The Jade Story

Virginia Gregg is back once again on "Dragnet" and she is definitely in her element playing an obnoxious and morally suspect lady. Overall, in the 1950s and 60s versions of the show, she appeared in 16 different episodes--mostly playing rather horrible people. Because they so often gave her these juicy roles, I look forward to her being in the show.

This episode finds Friday and Gannon investigating some robberies of so-called 'royal jade'--the finest and most expensive jade in the world. How anyone could possibly sell these items is beyond me.

One report of stolen jade was valued at $200,000 but the detectives were a bit confused by the crime. While it was obvious that someone had tried to break in the house, the evidence appeared to indicate that the robbery may have been staged. The insurance investigator sure was suspicious but it was up to Friday and Gannon to figure it all out and get the culprits.

Overall, aside from Ms. Gregg's performance, there isn't all that much to recommend the show one way or the other. It isn't bad, but it also isn't all that great either--just a decent episode and that's all.

I can't believe the same guest star was used two times in three weeks, but that's the case here with Virgina Gregg. This episode ran March 23, 1967. Gregg was just in the March 9th episode, being the key witness in a chain of candy story robberies. Did they think people wouldn't notice? I see on her biography here on IMDb that she worked 13 times over a couple of years on this show. In November of 1968, she guest-starred two weeks in a row, playing two different characters! She must have stock in Dragnet Productions!

The story involves "Mrs. Francine Graham" (Gregg) calling police and saying a burglar stole her expensive Imperial Jade from her safe. She put in an insurance claim for $200,000. After investigation by Friday and Gannon, things don't look kosher to them, even when they find the guy who broke into the home.

Note: Keye Luke, of Charlie Chan movie fame, has a short scene in here.

Seems like a true story. And a twist.

The performances, honed by clearly working with each other for years, are smooth as silk, getting the story across. Friday and Gannon deftly navigate the curveballs they encounter in a classic Dragnet journey. No prob. No matter how desperate you are, crime does not pay.

Why the Virginia Gregg complaints? She's one of the great character actresses of her time. Here she plays a proud seemingly well-to-do widow whose husband's fortune was not that great. Her mini-manse and lifestyle were clearly never supported by much of a foundation.

Ms. Gregg played everything from a crazed hillbilly to a slain cop's widow. And everything in between. She was convincing in everything she did. In this episode, she maintains what shred of dignity she might have left with plenty of sympathy.

Taught by a love a long time ago, I knew the jade was low quality. At the values they were throwing around for that time, that would have had to be some of the nicest jade in the world.

This is just a classically executed episode of Dragnet.