Dragnet - The Big Betty

Tentatively added to NBC's Thursday-night schedule on alternate weeks in December of 1951, the TV version of the long-running radio cop series Dragnet soon not only matched the popularity of its radio predecessor, but surpassed it in spectacular fashion. Jack Webb, of course, starred in both the radio and TV adaptations as Los Angeles police sergeant Joe Friday, with Barton Yarborough likewise repeating his radio role as Friday's partner, Sgt. Ben Romero. Jack Webbb (John Randolph Webb) April 2, 1920 - December 23, 1982

Tonight's Story The Big Betty
A gang of con artists checks the obituary section of the daily newspaper, then uses the information they gather to prey on the grief-stricken families of those who have recently died.

Cast
Jack Webb ... Sgt. Joe Friday
Ben Alexander ... Officer Frank Smith
Gloria Saunders ... Betty McGraw
Allene Roberts ... Elsie Bergstrum
Robert Clarke ... Wesley Fisher
Jack Carol ... Jud Scanlon
Mel Ford ... Fred Norris
Charlotte Lawrence ... Helga
George Fenneman ... Announcer (Opening)
Hal Gibney ... Announcer (Closing)

Directed By Jack Webb
Created By Jack Webb
Screenplay Written By James E. Moser
Executive Producer Stanley D. Meyer
Produced By Michael Meshekoff
Cinematography By Edward Colman
Film Editing By Irving M. Schoenberg
Set Decoration By John Sturtevant
Art Direction By Field M. Gray
Assistant Directors Mark Evans, Sam Ruman

Details
Original Air Date September 24, 1953 (USA)
Season 3, Episode 4
Filming Locations Republic Studios, Hollywood, LA
Production Co Mark VII Ltd.

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