topic Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE" in TV and Movies

FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Oznell — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 21:52:42 GMT

Just found this, and it is a lovely, intelligent combo of pictures, music, quotes from his peers, AND a brief but revealing interview with him I'd never seen.

Posting for any of our seasoned, beloved Fuge followers who meet every week to dissect the shows, but also for perhaps a newbie or two interested in learning more about the greatest American noir series ever produced, and its celebrated star.

Whoever made this might be a Brit or a Canadian, judging by their comment that it is a "labour of love", with the "u" in labor! And you can tell that it was a labour of love.

That haunting Pete Rugolo score-- the music that is so central to the series-- immediately draws you in, and then the images come thick and fast.

If you watch nothing else, go to about the 15 minute mark, just to see David Janssen interviewed. Prior to this, the few interviews I've seen with him were sort of show-bizzy and didn't show much of the real DJ. In some, he may have been under the influence, a bit.

But in this short interview, I think we're seeing the real deal. He's soft-spoken, self-deprecating, thoughtful, really sweet. You can see why those who knew him kept using adjectives like "gentle" and "tender" to describe him....

Diane Baker (who I've complained about as Kimble's final love interest) actually came up in my estimation, with her assessment of DJ, which is spot-on. And I love what William Conrad (the galvanizing, deep-voiced narrator of "The Fugitive", and future TV "Cannon") says. He simply adored David Janssen, and pungently explains why.

Anyway, if anyone watches the interview with DJ at fifteen minutes in, or watches the whole video, do please share your thoughts with us.

Finally, here's the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFTW7AC7iiE

Sorry to be so long-winded before posting that, ha.

By the way, I did learn a few new things from it, including that in "Fear in a Desert City", Brian Keith actually broke two of David Janssen's ribs in a fight scene. B.K. was incredibly into the vicious character he played in that episode, very chilling performance. I wonder if that experience is why we see quite a few stunt guys in subsequent episodes performing for David Janssen when things turn violent....

Edited to add: Anyone who doesn't want to spoil the suspense of the ending and know "too much" about the final two episodes, can stop watching when the video mentions "The Judgment" Parts 1 and 2. Skipping over to about the 20 minute mark should get you past that.

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

mousiegirl — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 21:32:48 GMT

@Oznell I will watch. I didn't know William Conrad was the narrator.

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Oznell — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 21:43:19 GMT

Oh, good, @mousiegirl . Yes, love William Conrad and the way he dramatically intones the narration all through "The Fugitive"-- he's a big part of the show for me, even though he's never seen....

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Tique — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 21:57:37 GMT

@Oznell thank you. That was a magnificently done tribute. Will bookmark it to watch again.

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Oznell — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 21:58:48 GMT

Oh, I'm thrilled you liked it, @Tique ! Coming from you, that's gratifying!

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

spiderw — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 22:38:04 GMT

I enjoyed the video especially the haunting theme song running throughout.

When the Fugitive aired in the sixties, I faithfully watched each episode hoping David wouldn't be caught and looking forward to his next adventure. I always felt for him, such an injustice and remember not liking Morse's character one bit.

Jansen was meant for the part of Kimble and he certainly played it with all the emotion of being alone on his face. I really couldn't imagine anyone else playing his part. His interview was down to earth and expected of him, it fit.

When I cannot sleep sometimes I watch Mannix and Cannon on METV, I loved those shows too. Thanks for the video and I understand your admiration for a well done series with an actor who made it so. It is sad to see how many have passed who were involved.

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Pearlee — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 23:04:08 GMT

Thanks @Oznell . I have flipped by that video before on YouTube but didn't watch it til you posted. I was -- and still am-- part of the "cult following." I have been since the first episode. The video sure acknowledged how attractive DJ was to women!

I do hate that the show has always denied being based on the Dr Sam Sheppard case, which I have no doubt it was. David didn't mention when denying it that Sheppard claimed a bushy haired intruder really killed wife Marilyn, who became the one-armed man in TF. It really bothers me that the show doesn't acknowledge at least being "inspired" (big time!) by by that murder that was in the national news less not long before TF.

I do hope that those here who haven't seen the ending did skip over part of that video with the spoilers as you suggested.

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

twinsister — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:25:03 GMT

@Oznell - thanks for posting. I will definitely watch when I can.

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Oznell — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 01:11:18 GMT

Glad you watched, @spiderw , and you are so right about that music! I have only to hear a few of those plaintive notes to be whisked right back into the thick of the Kimble quest! Pete Rugolo was a brilliant composer who fit the score expertly to the poignant narrative...

Yes, @Pearlee , it was interesting that DJ agreed with Roy Huggins' statements on not basing Fuge on Sheppard (sp?) case. It's been a long time since I read up on that, but it seems at least one person from that team said it was, and some others said not, if I'm recalling....

Good, @twinsister , looking forward to your take on it!

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Trix — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 01:25:27 GMT

@Oznell Once again thank you for letting us know about something interesting we might like to watch related to retro TV.

I'll let others have the debate about how the producers came up with the premise for the show, but I'd like to praise David Janssen. As time has passed, I feel his performance has become rather underrated in TV history. Perhaps this is because Janssen didn't ham up the role and kept to the character's profile of being a man on the run from the law who lived a lonely existence. He was supposed to play the role with silent courage, and in scenes with the other characters in each episode, appear under the radar and low key. That may have been very hard for a lot of actors, so the producers hired the right man for the role.

