pop culture

I just put down my copy of this book and I can say after reading it and "Just the Facts Ma'am" - this is the book to read. The author, Michael Hayde, has really done his homework on this nice retrospective on Jack Webb and all the works he did before he died in 1982. While both books are good, the attention to detail is outstanding, making this Jack Webb book, in my opinion, the best ever written to date. This book covers Mr. Webb's associations, detailed history and traditions in the creation and production of Dragnet from its inception, to Adam-12 (1968-1975), Emergency!, Hec Ramsey, and many other Jack Webb related projects. Jack Webb's historic contributions to television production and filming is detailed nicely, outlining many aspects that have not been widely known. I couldn't put it down, and neither will you. Mr. Hayde's years of research really stands out, and there is also a section dedicated the terminology of the LAPD in that era as well. If your a fan of Jack Webb, the Los Angeles Police Department, and vintage cop shows, this book will make an outstanding addition to your collection.

The definitive work for "Dragnet" buffs and those fascinated by the genius of Jack Webb. Mr Hayde has done his homework on this one, exploring every facet of the man, his TV and theatrical productions, successes, failures, motivations, eccentricities, and the people in his life, both personal and professional. Well written and alternately amusing, sad and informative, the author has spent years researching his subject and presents his story in a way that keeps the reader glued to the book. Nearly every page contains photos of Webb's "regulars" plus many big-name stars who cut their teeth on early Dragnet. The appendix is loaded with information on each episode from radio, '50's black and white TV, and the color series from the late '60's. In addition, his theatrical film output is reviewed picture by picture.

Although obviously a big fan of Webb's, Hayde does not gloss over the failures and personal shortcomings of this brilliant but flawed personality. For all his successes, Webb apparently lacked an ability to "bond" with people and a miserable childhood undoubtedly contributed to his "control-freak" obsessions. One cannot complete this book without feeling a certain sadness for Webb- so much success and so many wonderful people entered his life, but his perfectionism kept happiness elusively from his grasp.

A "must read" for early TV fans- Webb belongs in the company of Arthur Godfrey, Lucille Ball and Milton Berle in measuring his contribution to the medium. Michael Hayde's narration makes this a delightful book for all who have been enthralled by Webb's work.

Great,great,great that's all that can be said about this book on ol' Jack Webb. Definately recommend that you get it,causes it's truly Dragnet A to Z. Buy it and remember when T.V. was new.