JACK WEBB - TYPED LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 287619

JACK WEBB
Interesting letter expressing interest in appearing in a new version of the film noir classic Laura
Typed Letter signed: "Jack Webb", 1 page, 5½x8½ affixed to 8½x11 black sheet. Burbank, California, 1965 January 15. On Warner Bros. letterhead to James Robert Parish, Parish Bros. Productions, New York, N.Y. In full: "Although I never participated in this kind of activity, the notion of doing LAURA is very intriguing to me. I do have one problem, however, which might eliminate me this season. I have a feature motion picture which I must produce for Warner Bros. and it is slated to be filmed commencing in March or April. There might be some possibility that we could work something out, so please be good enough to send me more particulars at the above address. Cordially". Jack Webb (1920-1982) is best remembered as Sergeant Joe Friday on the police series Dragnet, on radio from 1949 and then TV (1951-1959), with a second series in color (1967-1970). Webb sought to portray police work in a realistic but also positive way. When he died, the LAPD flew flags at half mast in his honor. Webb created his own production company, Mark VII, whose shows like Adam-12 and Emergency offered a similar approach. Webb appeared in several feature films, including Sunset Boulevard (1950), Pete Kelly's Blues (reflecting Webb's passion for jazz, 1955), The D.I. (1957) and 30, as shown here. Laura, originally a multi-Oscar nominated film noir from 1944, has been remade several times. Webb would probably have been cast as Detective Lieutenant McPherson - a homicide investigator who becomes obsessed with a murder victim. The part had been played by Dana Andrews in the original film, and Robert Stack ultimately got the role in the 1968 TV movie. By the time the latter version was made, Webb was starring again in the renewed Dragnet, while producing Adam-12. Fans of web, and movie buffs in general, would not doubt have enjoyed seeing him in a very different kind of detective role. Fine condition.