RIP, Col. Potter. Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen.

Loved the old Dragnet and he was great. His best Television role "Colonel Potter". Remember the "OX-BOW Incident" in black and white? Henry Fonda's companion Art Croft. Great role in a movie that was nominated for best picture.
 
Jack Webb's original Dragnet Partner, Det Bill Gannon.

He also played a coward in High Noon, refusing to help Sheriff Will Kane (Gary Cooper) fight Frank Miller.
 
And "Strategic Air Command" with Jimmy Stewart. Anyone remember that one?
 
I really liked him in M*A*S*H. Yeah, he wasn't Blake, but he built Potter into a great "dad" figure for the surgeons.

And, BTW, I'd like to live to 96 and be mostly healthy along the way.
 
Robert Altman's 1970 movie is brutal towards the Regular Army, which was very reflective of societal attitudes during the Vietnam Era (nonetheless, the "******* Army" bit is still pretty funny).

I like that in the TV series (which, incidentally, Altman hated), the Col. Potter character represented a getting away from that. Before he came on to the scene, all the surgeons were drafted (even Frank, I think), and those RA officers who were portrayed were usually made to look overly bureaucratic and ignorant. Potter comes along and shows that a career officer can be compassionate, firm when necessary, and most importantly can be highly intelligent (Potter is an excellent surgeon as well as a CO). This, of course, is not news to us at SAF; however, in 1970s pop culture, it was not that common of a depiction of an Armed Forces officer. He was a refreshing addition, and I always thought he was a great character. Not as fun as LTC Blake, but a much better leader (and still pretty fun).

I feel like reading a Zane Grey novel or painting a picture of a horse.
 
Rest in peace Mr. Morgan. Thanks for the great characters you brought to life.
 
Back
Top