot lines, and big name guest stars --- After a couple of seasons, its format was radically revamped. Burke left the police force and became an agent for US Intelligence --- At that point, the show's name changed to "Amos Burke--Secret Agent". Burke's adventures were briefly revived in 1994, under the original title.
Burke's Law is a detective series which ran on ABC from 1963 to 1966 and was revived on CBS in the 1990s --- The show starred Gene Barry as Amos Burke, millionaire Los Angeles Chief of Detectives, who was chauffeured around to solve crimes in his Rolls-Royce --- The best of the Cary Grant clones was Gene Barry --- In his career Barry was a male model, had good breeding and seductive whiskey voice --- Barry was also TV's greatest reactors --- With a multitude of comic takes that was perfect for Amos Burke, who had to confront an unending series of eccentric subjects --- Yet he could turn around and romance the ladies or get tough with the tough guys. And he was a good enough actor to hold up his end when the heavy dramatics intervened.
In the original series, other characters were Detective Tim Tilson (Gary Conway), Detective Les Hart (Regis Toomey), and Sergeant Ames (Eileen O'Neill). In several episodes Anne Francis appeared as female detective Honey West, which led to a short-lived spin-off series --- The musical score for Burke's Law was largely the work of Herschel Burke Gilbert, whose middle name was coincidentally the same as the character of the series --- The role of Amos Burke actually predated Barry's series, having been played by Dick Powell on an episode of The Dick Powell Show in 1961 --- The first incarnation of the series was produced by Powell's company, Four Star Television --- (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Under the production staff of:
Don Weis - Director (13 episodes, 1963-1965)
Jerry Hopper - Director (11 episodes, 1964-1965)
the cast includes:
Gene Barry ... Capt. Amos Burke / ... (81 episodes, 1963-1966)
Gary Conway ... Det. Tim Tilson (64 episodes, 1963-1965)
Regis Toomey ... Det. Les Hart (64 episodes, 1963-1965)
Leon Lontoc ... Henry (64 episodes, 1963-1965)
Eileen O'Neill ... Sgt. Gloria Ames / ... (33 episodes, 1963-1965)
Michael Fox ... M. E. George McLeod / ... (25 episodes, 1963-1965)
SPECIAL FEATURES
BIOS:
1. Gene Barry
Date of Birth: 14 June 1919 - New York, New York
Date of Death: Still Living
2. Gary Conway
Date of Birth: 4 February 1936, Boston, Massachusetts
Date of Death: Still Living
3. Regis Toomey
Date of Birth: 13 August 1898, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date of Death: 12 October 1991 - Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California
Hats off and thanks to Robert Blair and his staff at VCI Entertainment --- VCI was named in Variety and Hollywood Reporter as the first company to produce and release motion pictures directly to the home marketplace --- order your copy now from Amazon or VCI Entertainment where there are plenty of copies available on DVD, stay tuned once again for top notch releases --- VCI are experts in releasing long forgotten films and treasures to the collector -- looking forward to more Nostalgic Collections.
Total Time: 800 mins on DVD/VHS ~ VCI Entertainment 8510 ~ (4/29/2008)
- Stylishly Cool 60's Crime Show with a Twist...
By A31I3HXMD5H1EL on 2008-08-03
"Burke's Law" may seem more than a bit implausible to today's jaded TV viewers (a swinging millionaire choosing to be a homicide cop is, honestly, a BIT of a stretch!), but for those of us who grew up in front of the TV in the 60s, the show was fabulous...and I am thrilled it is finally on DVD!
The series had (in it's heyday) a kind of Politically Incorrect, 'Rat Pack'-style chic, with star Gene Barry ("Amos Burke") sipping martinis, seducing nubile and oh-so-willing women (the opening theme song even featured a breathy, seductive female voice moaning, "It's Burke's Law!"), and arriving at crime scenes in a Rolls Royce (chauffeured by funny Leon Lontoc), often attired in a tuxedo. Once on duty, however, Burke was all business, offering sage advice (the actual "Burke's Laws") to young detective Gary Conway and veteran cop Regis Toomey.
