From the Dick Buchanan Files: Cops and Robbers Gag Cartoons 1939 - 1958

As this country struggles with questions of justice and rule of law -- Dick Buchanan turns our attention to cartoons for comfort and, perhaps, some dubious guidance. Well, regardless, they're good for some retro gag cartoon laffs! Take it away, Brother Buchanan -- and thanks.

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DISORGANIZED CRIME
1939-1958

Crime in the Cartoon World of the mid-century was a popular topic. Law Enforcement was spectacularly ineffective but no more so that the bird-brained perpetrators they pursued. The victims calmly accepted their fate. Burglars used zany plans to commit their crimes. Innocent bystanders stood by innocently. And why not? As we all know, in the Cartoon World no one gets hurt.
Here some mid-century cartoons pulled from the Cartoon Clip File titled “Cops and Robbers.”

1. FRANK BEAVEN. Esquire August, 1945.

2. CEM (Charles E. Martin) 1000 Jokes Magazine November 1954-January, 1955.

3. ROLAND COE. Collier’s January 30, 1943.

4. ROBERT DAY. True Magazine October, 1958.

5. RODNEY de SARRO. Collier’s December 14, 1946.

6. EVAN DIAMOND. 1000 Jokes Magazine March-May, 1956.

7. JAY IRVING. Collier’s December 16, 1939

8. A. JOHN KAUNUS. Colliers August 23, 1947.

9. McINTYRE. American Legion Magazine March, 1947.

10. JEFFREY MONAHAN. October 26, 1956.

11. LARRY REYNOLDS. Look Magazine January 26, 1954.

12. CARL ROSE. Colliers June 3, 1944.

13. LEO SALKIN. Collier’s November 27, 1943.

14. DICK SHAW. Collier’s April 5, 1947.

15. BARNEY TOBEY. Liberty July 13, 1946.

16. BERNIE WISEMAN. The Saturday Evening Post May 8, 1948.