Cannon

By Brian75

Cannon, a Quinn Martin production, remains one of the cult classics of the Super70s. The show was centered around a private detective named Frank Cannon and was set in Los Angeles, California.

Frank Cannon was not your typical private eye. In fact, he wasn't your typical anything. A former Los Angeles Police Officer, Cannon turned private eye and took only the most expensive cases on, to allow himself a very indulgent lifestyle.

Portrayed by the portly William Conrad (you know his voice as the narrator from the Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoons) Cannon was seen driving around Los Angeles in an enormous silver Lincoln Continental Mark IV (in early episodes it was a Mark III). The car definitely took more of a beating than Cannon ever did, often getting mangled, dented or scratched in chase sequences. In one episode rather than shoot back at a vagrant, Cannon just floored the big Lincoln and hurtled the 5,000 pound projectile at his assailant, running over him. (Pretty graphic considering this was the Super70s).

Cannon was tough, no nonsense and always bagged his adversary - one way or another. He was sometimes insensitive, sometimes unorthodoxed but as played by Conrad, was a likeable curmudgeon never the less. It was said that Conrad, who went on to play Nero Wolfe, did this show as a favor to Quinn Martin who was a friend. Conrad's last appearance was "Jake & The Fat Man" in which, ironically, he played a very Cannon-esque character, complete with the big Lincoln.

Cannon goes down as one of those shows that is loved by those of us who like something well out of the ordinary.

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This is the first time I ever got to see William Conrad on television. he was the voice of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon on the Gunsmoke Radio Show, the narrorator of various documentaries, and the Fugitive (he had a very good voice for this kind of work). He is a private detective who drive a Lincon Mark III (first season) and a Lincoln Mark IV (second through fifth & final season) silver metallic, black vinyl top with red leather interior. (Ford Motor Company furnished the cars, standard QM Fair). He lived in a luxurious apartment, ate gourmet meals and Charged a hefty fee for his services. --frank11784

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