Joe Don Baker starred in this NBC drama series as Earl Eischied (pronounced Eye-shyed), the NYPD Chief of Detectives.
Eischied – who was attached to the 23rd Precinct in Manhattan – was a stickler for the rules but was also an abrasive cop who put crime solving above everything else, including his own life and departmental policy.
He did much more than just sit behind a desk and overlook cases, taking an active part in investigations.
His unorthodox methods tried the patience of his superiors, but his detectives were devoted to him.
Other regular characters included Internal Affairs Chief Edward Parks (Eddie Egan); Earl’s girlfriend Irene Stefan (Laraine Stephens); Detectives Rick Alessi (Vincent Bufano) and Carol Wright (Suzanne Lederer); Captain John Finnerty (John Oppenheimer); police commissioner Howard Knight (Raymond Burr), and Earl’s driver, Louie (Mallory Jones). Eischied’s pet cat was named “PC” (for Police Commissioner).
The series was aired in the UK as Chief of Detectives.
The character of Chief Earl Eischied originally appeared in a 1978 made-for-tv movie called To Kill aCop, also starring Joe Don Baker (aired in the UK as Streets of Fear).
Chief Earl Eischied
Joe Don Baker Chief Inspector Edward Parks
Eddie Egan Detective Rick Alessi
Vincent Bufano Detective Carol Wright
Suzanne Lederer Captain John Finnerty
John Oppenheimer Irene Stefan
Laraine Stephens Commissioner Howard Knight
Raymond Burr Sgt. Jim Kimbrough
Alan Fudge Louie Shiffen
Mallory Jones
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Eischied – who was attached to the 23rd Precinct in Manhattan – was a stickler for the rules but was also an abrasive cop who put crime solving above everything else, including his own life and departmental policy.
The character of Chief Earl Eischied originally appeared in a 1978 made-for-tv movie called To Kill a Cop, also starring Joe Don Baker (aired in the UK as Streets of Fear).
