I have always been a big "Dragnet" fan and this was filmed in 1966 as a television movie but did not air until 1969. The reason was that the network liked it so much that instead of airing it they decided to just make another series with Jack Webb. This is a story that was filmed before in an earlier film and its based on a true story (Of course). Some lunatic (Vic Perrin) has been kidnapping women and as the investigation continues another case was solved. This film starts out with Joe Friday being called off of vacation and being teamed for the first time with Bill Gannon (Harry Morgan). They follow some clues and when a body pops up in a hotel they think it might be connected to the case. Well it isn't, but they track down the two lowlifes who did it and solve that one along the way. This was a more serious case than some of the usual episodes that the TV show aired. At one point in the film Friday actually has to use force to subdue the man they have been tracking down. As far as I know and remember, its the only time I have seen Joe Friday use physical force. The usual "Dragnet" performers that Webb likes to use are on hand here. Along with Perrin they're is Virginia Gregg and in a small role future "Adam 12" star Kent McCord plays a hotel clerk. For those who like trivia, at one point in this film Friday mentions that he had a partner named Smith. And later on the actor Herb Ellis has a small role and he actually played Frank Smith in the first "Dragnet". Also, Webb and Morgan had acted with each other before in two other films so this was the third time they had worked together. Obviously they had become friends because Webb liked working with the same people as it made him comfortable. I personally like the way Webb plays Friday. He is so by the book that he becomes a cliche' and thats part of the fun and charm of these shows. You might want to notice that when Friday walks he doesn't move his arms! I can't get enough of it! Webb milked this character for his entire career and he was right. To bad he didn't make more "Dragnet" films. This was enjoyable.
Review of Dragnet 1966
