Public Defender
(1954-55) "The Public Defender," deals with those attorneys appointed by the state to defend indigents. This time star Reed Hadley canvased the entire nation for intriguing cases. A part of each show was to profile one notable public defender. The series was usually quieter and less violent than “Dragnet,” concerned more with how the law actually works to protect the people and the innocent victims of crime. Available in Mpeg2 or Mpeg4 digital files.
Circumstantial Evidence
Matthews gets a blind man to identify a killer and save an innocent man. Guest Stars: Clem Bevans, George Cleveland.
Jackpot
Matthews investigates a big-time gambler responsible for a series of crimes. Guest Stars: Hillary Brooke, John Doucette.
Little Egypt
A carnival dancer is accused of stealing a diamond ring. Guest Star: Marie Windsor.
Color Blind
Matthews defends an innocent man sentenced to prison after being wrongly identified by a witness. Guest: James Lydon. Aka. "Until Proved Guilty."
The Do-Gooder
Matthews’ assistant jeopardizes his career when he defends a boy accused of nearly beating a beloved old man to death. Guest Stars: Madge Blake, Paul E. Burns, Emlen Davies, Mary Webster.
Behind Bars
Matthews comes to the defense of a woman accused of murder. With Joan Camden, King Donovan.
Crash Out
A convict is intimidated into a jailbreak by the man who caused him to be sentenced originally. With Mike Mazurki, Anthony Caruso.
The Clown
Matthews helps a boy who commited a crime in order to gain attention from his father. Guest Stars: Robert "Bobby" Ellis, Alan Reed.
Another World
Matthews defends a young immigrant who killed the man blackmailing his sister into stealing secrets. Guest Stars: Tony Christian, Jan Merlin, Douglas Kennedy.
Hands Off
Matthews defends a young immigrant woman accused of stealing from her “friendly” employer.
Clifford Pike
Matthews defends a timid man who has confessed to murder by claiming he committed the crimes because the “voices” told him to. Is he faking? Guest Star: Robert Cornthwaite.
The Sapphire Mink
Matthews helps a young woman accused of stealing a $2,000 fur coat. As he investigates, Matthews begins to smell a rat. Guest Stars: Susanne Alexander, Ann Doran.
Badge of Honor
A rookie police officer is accused of incompetence and Matthews tries to help him.
Let Justice Be Done
Jim Prentice is forced to put personal feeling aside when he is assigned to defend Tim Conroy, charged with the murder of Sgt. Ken Ropker, a friend of Jim's.
Eight Out of 100
Bart Matthews is called upon to defend Bertha Polaski when she is accused of stealing the jewels of Hans' deceased wife.
His task is made more difficult when the police feel alienated due to a recent speech of Matthews' in Chicago when he quotes statistics that 8 out of 10 cases brought by the police are proven innocent by public defenders nationally.
Case of the Parolee
Matthews tries to aid an ex-convict suspected of robbing his boss.
A Modern Fagan
Matthews tries to trap the mastermind behind a gang of young criminals.
The Hitch Hiker
Matthews aids a GI accused of hit-and-run driving.
Last Appeal
Matthews has only a few hours to save an innocent man scheduled to be executed.
The Big Race (aka Long Shot)
A jockey refuses to throw a race and is framed on an assault charge.
New episodes added in 2024
Failure The final episode of the series, originally telecast on June 23, 1955.
The Jockey and the Nun
Two nuns help a young jockey accused of arson.
Bad Ones
Matthews investigates the case of a young boy who tried to burn down a public school.
In Memory of Murder
Girl accused of murdering her underground sweetheart.
Operation Cleat
Younger brother is unwitting accomplice of dope smuggler.
Condemned
Drunk accused of killing a cop is about to be executed.
End of the Line
Bart Matthews aids an elderly Public Defender on his last case before retiring.
A Pair of Gloves
Pair of gloves almost sends innocent man to jail.
Stepfather
Police Captain seeks help when his stepson involved in a crime.
Time to Kill When Peter Stone hears that a murder suspect fits his description, his extreme paranoia leads him to take actions that make him appear guilty.
Cornered
Ex-con accused of robbing his boss.
Brutality
Man claims he was beaten by police to obtain a confession.
The Stars in Their Courses Astronomy figures in Matthews's defense of a man charged with murder.
Big Steel
Bart Matthews represents a steel company worker who is accused
of trying to kill a fellow worker
Momma's Boy
Matthews tries to help a youth accused of killing another boy in a fist fight.
The Director
A one-time movie director is accused of assault and robbery.
Your Witness
Matthews tries to free a man sent to prison on a second-degree murder charge.
Gunpoint
An ex-convict is forced by his two former cellmates to take part in a robbery.
Deep Ditch
Matthews tries to help a rock driller accused of attempted murder.
Man Who Couldn't Remember
Matthews defends a robbery suspect who suffered an attack of temporary amnesia.
Moonshine
Matthews defends a moonshiner accused of murdering a deputy sheriff.
Socrates
Matthews seeks help from an old man who runs a Skid Row mission.
Open Season
Snap Shot
A wild-animal camera trap provides a clue to an unsolved murder.
All That Glitters Matthews tries to clear a man charged with murder.
Hijacker
A truck driver refuses to discuss the hijacking of his vehicle.
Until Proved Guilty
A youth is charged with armed robbery after a positive identification
by a witness.
Hot Rod
Prejudices against teenage hot rodders and the fate of one boy who is unjustly blamed
for a crash.
Destiny
Matthews's deputy insists on defending a youth charged with assault.
When Credit is Due
A family finds itself in trouble when creditors demand payment.
Loyalty
The Fire Bell
Bart Matthew tries to help a boy who is on the verge of becoming a pyromaniac.
Road to Nowhere
Matthews tries to help a young bride arrested on a manslaughter charge.
Return of the Dead A nightclub singer is accused of murder.
