Dragnet (1969): cast, story & where to watch
1969 · Film
Released in 1969, Dragnet is a crime film directed by Jack Webb, running about 100 minutes. “Only the names have been changed” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Also known as "Dragnet 1966," this TV movie was originally the pilot for the 1967 relaunch of the original 1950s "Dragnet" radio show and TV show (which also had it's own movie in 1954, from the same creative team). However, the pilot wasn't actually aired until 1969. In this feature-length entry, Sgt. Joe Friday is called back from vacation to work with his partner, Officer Bill Gannon, on a missing persons case. Two amateur female models and a young war widow have vanished, having been last seen with one J. Johnson. In the course of tracking down Johnson and the young ladies, the detectives wind up with two different descriptions of the suspect, one of which closely resembles a dead body found in a vacant lot. But the dead man, later identified as Charles LeBorg of France, proves not to be J. Johnson, when a third young model disappears.
Who’s in it. Dragnet stars Jack Webb as Joe Friday, Harry Morgan as Bill Gannon, Vic Perrin as Don Negler and Virginia Gregg as Eve Kruger, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Dragnet page.
If you liked it. Fans of Dragnet tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, The Godfather Part II and The Dark Knight.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Dragnet (1969)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Dragnet change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in Dragnet?
- Dragnet stars Jack Webb, Harry Morgan, Vic Perrin, Virginia Gregg and Gene Evans.
- When was Dragnet released?
- Dragnet was released in 1969, with a runtime of about 100 minutes.