Project Audion Episode 80: Dragnet & Hairnet

Project Audion is back with just the facts, ma'am: DRAGNET is one of the few programs from the classic age of radio drama which is still recognized by all ages today - for the iconic four-note theme, at least. But even Dragnet didn't hit the airwaves right away in its fully-realized familiar form. Episode #1, which aired on June 3, 1949, survives only via a script, not a recording. And that script reveals a compelling cop show, but one which doesn't quite match our memories of Jack Webb's LAPD detective, memories formed from years of radio, television, and movie versions.  All of which makes Project Audion's new reconstruction of that very first episode such a fascinating show to listen to. Even the Dragnet theme isn't there! But Sergeant Joe Friday is, along with his partner Ben, as well as  the true-life crime stories where "only the names have been changed - to protect the innocent." Tune in to catch this lost Dragnet episode. But wait -- there's more! (as they used to say on the commercials accompanying Dragnet TV reruns). R. L. Mills, that senior scriptwriting scribe and storyteller from the days of Bob Hope, has penned a parody of Dragnet called "Hairnet" - and THAT plays back right AFTER our lost premiere. The same cast is heard (and seen) in both shows...only of the parts were changed, to protect the actors. Double Dragnets were a fun challenge - and that's a fact.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices