Queen's Men
The series premiered over CKRC on January 3rd, 1954 and ran until June 27th 1954. Reportedly performed, recorded and transcribed at the London studios of Towers of London, the series advertised a cast comprised of mostly Canadian ex-patriates to add a more authentic Canadian flavour to the series. In practice we can hear both Lou Jacobi and Arthur Hill in supporting roles during the series, so it would seem apparent that at least two of the episodes of The Queen's Men were recorded in Canada. Both Canadian-born, Lou Jacobi and Arthur Hill went on to distinguished careers on the Stage, in Film and on Television.
The Queen's Men is undoubtedly one of only a handful of Radio programmes of the era in which both famous actors appeared at the same time. And authentic it is, as one can tell from the moment the first 'aboot' is uttered in lieu of 'about.' The Queen's Men was written in Canada by John Adaskin and was produced, directed and transcribed in London by Harry Alan Towers. Towers of London's Music Director Sydney Torch provided the supporting musical accompaniment. Billed as "for the first time, authentic stories of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police" we could find no support for the veracity of that statement. But it's clear that several of the programmes throughout the series were indeed adapted from many of the RCMP's most famous or notorious cases, the 1906 CPR Gold Robbery for one.
Set in post-World War II Canada, the series chronicled stories ranging between the late 19th Century and the late 1940s. Each episode opened with the RCMP Oath of Office: I solemnly swear that I will faithfully, diligently and impartially execute and perform the duties required of me as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and will well and truly obey and perform all lawful orders and instructions which I shall receive as such, without fear, favour or affection of or towards any person. So, help me God.
