Jeff Regan, Investigator

Starring Jack Webb and the famous voice that would later make him popular as Sgt. Joe Friday on the hit series Dragnet, Jeff Regan premiered on July 10, 1948. 🕵️‍♂️🔎

Jack Webb had already enjoyed success with shows like Pat Novak for Hire and Johnny Modero, and due to his portrayal of various crime-busting characters, he became a well-known public figure. 

It would be easy to assume that the role of Jeff Regan, Investigator, would be just the same kind of show for him, but outside of the actor playing the role, the series couldn't be more different. 

In the series, Jeff Regan is a fully bonded, licensed private investigator - known as the Lion’s eye - working for Anthony J Lion, head of the International Detective Bureau. Lion doesn’t care where the money comes from just so long as it goes to him. He cashes in on trouble and for him it pays off. For Regan, it’s work. 

“I get ten a day and expenses… They call me the Lion’s eye.” 

Jeff Regan, Investigator

Jeff Regan's relationship with Anthony J. Lyon wasn't always on good terms. He would often find himself going toe-to-toe with the boss, as well as the dangerous criminals he had to face down. He was made to handle some very rough assignments, especially when Lyon put Regan on a case, against the PI's better judgment.

At the end of the first series, according to writer William Froug, Jack Webb was fired for asking for too much money. The program went on hiatus for almost a year, before being brought back with voice actor Frank Graham portraying Regan.

Graham, who was well known both as an announcer and for his versatility, had previously created and starred in his own detective series, The Adventures of Cosmo Jones. Lyon was also recast, with The Jack Benny Program regular Frank Nelson taking over the part. This remained the definitive lineup for the rest of the show's run, and remained popular in the ratings. However, although it was expected to be renewed for another season, Frank Graham committed suicide on September 2, 1950. At the time of his death, 5 more broadcasts were scheduled for Regan, but they never made it to air.

I've recently found some missing shows from the series, so will be adding these over the coming weeks.

Happy listening my friends,