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Catiele — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 02:42:35 GMT

Just watched the tribute. Thank you for the memories of David Jansen. I watched every week. I loved the series . He was one of a kind. Wasn't he just soo handsome?

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Pearlee — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 03:00:26 GMT

@Trix wrote:
@Oznell Once again thank you for letting us know about something interesting we might like to watch related to retro TV.

I'll let others have the debate about how the producers came up with the premise for the show, but I'd like to praise David Janssen. As time has passed, I feel his performance has become rather underrated in TV history. Perhaps this is because Janssen didn't ham up the role and kept to the character's profile of being a man on the run from the law who lived a lonely existence. He was supposed to play the role with silent courage, and in scenes with the other characters in each episode, appear under the radar and low key. That may have been very hard for a lot of actors, so the producers hired the right man for the role.

@Trix There is no debate. I just a briefly mentioned it because Janssen was asked about the Sheppard case in the video.

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Oznell — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:43:06 GMT

@Trix, great analysis of the appeal and the absolute rightness of David Janssen in the role! I didn't know you are a Fugitive fan -- if you ever feel like popping in on the ongoing weekly alerts, we'd love your insights.

@Catiele, ditto, I didn't quite realize you are a Fuge fan, but should have known, given your affinity for noir and the best of vintage films. Would love to see you on the weekly threads as well, if ever you're inclined.

Agreed, DJ was adorable! A bonus of that interview with him, is that he was chuckling and smiling a little bit, showing his dimples. We don't get to see that too much on the show!

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Oznell — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:50:15 GMT

The recent posts of @Trix and @Catiele reminded me to extend invitations to all on here, including @spiderw and @mousiegirl , who are not necessarily regulars on the Fugitive threads, to jump in if ever inclined. You don't have to be a "regular". We have some who come and go, and we love their input. The more viewpoints, the more I realize stuff I've missed and it's a much richer experience and discussion!

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

mousiegirl — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 17:26:30 GMT

@Oznell I am unable to critique as you and others do, all I seem to say is if I saw an episode and liked it, lol. You should have been a professional critic as you are so very good at it.

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Oznell — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:02:45 GMT

I've always enjoyed your assessments, @mousiegirl . They don't have to be involved or convoluted like mine typically are! If you ever want to jump on to just say you liked or didn't like an episode, feel free!

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

vsm — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 03:21:06 GMT

Thanks for the video, @Oznell -- it was nicely done. Please remind me again why you previously complained about Diane Baker. I always thought her character's presence struck a false note. (Not her fault -- DB was a good actress.)

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Pearlee — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 03:40:08 GMT

@vsm wrote:
Thanks for the video, @Oznell -- it was nicely done. Please remind me again why you previously complained about Diane Baker. I always thought her character's presence struck a false note. (Not her fault -- DB was a good actress.)

@vsm. I don't know that @Oznell was ever specific but I agree with her. I'll see if I can post a spoiler to give you my opinion rather than discuss openly. Some here haven't seen the ending so please don't spoil. Ignore the spoiler above, I wrote in the one below.

In my opinion she was too young and had little chemistry with DJ. Also her character wasn't very well developed. A slightly older and more sophisticated actress would have been better. She looked young and seemed naive to Kimble's experience and worldliness. She was miscast..

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

Oznell — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 12:11:39 GMT

Hi @vsm , good question. I like your term, "false note", that's it exactly!

WARNING ALERT (to those who don't know anything about the ending of the Fugitive; and don't want to know yet.) Avoid reading answer below!

Yes, @vsm , "false note" is right. You probably are aware of how the show (incredibly) hadn't planned on a "resolution" episode, and at the last minute had to scramble to come up with one. I think that shows in the casting of Diane Baker, as @Pearlee mentions.

Kimble had had a relationship of sorts with "Ellie Burnett" (Suzanne Pleshette) from Stafford, but "Jean" (Diane Baker) was a Stafford cypher who appeared out of the blue, and didn't seem a good fit with Kimble. Through no fault of D.B.'s, the character, while well-meaning, seemed a bit callow and contrived. I agree with you that Diane Baker is an excellent performer, but they clearly didn't put any thought into who would be the ideal woman for Kimble to walk into the sunset with....

We've played the parlor game before of, who would that woman be? I thought he had a tender chemistry with Susan Oliver from the sail-making episode. There was definitely something with Janice Rule, in one of her Fuge appearances. There were a lot of undeveloped or half-developed relationships where you could see potential chemistry-- Antoinette Bower, Janis Paige, Norma Crane, the list goes on! I know I'm forgetting some favorites. Is there anybody you'd have liked to see with him at the end?

Re: FAIRLY RECENT ONLINE TRIBUTE TO DAVID JANSSEN AND "THE FUGITIVE"

vsm — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 15:39:51 GMT

@Pearlee wrote:
@vsm wrote:
Thanks for the video, @Oznell -- it was nicely done. Please remind me again why you previously complained about Diane Baker. I always thought her character's presence struck a false note. (Not her fault -- DB was a good actress.)
@vsm. I don't know that @Oznell was ever specific but I agree with her. I'll see if I can post a spoiler to give you my opinion rather than discuss openly. Some here haven't seen the ending so please don't spoil. Ignore the spoiler above, I wrote in the one below.

In my opinion she was too young and had little chemistry with DJ. Also her character wasn't very well developed. A slightly older and more sophisticated actress would have been better. She looked young and seemed naive to Kimble's experience and worldliness. She was miscast..

I completely agree with your take, @Pearlee . Wonder what DJ himself thought.