Just the Real Facts…

Several folks — most notably, Fred Hembeck — have written to say that the Dragnet 1966 TV-Movie/pilot was made then but that it didn't air until '69.  I've read that in the official histories, and I guess it didn't stick because that's not the way I remember it.  I'm not sure I'm right about this one, but I'm not sure I'm wrong, either.  I'm also not sure it matters much.

Fred also reminds me that Jack Webb made his final appearance in the role of Sgt. Joe Friday on Jack Benny's final TV special.  It was called Jack Benny's Second Farewell Special and it ran in early '74.  (Benny's previous special was his First Farewell Special; the premise was that he was going to do Farewell Specials, ad infinitum.  Unfortunately, he passed away during the
preparations for what would have been #3.)  Since I happen to have a photo from that special, I thought I'd run it here.

The extremely clever Hembeck, I should mention again, has a website that comic book fans will especially enjoy.  It's www.hembeck.com, and the best part is his weblog, which he calls "Fred Sez."  Here's a direct link to that page.