105 years ago today, Jack Webb was born.

Webb appeared in a handful of films but he’s probably best remembered for developing, directing, and starring in America’s first cop show, Dragnet.  As Sgt. Joe Friday, Webb dealt with crimes both big and small.  In the late 60s, he dealt with hippies and other anti-American forces.  A few years ago, I binged the 60s version of Dragnet and I have to admit I got totally addicted to it.  It was somehow both effective and totally camp at the same time.  That takes skill!

Webb is the narrator of today’s Blast From The Past.  1961’s A Force In Readiness is a 30-minute short film about the Marines.  Seen today, it seems like a lengthy commercial but, when it was first released, the director was awarded a special Oscar “for his outstanding patriotic service in the conception, writing and production of the Marine Corps film, A Force in Readiness, which has brought honor to the Academy and the motion picture industry.”

Webb provides the narration in his trademark style.  If the Greatest Generation could all speak in one voice, that voice would probably sound a lot like Jack Webb’s.