description The Defenders (1961) Overview
The Defenders is an American legal drama broadcast by CBS from 1961 to 1965. E. G. Marshall and Robert Reed portray Lawrence and Kenneth Preston, a father-and-son team of defense attorneys who handle cases involving difficult legal and ethical questions.
The series distinguished itself by addressing subjects that were controversial on American television at the time, including abortion, capital punishment, censorship, and racial discrimination.
help The Defenders (1961) FAQ
Who are the father-and-son lawyers in The Defenders?
E. G. Marshall plays experienced attorney Lawrence Preston, while Robert Reed plays his son and legal partner Kenneth Preston. Their differing ages and views create much of the drama outside the courtroom.
What kinds of cases did the 1961 Defenders series tackle?
The Prestons handled controversial subjects including abortion, capital punishment, censorship and civil rights. The cases often focused as much on ethical responsibility as on obtaining a favorable verdict.
Is The Defenders connected to the later Marvel television series?
No. The CBS drama aired from 1961 to 1965 and concerns New York defense attorneys, while Marvel's The Defenders unites characters such as Daredevil and Jessica Jones.
Was The Defenders based on an earlier television production?
Yes. Creator Reginald Rose developed it from the two-part Studio One drama "The Defender," which starred Ralph Bellamy and William Shatner.
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