Whirleybirds, 1957
We did warn you that we would be featuring some of those old shows rom wherever TV companies could buy them to fill those morning schedules of Kids TV during summer holidays.
No it’s not a nature program, but one of those imported TV shows that used to help fill Kids summer holidays TV schedules, I personally remember this from the 1970’s.
Whirleybirds or The Whirleybirds or Copter Patrol as it became known was an American Drama series that first aired in the USA back in 1957. Over 3 series a mammoth 111 episodes aired, finishing it’s original run in 1960.
The first 4 episodes used the title ‘The Whirleybirds’, thereafter it was just ‘Whirleybirds’.
The series was originally supposed to air on American network CBS, but was instead put into syndication by CBS Films. When the series finished it’s original run CBS put 39 of the original episodes back into syndication retitling them ‘Copter Patrol’.
The series was picked up by the BBC and broadcast in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s (we are not sure whether it was the full 111 episode run). It was then repeated during the 1970’s and 1980’s where it occupied a slot in Kids summer holidays morning TV.
Two types of helicopter were used in the show they were Bell models, a 47G and a 47J Ranger.
Summary
Charter helicopter pilots Chuck and P. T. solve crimes. Rescue people, perform tasks and more using their Bell helicopter, the star of the show.
Clips
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Cast
Kenneth Tobey – Chuck Martin
Craig Hill – P.T. Moore
Sandra Spence – Janet Culver (Season 1)
Nancy Hale – Helen Carter (from season 2)
Details
Created By: Art and Jo Napoleon
Channel: Various (USA), BBC1 (UK)
Original Transmission Dates: February 4th 1957 – January 18th 1960 (USA), 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s BBC
Where To Watch
It’s not clear how many episodes remain in the archive although the U.S. National Archives possesses a complete set of original 16mm prints. There has been no official DVD release. Selected episodes are available on You Tube