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 8 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.
The episodes featured in this volume are during a period of transition for Dragnet and for Joe Friday. Webb’s Friday had several partners performed by six different actors after the death of Barton Yarborough. Ben Alexander became his partner permanently as Frank Smith starting with #170 The Big Shot. Volume 8 features Jack Webb as Joe Friday at his best and meticulously restored for your listening enjoyment by Radio Archives.
#160 The Big Trio
Thursday, July 3, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Fatima Cigarettes
#161 The Big Hate
Thursday, July 10, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Fatima Cigarettes
#162 The Big Signet
Thursday, July 31, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Fatima Cigarettes
#163 The Big Impression
Thursday, August 7, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Fatima Cigarettes
#164 The Big Drive
Thursday, August 14, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Fatima Cigarettes
#165 The Big Paper
Thursday, August 21, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Fatima Cigarettes
#166 The Big Test
Thursday, August 28, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Fatima Cigarettes
#167 The Big Ray
Thursday, September 4, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Fatima Cigarettes
#169 The Big Bull
Sunday, September 14, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#170 The Big Shot
Sunday, September 21, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#172 The Big Jolt
Sunday, October 5, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#174 The Big Pill
Sunday, October 19, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#175 The Big Number
Sunday, October 26, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#176 The Big Light
Sunday, November 2, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#177 The Big Dive
Sunday, November 9, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#178 The Big Walk
Sunday, November 16, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#179 The Big Guilt
Sunday, November 23, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#180 The Big Shirt
Sunday, November 30, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#181 The Big Mole
Sunday, December 7, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
#182 The Big Eavesdrop
Sunday, December 14, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes
