Directed by the distinctive, unwavering hand of Jack Webb and with Webb in the leading role of Detective Joe Friday, the "Dragnet" television series of the 1950's became the first highly successful TV cop show. Famous for its tense, staccato pacing, the monotone of its onscreen dialogue and the punchy musical theme, the show became a national obsession and a frequent subject of parody and humor on radio and television.
The Big .22 Rifle: It's three days before Christmas, and two young boys are missing. The bloodstains and .22 caliber casings found in 9 year old Stanley Johnstone's driveway suggest foul play.
Big Bar: A rash of armed robberies and killings in local taverns all share a couple of distinct similarities - at each of the holdups, the gunman ordered the same drink, and played the same song on the jukebox.
Big Pair: People across the city are returning from vacation only to discover that all of their furniture has been stolen. Sergeant Friday sets up a series of decoy houses as bait, hoping that the serial burglars will strike again.
Big September Man: A secretary is found beaten to death in a downtown office building. A man seen in the lobby around the time of the murder bears a resemblance to William Tanner, a religious fanatic previously cleared in the killing of an old woman.