The Silver State Chronicles

A long overdue stern reprimand!

Sound insights from Mr. Jack Webb

Sgt Friday’s partner risks life & limb

“You may sell that jazz to another pothead…”

A stern reprimand by Sgt Joe Friday

Stay straight & sober, troops!

The names have been changed to protect the innocent

This is the city…

Dragnet had enjoyed a very successful run on radio and on television, but as the 1950s wrapped up, Mr. Webb grew tired of the confines of a weekly program, and Dragnet closed its final case in 1959.  But in the seven years since the original version ended production, punitive “law and order” sentiments had generally fallen out of favor with the American public, particularly with the Kennedy administration and an out-of-control liberal-minded federal judiciary setting the tone for a somewhat less stringent attitude toward criminals.

The changing dynamic helped prompt Mr Webb to relaunch Dragnet on television in 1966.  Mr. Webb produced a TV movie pilot for the new, color version of the show for Universal Television, although it did not air until 1969. NBC bought the show on the strength of the pilot movie and debuted it as a mid-season replacement in 1967 for the sitcom The Hero on Thursday nights in January 1967.

The 1966 TV movie is fairly rare, showing up on tv occasionally in the modern era, despite the fact that Dragnet has had succressful repeat runs on cable channels like TV Land.  The opening sets the stage for the film -- 3 crimes are commited in Los Angeles.  Sgt Joe Friday and Officer Bill Gannon are on the case.  Top shelf stuff!  Enjoy!

“Don’t think you have a corner on all of virtue, vision and the country.”

It’s no secret that my favorite series on this blog is Fridays for Friday, my continuing homage to one of my great heroes and role models, Mr. Jack Webb.

Well, I found this excellent verbal reprimand of some long haired liberal punks made soft by their instant orange juice very relevant today!  Enjoy!

In Webb We Trust!

In Webb We Trust!

Well it’s been a while since my latest entry in the Fridays for Friday series of posts.  Originally intended just for the Fall of 2007, I do like to revisit it now and then when something good crosses my desk here at the world headquarters of The Silver State Chronicles.

So when I found this great short video of Mr. Jack Webb introducing The Story of Old Glory!  Enjoy!

Dragnet: The Missing Realtor

Enjoy this great episode of Dragnet 1968 – some good legwork by Joe & Bill, as a missing person’s case slowly becomes a murder case.  Keep an eye out for the legendary Scatman Crothers (sporting some stylish hair)!