Description
Collection consists of scripts related to the career of Jack Webb. Contains various
radio and television scripts written, directed, produced, or performed by Webb. Includes
"Dragnet" (radio, June 1949-Sept. 1955), "Dragnet" (television, Dec. 1951-Aug. 1959),
"The D.A.'s Man" (television, Jan.-July 1959), "Noah's Ark" (television, Sept. 1956-Mar.
1957), "Pat Novak For Hire" (radio, Feb.-June 1949), "The Jack Webb Show" (radio,
Mar.-July 1947), "Pete Kelley's Blues" (television, Apr.-July 1959), "77 Sunset Strip"
(television, July 1963), "Jack Webb's True" (television, 1961, 1962), and various movies
made for television from the 1950s, 60s and early 70s. Some scripts also include stills
and production information. Scripts by various writers including, Frank Burt, Richard
Breen, James E. Moser, and John Robinson. Finding aid includes alphabetical and
chronological list of programs and writer name index.
Background
Webb was born in Santa Monica, CA, Apr. 2, 1920; joined the Army Air Forces as an
aviation cadet (1943) and served as master of ceremonies for two USO variety shows; began
his career for ABC's station KGO where he did an early morning show, "The Coffee Club,"
and went on to play the lead in "Pat Novak For Hire"; he was heard in a variety of radio
programs and was involved in motion pictures such as "The Men," "Pete Kelley's Blues,"
"And He Walks By Night"; during the filming of "He Walks By Night," Webb got the idea for
"Dragnet"; "Dragnet" made its debut on radio as a summer replacement on June 3, 1949;
Webb, who directed, also played the role of Sergeant Joe Friday; within two years it was
one of radio's most popular shows; the television version debuted Jan. 3, 1952 and ran
from 1952-59 and 1967-70; he produced other television dramas including "Adam-12" and
"Emergency"; he died in Los Angeles, CA, Dec. 23, 1982.
Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to the Performing Arts Special Collections, UCLA. All
requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing
to the Arts Special Collections Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf
of the Arts Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to
include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.