That Hammer Guy

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Mickey Spillane created Mike Hammer in 1947 for the Novel I, the Jury. Compared to the hard-boiled private eyes that preceded him, Hammer was a far more brutal, violent detective who had a greater willingness to kill killers in his quest for justice and with a harsher attitude towards criminals and society.

The character appeared in four different TV series, five TV movies, and five motion pictures. The 1952-54 radio series that aired over Mutual showcased some of the character’s rough edges but with far less violence than other media. The series featured three different leads as Hammer (Larry Haines, George Petrie,and Ted DeCorsia).

About the Stars:
Larry HainesLarry Haines (1918-2008): Haines first appeared in radio in 1942 with Gangbusters. He spent much of the 1940s doing character work in a variety programs. With the decline of radio in the mid-1950s, Haines took on starring roles as Mike Hammer in That Hammer Guy and in Easy Money. In 1951, Larry Haines was cast as Stu Bergman in the soap opera Search for Tomorrow and played the role for 35 years winning two daytime Emmys. He also was nominated for two Tony Awards in 1966 and 1969.

 

Ted DeCorsiaTed DeCorsia (1903-73); Radio, Television, and film character actor best known for his role in the film The Enforcer. De Corsia’s radio credit included playing Lieutenant Levinson in Richard Diamond as well as starring as Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard in Pursuit. 

 

 

Episode log:

Larry Haines Episodes:

Ted DeCorsia Episodes:

 

Log Complete