Dragnet (1987)
I remember watching this one a few times over the years; it always is entertaining to see Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks in these particular roles. This is based upon the radio and television series that aired from 1951 to 1957. The television series which was syndicated as “Badge 714” starred Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday who also created the series. Harry Morgan starred as Officer Bill Gannon alongside Joe Friday. This 1987 film tribute was directed by Tom Mankiewicz. He has worked on such films as Superman (1978), Live and Let Die (1973) and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). He certainly does the series some justice. Dragnet (1987) was written by Dan Aykroyd, Alan Zweibel, and Tom Mankiewicz.
The tagline used was “They’re so bad at being bad… but so much worse at being good!”
Dan Aykroyd steps right into the shoes of Joe Friday bringing a snappy sharp witted character to life. His partner Pep Streebeck is played by Tom Hanks who compliments Friday’s wit with a certain charm and cocky attitude with a childish enthusiasm. Harry Morgan himself appears as Captain Gannon which seems very fitting. Christopher Plummer makes an appearance in this as Reverend Jonathan Whirley. Alexandra Paul plays the virgin Connie Swail who lights up the screen. You might know her from the television series Baywatch as the character Stephanie Holden. Jack O’Halloran appears as Emil Muzz, Elizabeth Ashley as Jane Kirkpatrick, and Dabney Coleman appears as a Hugh Hefner type character named Jerry Caesar. More of the cast includes Kathleen Freeman as Enid Borden, Bruce Gray as Mayor Parvin, Lenka Peterson as Granny Mundy, Julia Jennings as Sylvia Wiss, Lisa Aliff as April, Joe Altmark as the Milkman, and Nina Arvesen as the Lady Motor Cop.
Joe and Pep investigate a number of unusual stolen animals such as a giant 30 foot long snake, the mane of a lion, a large bat, and many stolen copies of BAIT magazine. Also missing are chemicals when mixed correctly become a deadly combination, these leads to different suspicions. The only clue which they seem to have to go on is a card that is left behind with the word PAGAN written on it. Can they find the clues and piece them together? I think you will enjoy this one; it has humor, wit and sarcastic moments throughout the film which are amusing. Check out this film if you are in the mood for a crime comedy with a most unusual storyline.
