‘Burke’s Law’ Big on ‘60s Style 1963-66

Crime solver millionaire Amos Burke, flanked by his chauffeur and detective.

Burke’s Law is an enjoyable time capsule of a show, especially if you’re a nostalgia buff. This show is so specific to its era and formulaic to a fault, that I can see why its run was brief. There is fun to be had, with a fine mix of veteran and then-youthful guest stars, crazy plots, sexy and swanky attitude—early ‘60s style.

Burke's version of the batmobile, his Rolls Royce, to the rescue!

Amos Burke is a millionaire who loves solving crime so much that he became a police captain. And when you’re loaded, you can treat your limo like it’s the batmobile, with a chauffeur, and solve only the most entertaining crimes.

The murder victim is always dispensed within the first five minutes, and their corpse comes tumbling out. Burke is frequently clad in a tux when he gets the call to a crime scene, and usually leaves a sexy babe in the lurch. Cue to the Rolls Royce, with a sexy voice purring, “It’s Burke’s Law!” over the credits.

As Amos Burke, Gene Barry often sported an ascot or tux.

Amos Burke is a mix of Cary Grant, James Bond, and Hugh Hefner. Unfortunately, Burke is played by Gene Barry. Star of Bat Masterson and later The Name of the Game, Barry was of those actors who acted mainly with his voice, like future Game co-star Robert Stack. The veteran actor’s competent enough, but doesn’t exactly light up the screen, more stodgy than sexy. Barry is classy and intelligent, but he ain’t bubbly champagne like Cary Grant! And Burke’s “banter” with his young detective, underlings, and women doesn’t date well, as his attitude seems superior and sexist. Hey, this was the early chauvinist ‘60s.

Gary Conway as the multi-talented sidekick Detective Tim Tilson.

Burke’s detective is Tim Tilson, a puppy-ish know it all, who Amos likes to put him in his place. Played by the pleasant ‘60s style hunk Gary Conway, Tim knows his stuff, but Burke always knows a bit more. And Burke doesn’t mind showing off his wisdom, ending with his catchphrase “Burke’s Law!”

Gary Conway is blue-eyed, square-jawed, buff, and energetic as the dedicated detective, but definitely plays second fiddle here. The few times that Conway gets to show off his athleticism and rockin’ bod are high points of the show. Regis Toomey as Detective Hart and Leon Lontoc as chauffeur Henry rounded out the cast.

Gary Conway's athletic abilities were occasionally utilized on 'Burke's Law.'

What really makes this show fun is the array of guest stars, from up and comers to showbiz veterans. Even before The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and his gaggle of night time soaps, producer Aaron Spelling had a soft spot for casting the old-time stars and savvy to cast attractive newcomers.

Did Gloria Swanson ever play a normal person after 'Sunset Boulevard?'

These are just some of the guest stars, who ranged from guest stars to showy cameos: June Allyson,  Mary Astor, Frankie Avalon , William Bendix, Joan Blondell, Ann Blyth, Rory Calhoun, John Cassavetes, Dick Clark, Jeanne Crain, Arlene Dahl, Sammy Davis Jr., Linda Darnell, Laraine Day, Yvonne DeCarlo, Diana Dors, Joanne Dru, Barbara Eden, Nanette Fabray, Rhonda Fleming, Anne Francis—as Honey West, Annette Funicello, Eva and Zsa Zsa Gabor, Gloria Grahame—as a junkie, Jane Greer, George Hamilton, Phil Harris, June Havoc, Celeste Holm, Tab Hunter, Betty Hutton, Carolyn Jones—the then Mrs. Aaron Spelling appeared a lot!, Buster Keaton, Eartha Kitt, Fernando Lamas, Dorothy Lamour, Elsa Lanchester, Gypsy Rose Lee, Ida Lupino, Tina Louise, Paul Lynde—in a very gay role!, Jayne Mansfield, Marilyn Maxwell, Virginia Mayo, Burgess Meredith, Vera Miles, Sal Mineo, Ricardo Montalban, Elizabeth Montgomery, Agnes Moorehead, Rita Moreno, Sheree North, Janis Paige, Fess Parker, Suzy Parker, Walter Pidgeon, Juliet Prowse, Basil Rathbone, Martha Raye, Carl Reiner, Don Rickles, Ruth Roman, Cesar Romero, Mickey Rooney, Gena Rowlands, Janice Rule, Telly Savalas, Lizabeth Scott—in a trippy appearance, William Shatner—as a beatnik artist!, Nancy Sinatra—still brunette, Jan Sterling, Jill St. John, Susan Strasberg, Gloria Swanson—in a fright wig and Lily Munster’s dress, Mamie van Doren, and Michael Wilding. The casting has a country club atmosphere, with preferred performers making repeat appearances. If you binge watch, viewers may be amused by recycled gags, bits of business, and even furnishings and props!

June Allyson with producer Aaron Spelling and his then-wife Carolyn Jones.

Even back in the day, Burke’s Law was considered escapist entertainment, at best. Every episode’s title began Who Killed… as in Who Killed Jason Shaw? My question is, “Who Killed Burke’s Law?” The third season was totally revamped to cash in on the James Bond films, now titled Amos Burke: Secret Agent. It was cancelled mid-season. An attempt to bring back Burke’s Law with Gene Barry in the ‘90s didn’t last, either. Enjoy the two seasons of Burke’s Law, at its best.

Gene Barry as 'Amos Burke: Secret Agent.' Except for the smoking gun,
Barry's attempt at Bond looks more at home at the country club!

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