"The Christmas Story" (1967) is a remake of an earlier TV episode of Dragnet titled "Big Little Jesus" (1953). "Big Little Jesus" was also an episode of Dragnet on the *radio*! Mr. Flavin, the pawn shop owner, in *all* three episodes was played by Ralph Moody. The hotel clerk in all three episodes was played by Herb Vigran. Father Xavier Rojas, the Catholic priest, was played by Harry Bartell, again in *all* three episodes. In the radio and TV "Big Little Jesus" episodes, James Griffith played Claude Stroup. In "The Christmas Story" episode, this role was filled by Bobby Troup. These two actors resemble each other both in looks and mannerisms.
Jack Webb was very loyal to his actors and his production people. Many of them followed Webb from the radio Dragnet to his first and second TV adaptations of the show. When you compare the three versions of this episode, you will find very little change in the dialog. Of necessity, the radio version had more descriptive narration which was done by Jack Webb himself.
Jack Webb was very loyal to his actors and his production people. Many of them followed Webb from the radio Dragnet to his first and second TV adaptations of the show. When you compare the three versions of this episode, you will find very little change in the dialog. Of necessity, the radio version had more descriptive narration which was done by Jack Webb himself.
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