What really set each episode (always entitled "Who Killed...?") apart were the quirky nature of each homicide, and the guest stars, virtually a "Who's Who" of the Golden Age of Hollywood, often in off-beat roles. It became great fun just to see who would appear in each episode! With effortless ease, Burke would sift through the suspects, and always prove the less-likely one was the culprit, much to the chagrin of his partners...then it would be back to the boudoir and more "ring-a-ding-ding"...
Until the series made the disastrous decision to capitalize on the spy craze (by revamping the format, completely), "Burke's Law" was one of the most stylish shows on TV, and certainly deserves to be on DVD. While I dislike splitting the seasons into 'volumes' (which is why I only give this collection 4 stars), it does also offer some terrific vintage commercials, as un-PC as the series, itself.
Great fun!
- The show that made Aaron Spelling Aaron Spelling
By A2EPV5PX5G73TZ on 2008-03-04
Without Burke's Law, there would be no Mod Squad, Charlie's Angels, Dynasty, etc.
Aaron Spelling had had a career as an actor, writer and director in some very early programs during the early days of television, but Burke's Law helped put Mr. Spelling's career and legacy in motion.
- The Show With Many Famous Guest Stars
By A3Q40Y178OJ49D on 2008-04-29
Gene Barry Starred in Burkes Law playing Amos Burke from 1963 until 1965.Many Famous Guest Stars were in episodes.Some would guest star in more than one episode and each time playing a different guest role.Actress Barbara Eden Guest Starred in 4 episodes of "Burke's Law" playing 4 different roles.Frankie Avalon Guest Starred in 3 episodes.Other Guest Stars Lisa Gaye,and Annette Funicello.The show would mix mystery,with comedy and drama.It is mentioned Marj Dusay is the lady announcing its Burkes Law when the opening credits begin each episode.If you like Perry Mason you will like Burkes Law.
- A THROWBACK TO THE '60S THAT STILL WORKS . . MOST OF THE TIME
By AJWMVSLEVJ1UP on 2008-06-30
It is with some trepidation that one revisits a 1963 television series that has all but faded in memory. However, this one is a real winner. Starring the ever-so-suave Gene Barry, the best of the oh-so-cool leading man school of television, and supported by the pushy-but-fun Gary Conway, this series has aged particularly well. It's one of the first Aaron Spelling super spectaculars, to be followed, of course, by The Love Boat and Dynasty, but Burke's Law sets the general style and substance for the glamorous future Spelling was to have as the glossiest of television producers. Amos Burke (Barry), multi-millionaire Chief of Detectives for Los Angeles who's chauffeured in a Silver Cloud II Rolls Royce, solves crimes with a charm and devil-may-care attitude unimaginable today. The plots are outlandish, the setting outrageous, the casts absolutely out of this world. Where else could you get such guest stars as William Bendix, Zasu Pitts, Elizabeth Montgomery, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Paul Lynde, Mary Astor, Lizabeth Scott, Joan Blondell and Juliet Prowse? This list, believe it or not, is only from the first four of 16 episodes on this four-disc collection! It ain't Shakespeare, and, frankly not wildly realistic, but for a return to the glamorous Los Angeles of the mid-'60s, where Pop and Op and Mod and all that silliness reigned supreme, check out this gassy and groovy throwback to a more innocent era.
- Great show, Terrific Special Features - But.......................
By A3I2NQYN7R9Z8W on 2008-08-31
This is one of those cop shows that my mom DIDN'T tell me about, actually, my Dad got me hooked on this one, even at the tender age of nine, I watched this show with interest of "who killed......" this one and "who killed........." that one and I never got tired of it and my prayers were answered when I stumbled on this while accidently roaming through the DVD section one day on Amazon a few weeks back and instantly purchased it. The episodes still hold up very well and are still as entertaining today as they were back in the 60's and what's even better for me is I do not remember alot of the ones I just saw on this first set so I will be looking forward to the second set toward the end of the year I was told so..............
THE GOOD: The quality of the transfer is good, there were a hiccup here and there in the later episodes of this set that I noticed. Another terrific plus is the inclusion of the vintage commercials from that time period, I was laughing watching Arnold Palmer smoking while playing golf, it boggles the mind (nowadays anyway) how much they pushed smoking back in those days. There is also a special feature on the restoration process of the episodes.
