Dragnet Hockey

I was just watching the intro to a Dragnet episode. You know, the one where Jack Webb tells us all about how great Los Angeles is. He liked to give short tours of the city as he lead into that day's program. 

This morning he was talking about the sports scene. There was a shot of the sports arena where the Los Angeles Kings played at the time. Webb explained that they played ice hockey. My question: is that a dated reference? Does anyone say 'ice hockey' anymore?

That's what I got for you today. Enjoy your Friday.

Dragnet Ageism

So yesterday I spoke about the old TV show Dragnet, right? But I didn't say anything about the episode which was on, only commenting on the intro. Yet I did watch the show, and I was not pleased.

During the course of an investigation Friday and Gannon found themselves in a home where a murder occurred. They questioned a young woman who lived there. "Does anyone else live here?" Joe Friday asked.

"Only my frail old mother," he was told.

"I'd like to question her."

"Well, all right, but be considerate. She's old and frail. She's 62," the daughter explained.

At hearing that I thought, old and frail? 62 is old and frail? What kind of ageism is this? 

It didn't help that the actress playing the mom actually looked about 85. Still, what did they think of seniors in 1968 that 62 was old and frail? 

My being 65 has absolutely nothing to do with my indignation either.

Shakespearean Dragnet

Dragnet was a popular police procedural (I love alliteration) show from 1951-1958 and again from 1967-1970. Few people do not know the four beat lead in: dum-da-dem-dum. Most are likely familiar with the rapid fire delivery of lines by the actors too. 

At first glance the acting is almost comical. Does anyone really talk that way? Of course not. But the more I watch reruns the more I like the approach. Abrupt, but to the point. Once you get into the flow of it you take to the style.

I've heard it said that Shakespeare is much the same: you have to get into the rhythm of the writing. Although I've read little of the Bard, when I do I find it relatively easy going as soon as I'm one with the cadence.

This morning I find myself believing that the styles might mesh well in a new detective show. "Gadzooks! Yon felon escapes custody! Apprehend the dastardly miscreant forthwith, Yeoman Friday!

It's just a thought.