Richard Diamond, Private Detective

Created by Blake Edwards, the series aired on radio from 1949 to 1953, 

and then on television from 1957 to 1960.

Radio Series

Dick Powell starred in the Richard Diamond, Private Detective radio series. He portrayed a light-hearted detective who often ended the episodes singing to his girlfriend, Helen (played by Virginia Gregg).  It began airing on NBC Radio on April 24, 1949 until December 6, 1950. The series moved to ABC from January 5, 1951 to June 27, 1952. Finally it finished on CBS from May 31, 1953 until September 20, 1953. 

TV Series

David Janssen, played as Diamond, a former officer of the New York Police Department and a hard-boiled private detective in the film noir tradition. His secretary, "Sam," was shown only from the waist down to display her beautiful legs. Initially, these were the legs of Mary Tyler Moore for seven episodes, but later the legs of other actresses were seen. 

Cast
David Janssen as Richard Diamond
Regis Toomey as Lt. Dennis "Mac" McGough (seasons 1-2)
Russ Conway as Lt. Pete Kile (season 4)
Barbara Bain as Karen Wells (season 3)
Mary Tyler Moore as Sam (season 3)
Roxane Brooks as Sam (seasons 3-4)