THE BAD: VCI Entertainment dropped the ball on the Marketing strategy, not so much the fact that they decided to put the seasons out in Volumes but instead of putting 16 episodes on 4 discs in one DVD package, they put 4 Episodes on 1 DVD in 4 DVD packages so it is somewhat a bulky package and I think after they are done releasing Season 1, I am going to write to them ( I already did and thanked them for putting this series out, they told me they appreciated ANY feedback from customers ---HINT HINT ) and suggest they slim down the rest of the seasons because it takes up way too much space on my DVD rack and I'm running out of space as it is.
So in the end, do I reccomend this TV series?, Absolutely, it definitely holds up better than I thought it would.
- Burke's Law Season 1 Volume 1
By ADT9TTO2CMHUO on 2008-05-31
Quality of the video was excellent and one of the best old tyme television shows now available. Hope more shows of this series is added. Gene Berry is excellent and for police cars, you can't beat a 1962 Rolls Royce car!
- A Well Produced Masterpiece of Classic TV!
By A3AGBGZIUMOMBV on 2008-11-16
I was very young when this Series was produced and so I did not have the opportunity to see it as a child. However, back in the early 1980's it was re-broadcast at about 1AM on a local Seattle start up station and I caught about three episodes and was hooked! The program was soon withdrawn and I have been searching for it since. When it came up on a search here on Amazon I decided I had waited long enough and bought it on the spot!
After its arrival, I was very impressed by the quality of the video transfer and clarity of the picture. It was a pleasure to watch this Series and be re-acquainted with many Stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood! This Product is well worth the cost and those of us who still enjoy the Television Classic's will not be disappointed! I highly recommend this my fellow Amazon Supporters!
- Awsome!
By A909CODK9LGF5 on 2008-05-07
Again another great set. I first saw this show a few years back when TV Land was showing it. The show does feature some last apperances by alot of great stars:
William Bendix- 9-30-64, Rhonda Fleming 12-9-64, Buster Keaton 5-8-64
Jayne Mansfield (last dramatic appearance 3-27-64) In 1965 Anne Francis
pops up as Honey West and eventually gets her own series which the same company is going to release on dvd! Cant wait to get the rest of these!
- Precursor of Classic Detective Shows
By A3160YSU1KRL8E on 2008-07-13
In the early 1960s, television was just starting to get over the variety show genre' and began looking for new horizons due to competition from other networks. With the introduction of certain "Teen" idol "Surfside 6" and "Route 66" success, you could say that "Burke's Law" appealed to the young people of the Jet set.
It is highly unlikely that a millionaire would continue to work as a Captain in Homicide, given the hours and the constant requirement to answer to superiors. Yet, Gene Barry uses a small staff in conducting personal interviews and significant risk taking, dodging bullets here and there and having his young rookie constantly get hit over the head every other episode, to solve Hollywood crimes, usually among the more affluent members of Los Angeles society.
So very improbable, yet very successful. Each episode is loaded with Hollywood stars. Either they had the budget or they all owed something to Spelling and Co. or even Gene Barry to ensure the popularity of this series.
When you have stars like Anne Francis, The Gabor Sisters, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Don Rickles, etc. among them playing small roles in a larger plot that should tell you something.
Anyway, I had never seen the old series. I was familiar with a few episodes from the 94 revival and based this purchase on that experience.
It is certainly entertaining. A constant reminder of technological life of the 1960s, most of which have disappeared (typewriters, adding machines, slide rules) and the show has style and a decent theme music introduction.
No doubt it was meant to be "Hip".
Burke has an Asian driver and there are several actors who appear such as Sammy Davis Jr. among other minority actors here and there in small roles in what I would call an "advanced" show for showing minorities in so early a period.
This is one of the better efforts. Of course, you can't take the situations too seriously and I believe they were not meant to be that way and certain intentional humor and camp are evident.
I look forward to more episodes and clearly this is the progenitor of future 70s and 80s Golden age Detective Fiction shows that dominated the networks for nearly a quarter of a century to follow. Even Gene Barry himself, launched Columbo and as Mr. Howard in "the Name of the Game" helped to bring about this era. Worth watching!
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