Dragnet is considered a classic program for a multitude of reasons. The memorable opening theme, classic lines, and dedication to detail and more have imprinted this program on American society permanently. One of the best aspects of Dragnet and the very reason for the show’s existence was its creator and star Jack Webb. Webb’s portrayal of Joe Friday takes center stage in Dragnet, Volume 12 from Radio Archives.
Jack Webb made sure that Joe Friday was a policeman that other policemen could relate to and that listeners enjoyed. Played almost to understated perfection, Friday walks listeners through every episode, unfurling the case as he sees it in stark detail. While most of his fictional peers were cracking wise on other shows, Webb took a different approach with Friday. Stripped down, essential dialogue in a tone that oftentimes bubbled with an emotional undercurrent was Friday’s trademark.
Webb also imparted a particular humanity to Joe Friday that many other fictional policemen and detectives of the era lacked. He remained a bachelor for the entire run of the show, living with his mother. He showed sympathy for those who deserved it and sarcasm for those who earned it. He playfully picked on his partners. He never rushed to violence first. In essence, Joe Friday was as real a cop as a fictional one could be, thanks to Jack Webb.
#223 The Big Present
Tuesday, November 24, 1953 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#224 The Big Odd
Tuesday, December 1, 1953 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#225 The Big Pick
Tuesday, December 8, 1953 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#227 The Big Little Jesus
Tuesday, December 22, 1953 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#229 The Big Listen
Tuesday, January 5, 1954 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#230 The Big Switch
Tuesday, January 12, 1954 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#231 The Big Bill
Tuesday, January 19, 1954 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#232 The Big Bid
Tuesday, January 26, 1954 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#233 The Big Filth
Tuesday, February 2, 1954 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#234 The Big Broad
Tuesday, February 9, 1954 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#235 The Big Sucker
Tuesday, February 16, 1954 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#236 The Big Pipe
Tuesday, February 23, 1954 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
