Bourbon Street Beat


Bourbon Street Beat is a private detective television series that aired on the ABC network from October 5, 1959, to July 4, 1960, starring Richard Long as Rex Randolph and Andrew Duggan as Cal Calhoun, with Arlene Howell as detective agency secretary Melody Lee Mercer and Van Williams as Kenny Madison. Reruns continued until September 26, 1960.
Randolph and Calhoun — Special Services was based in the Absinthe House, a nightclub on the title street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The firm's telephone number was EXpress 7123. The show's theme, "Bourbon Street Beat", was composed by Mack David and Jerry Livingston.

Characters

Calhoun and Randolph were co-owners of the detective agency Randolph and Calhoun, Special Services. Melody Lee Mercer was their receptionist, and Kenny Madison was an assistant to the owners. The Baron played piano in the city.

Cast

Richard Long as Rex Randolph

Andrew Duggan as Cal Calhoun
Arlene Howell as Melody Lee Mercer
Van Williams as Kenny Madison
Eddie Cole as The Baron
Tommy Farrell as Jay O'Hanlon
James Chandler as Lt. Gerard
Nita Talbot as Lusti Weather

Guest stars

The following are among the many guest stars on the single season of Bourbon Street Beat:

Production

Bourbon Street Beat was broadcast on Mondays from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Most of the show was filmed in California, but ABC purchased a half-interest in the Absinthe House in New Orleans to provide a local angle. William T. Orr was the executive producer, and Charles Hoffman was the producer. William Hole was the director.

Cars used in episodes

  • Cal Calhun's 1951 Chevrolet 'Styleline DeLuxe' Convertible
  • Kenny Madison's 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible with optional removable hardtop
  • Rex Randolph's 1959 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible