"M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960


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"M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: captain54 (---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Date: June 30, 2010 03:23PM

groundbreaking cop/detective TV filmed on location, mostly in Chicago in the late 50's..lot's of views of vintage Chicago

here's the intro (1957)...Lee Marvin (Dt. Frank Ballinger)..ends up on Lower Wacker with a view looking up at the Mich Ave bridge and the Wrigley Building. Supposedly, Mayor Daley was miffed at a episode that referred to "crooked cops", and may be one of the reasons why Chicago didn't see much film activity here until after elder Daley passed in 76'

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pWTe9qUDjDg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pWTe9qUDjDg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

another intro with the original theme music and Pall Mall (cigarette sponsor) featured predominantly. Ballinger heads south on Michigan from Wacker and ends up on lower Wacker.

http://www.tobaccovideos.com/commercials/002pallmall.html



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/30/2010 03:33PM by captain54.

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: 222psm (---.br.br.cox.net)
Date: July 01, 2010 01:39PM

I've noticed that there are no good modern day cop shows filmed in Chicago. (at least none I can think of). One thing I dislike on the few movies and shows that are filmed there, is that most of the time they use "Metro Police" in place of Chicago Police. This from wikipedia I guess explains why:

* The 1957-1960 television series M Squad centered around a squad of Chicago Police detectives. The episode "The Jumper" featured an officer taking bribes. It was reportedly this depiction that prompted then-Mayor Richard J. Daley to thereafter discourage motion picture and television location filming in the city for the rest of his administration and its aftermath. John Landis' highly successful 1980 musical comedy motion picture The Blues Brothers (see more below), marked the reversal of that policy by Mayor Jane Byrne.

* Two notable exceptions to Daley's ban were made in for films released in 1975. In Brannigan, John Wayne portrays Chicago Police Lieutenant Jim Brannigan. Although the bulk of the motion picture was set and filmed in London, the opening credit sequence and first few scenes were filmed on location in Chicago and showed Chicago Police vehicles, officers and facilities. This was despite the depictions of Brannigan's warrantless entry and illegally abusive interrogation techniques.

* 1975's Cooley High (set in 1964) was filmed entirely in Chicago and features a car chase through Navy Pier's then-extant warehouse buildings, in which the pursuing Chicago police are repeatedly out-manoeuvred by the joyriding teens who thus escape.

* The Chicago Police Department and Illinois State Police are featured in the climactic car chase in 1980's The Blues Brothers in which a Chicago Police dispatcher matter-of-factly advises responding officers that, "The use of unnecessary violence in the apprehension of the Blues brothers has been approved." Reportedly in response to their portrayal in The Blues Brothers, the Chicago Police Department banned the use of the "Chicago Police" name and insignia in films until the early 2000s, resulting in several films and television shows replacing "Chicago Police" with "Metro Police" and other faux names, even if the films received technical assistance from the department, such as The Fugitive and The Negotiator.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/01/2010 02:12PM by 222psm.

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: captain54 (---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Date: July 07, 2010 06:03PM

more screen grabs from the 50's TV show "M-Squad" filmed in Chicago

Rickett's Restaurant, corner of Michigan and Chicago (103 E Chicago) 1959...descendants of current owners of the Chicago Cubs

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20205384@N03/4771742723/" title="Rickett's Chicago 1959 by captain54_01, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4771742723_1ce1e68210_b.jpg" width="1024" height="756" alt="Rickett's Chicago 1959" /></a>

Lt Ballinger riding west from Michigan and Wacker 1959..view east...Blue Cross Blue Shield Building in background, with giant Admiral TV sign on south face. I believe the Sheraton is now at the approximate site. There are a few night views of the signage lit throughout the series

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20205384@N03/4771739169/" title="Michigan and Wacker Chicago M squad 1959 by captain54_01, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4771739169_bf63f3dc3f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Michigan and Wacker Chicago M squad 1959" /></a>

this could possibly an LA location, with Kopper Kettle and Pete's Steaks in the background, with Lt Ballinger in the foreground.. I can't locate any former Kopper Kettle addresses in Chicago in 1959

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20205384@N03/4772366952/" title="Kopper Kettle M squad Chicago 1959 by captain54_01, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4772366952_a6b1d38352_b.jpg" width="1024" height="705" alt="Kopper Kettle M squad Chicago 1959" /></a>

neighborhood food shops and tavern...Division Packing House and E & E Tavern...location unknown...1959....a yellow page or business directory from that year might help to nail the location

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20205384@N03/4771736567/" title="M Squad scene food stores 1959 by captain54_01, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4771736567_843b0548dc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="769" alt="M Squad scene food stores 1959" /></a>

What's interesting is that since the crew didn't have permits to film, they hit locations and that seemed convenient and took their chances on the outcome

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: WayOutWardell (63.226.79.---)
Date: July 07, 2010 08:54PM

Great screen shots. The last one looks like something out of an Algren book.
I've seen matchbooks for Pete's Steaks floating around the internet; seems to have been on Block 37.

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: captain54 (---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Date: July 10, 2010 02:42PM

night view of Lt Ballinger driving west from Michigan and Wacker .. view east...BCBS building and Admiral TV sign lit in background


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20205384@N03/4780451520/" title="Wacker and Michigan 1958 M squad chicago by captain54_01, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4780451520_a3e7981fdd_b.jpg" width="1024" height="767" alt="Wacker and Michigan 1958 M squad chicago" /></a>

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: ChicagoJoe (---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Date: July 11, 2010 02:01PM

Captain thanks for another great thread. I have been watching the series. They have been giving some interesting facts about the show during one of the commercial breaks. One explained that the “M” in “M Squad” came from the “M” on the squad car’s license plate. The “M” on squad cars started back in the 50’s.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/11/2010 02:02PM by ChicagoJoe.

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: Rustymuscle (---.lightspeed.elgnil.sbcglobal.net)
Date: August 11, 2010 01:13PM

I am new to this list and M Squad. Have been enjoying trying to find some of the filming locations.

The Division Packing House was at 1949 W. Division, the building is still there.

There was a Kopper Kettle at 38 W. Randolph and a Pete's Steak house around the corner at 165 N. Dearborn.

Now, would anyone happen to know where the M Squad police station was located? It is on a corner of W. Superior and another street; have had no luck finding even a clue as to its location. Thanks.

RM

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: captain54 (64.134.175.---)
Date: August 11, 2010 02:48PM

Rustymuscle Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> Now, would anyone happen to know where the M Squad
> police station was located? It is on a corner of
> W. Superior and another street; have had no luck
> finding even a clue as to its location. Thanks.
>
> RM

There is a "station" and a "headquarters" figured prominently throughout the series...I've been trying to track dowm the location of both...I'll keep you posted

One thing to keep in mind when trying to track down these locations is that the crew didn't venture out too far from the near north, near northwest, or loop locations...with the possible exception of some LSD high rise locations...

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: Rustymuscle (---.lightspeed.elgnil.sbcglobal.net)
Date: August 11, 2010 03:36PM

I'm quite surprised, but I actually found the location of the M Squad, dark, brick police station. It was (went down during the Kennedy construction) just south of Chicago Avenue on Racine, sitting on the North East corner of Superior and Racine.

Couple clues to finding it...

A. A wide shot showing a "Superior" Street sign.

B. The large storage container sitting at the end of a long block shot. These seemed common on the near north side river bank.

C. The 3 story building on the North East corner of Racine and Chicago Avenue. Additionally, the building directly north of this corner building is still standing and prominent in then/now pix.

I don't know how to post a photo, my apologies.

RM

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: Rustymuscle (---.lightspeed.elgnil.sbcglobal.net)
Date: August 11, 2010 09:46PM

Thanks for the advice Captain54. This pix is of the station on the NE corner of Racine and Superior. Note the Superior street sign. Go to Google street view at Racine and Chicago Avenue, the building in the background still stands. It also appears the building directly behind it is still standing as well (with the two points).

For an approximate then/now view, drop the avatar directly south of Racine onto the Kennedy and look north, up Racine, you'll see a very similar view. Again, appreciate the advice!

RM

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52922702@N03/4883206121/" title="msquadstation by Rustymuscle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4883206121_ec059fee39.jpg" width="500" height="369" alt="msquadstation" /></a>

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: captain54 (---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Date: August 11, 2010 11:58PM

view of M-Squad station south toward superior street

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20205384@N03/4883528959/" title="M-Squad Police Station - by captain54_01, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4883528959_a6da8b38fb.jpg" width="500" height="361" alt="M-Squad Police Station - " /></a>

view of M-Squad station east on Superior from Racine

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20205384@N03/4884137134/" title="M-Squad Police Station - corner superior and racine - chicago by captain54_01, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4884137134_64733d985a.jpg" width="500" height="376" alt="M-Squad Police Station - corner superior and racine - chicago" /></a>

everything in these photos has been replaced by the Kennedy X-pressway, and demolition began probably not too long after M-Squad finished filming here.

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: captain54 (---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Date: August 12, 2010 12:02AM

Rustymuscle Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks for the advice Captain54. This pix is of
> the station on the NE corner of Racine and
> Superior. Note the Superior street sign. Go to
> Google street view at Racine and Chicago Avenue,
> the building in the background still stands. It
> also appears the building directly behind it is
> still standing as well (with the two points).
>

> RM

great find on the location of the M-Squad station...the building in the background of your photo is indeed the building at the corner of Chicago and Racine, and has been nicely rehabbed and the exterior has been restored its original condition

