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Podcast: 1001 RADIO DAYS
Episode: THE BIG JULES and THE BIG ROLL DRAGNET
Description: Dragnet debuted inauspiciously. The first several months were bumpy, as Webb and company worked out the program's format and eventually became comfortable with their characters. Friday was originally portrayed as more brash and forceful than his later usually relaxed demeanor. Gradually, Friday's deadpanned, fast-talking persona emerged, described by John Dunning as "a cop's cop: tough, but not hard; conservative, but caring". Friday's first partner was Sergeant Ben Romero, portrayed by Barton Yarborough, a long time radio actor. When Dragnet hit its stride, it became one of radio's top rated shows. Webb insisted on realism in every...