Origin of a Classic: The Gamble (Police Story, 1974)

 Season 1 of Police Story wrapped with a pilot for Police Woman.

In the time between when "The Gamble" aired and when Police Woman launched, there were some changes. As you'll see, Angie Dickinson plays Lisa Beaumont in the pilot, but the character is changed to Suzanne "Pepper" Anderson when the series began a few months later.

Sgt. Bill Crowley was played by Bert Convy, fresh off The Snoop Sisters, but the part was recast when Convy landed his first game show hosting gig, hosting Tattletales for CBS, and Earl Holliman was cast as Crowley. Aside from this, Ed Bernard & Charles Dierkop are the only other cast members returning for the series.

"The Gamble" also features Joseph Campanella (ex-The Bold Ones, Mannix) and Cesare Danova (ex-Garrison's Gorillas).

In memory of Police Story creator Joseph Wambaugh, who passed away earlier this week. No rating out of respect.