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: 222psm (---.br.br.cox.net)
Date: August 12, 2010 11:10AM

view of W Chicago at N Racine today:
<iframe width="562" height="314" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=North+Racine+Avenue,+Chicago,+IL&amp;sll=41.775953,-87.654377&amp;sspn=0.259618,0.441513&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=N+Racine+Ave,+Chicago,+Illinois&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=41.896223,-87.657487&amp;panoid=yeQYOFRinbo7y-Mxm-OdiQ&amp;cbp=13,31.64,,0,-11.66&amp;ll=41.9253,-87.658465&amp;spn=0.020052,0.048237&amp;z=14&amp;output=svembed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=North+Racine+Avenue,+Chicago,+IL&amp;sll=41.775953,-87.654377&amp;sspn=0.259618,0.441513&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=N+Racine+Ave,+Chicago,+Illinois&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=41.896223,-87.657487&amp;panoid=yeQYOFRinbo7y-Mxm-OdiQ&amp;cbp=13,31.64,,0,-11.66&amp;ll=41.9253,-87.658465&amp;spn=0.020052,0.048237&amp;z=14" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: 222psm (---.br.br.cox.net)
Date: August 12, 2010 11:23AM

This is right about where N Racine and W Superior intersected, now in the middle of the Kennedy:
<iframe width="562" height="314" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=North+Racine+Avenue,+Chicago,+IL&amp;sll=41.775953,-87.654377&amp;sspn=0.259618,0.441513&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=N+Racine+Ave,+Chicago,+Illinois&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=41.895309,-87.657156&amp;panoid=U69e9z3xFlJTWVpzW4419w&amp;cbp=13,332.78,,0,1.92&amp;ll=41.9253,-87.658465&amp;spn=0.020052,0.048237&amp;z=14&amp;output=svembed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=North+Racine+Avenue,+Chicago,+IL&amp;sll=41.775953,-87.654377&amp;sspn=0.259618,0.441513&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=N+Racine+Ave,+Chicago,+Illinois&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=41.895309,-87.657156&amp;panoid=U69e9z3xFlJTWVpzW4419w&amp;cbp=13,332.78,,0,1.92&amp;ll=41.9253,-87.658465&amp;spn=0.020052,0.048237&amp;z=14" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: Rustymuscle (---.lightspeed.elgnil.sbcglobal.net)
Date: August 12, 2010 11:35AM

Here's a then/now. The now photo is from the se bound lanes of the Kennedy in about the same position Superior would have come through.

<iframe width="562" height="314" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=900+w.+chicago,+chicago&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=31.509065,56.513672&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=900+W+Chicago+Ave,+Chicago,+Cook,+Illinois+60642&amp;t=h&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=41.895464,-87.657699&amp;panoid=XBwW_Bw_IL-0cbNRB4dmRQ&amp;cbp=13,24.2,,1,-15.3&amp;ll=41.896487,-87.650228&amp;spn=0.020061,0.048237&amp;z=14&amp;output=svembed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=900+w.+chicago,+chicago&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=31.509065,56.513672&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=900+W+Chicago+Ave,+Chicago,+Cook,+Illinois+60642&amp;t=h&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=41.895464,-87.657699&amp;panoid=XBwW_Bw_IL-0cbNRB4dmRQ&amp;cbp=13,24.2,,1,-15.3&amp;ll=41.896487,-87.650228&amp;spn=0.020061,0.048237&amp;z=14" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/52922702@N03/4883206121/] [/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/52922702@N03/4883206121/]msquadstation by Rustymuscle, on Flickr[/url]

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: captain54 (---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Date: August 17, 2010 09:24PM

Rustymuscle Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> The Division Packing House was at 1949 W.
> Division, the building is still there.

> RM
Here's a view west of the same location .. toward Damen ... 1959
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20205384@N03/4902369475/" title="MSquad Lt Ballinger Division and Damen view west by captain54_01, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4902369475_72acc73087_b.jpg" width="1024" height="765" alt="MSquad Lt Ballinger Division and Damen view west" /></a>



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/17/2010 09:32PM by captain54.

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: WayOutWardell (---.dsl.chcgil.sbcglobal.net)
Date: August 18, 2010 01:16PM

Fantastic photos once again.

It's too bad Lt. Ballinger wasn't around to straighten this out:
[url=http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff185/theincrowdband/Buildings/divisiondamen1966.jpg]Division & Damen Rioting, 1966[/url]

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: captain54 (---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Date: August 18, 2010 04:17PM

That's a great pix there...I always thought that the riots were more 68', but then again, everything later 60's is kind of a blur to me.

Present view of Division and Damen...there's the Rainbo Club a bit south on Damen, historic tavern and Nelson Algren hangout...former strip club/burlesque
house..the four story on the SW corner is surprisingly fairly close to original, except that the entire western half is completely gone. Don't think I've ever seen that before

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20205384@N03/4904659401/" title="division and damen, present by captain54_01, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4904659401_7a84ec331c.jpg" width="500" height="255" alt="division and damen, present" /></a>

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: 222psm (---.br.br.cox.net)
Date: August 18, 2010 07:23PM

I wonder why they only tore down half the building, strange.

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Re: "M-Squad"...filmed in Chicago, 1957-1960
Posted by: WayOutWardell (63.226.79.---)
Date: August 19, 2010 03:31PM

Considering that the show was filmed guerilla-style with no permits, it took a lot of nerve to film in front of a police station!

I like that in the photo of Ballinger walking toward the E&E, there are folks in the doorways watching the filming.

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