Why Didn't "The Fugitive" (and other Quinn Martin shows) have Written Title Cards for the Cast?

The Quinn Martin series THE FUGITIVE (1963 - 67) is without a doubt one one of the all-time great TV dramas.  However, the presentation of the Cast Credits in the Opening Sequence of the series has seriously **bugged** me for decades.  Every episode introduces the Main Cast as well as the Guest Stars ONLY via Voice-Over Narration without any Written Title Cards.  WHY?  IMHO the Cast of The Fugitive was unfairly short-changed with a voice-over being their only introduction.  Everyone likes seeing their name in print (or in the case of actors - on a Title Card).

The majority of Quinn Martin shows, notably The Untouchables (1959 - 63), The FBI (1965 - 74, The Invaders (1967 - 68), Cannon (1972 - 76) and Barnaby Jones (1973 - 80) follow the same pattern with their respective introductions that omit Cast Title Cards in favor of a Voice-Over Introduction.  Why was this done?  I can see no advantage whatsoever to this technique.

TV isn't radio - "show - not tell" is the byword.

Here's a look at the Opening Cast Credits for THE FUGITIVE episode "Home is the Hunted" (Guest Starring Jacqueline Scott).  The second set of photos display the same clips - this time with the DVD Subtitles Activated - giving some indication of how THE FUGITIVE Opening Credits **might** have played if Written Title Cards had been used for the series.

The Fugitive: "Home is the Hunted" Title Card
(Voice-Over Introduction:
 "Starring David Janssen as the fugitive.")

The Fugitive: "Home is the Hunted" Title Card
(Voice-Over Introduction:
 "Also Starring Barry Morse as Lieutenant Gerard.")

The Fugitive: "Home is the Hunted" Title Card
(Voice-Over Introduction: "Jacqueline Scott")

DVD Subtitles

DVD Subtitles

DVD Subtitles

Now, here's look at the Opening Cast Credits for Quinn Martin's THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO (1972 - 77) episode "45 Minutes From Home" (Guest Starring Jacqueline Scott).  Unlike other Quinn Martin shows, THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO features Voice-Over Introductions for the Cast accompanied by Written Title Cards.

The Streets of San Francisco: Karl Malden's Title Card
accompanied by Voice-Over Introduction
("Starring Karl Malden")

The Streets of San Francisco: "45 Minutes From Home"
Guest Star Jacqueline Scott's Title Card accompanied by
Voice-Over Introduction ("Jacqueline Scott")

Comparing THE FUGITIVE with THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO, I think the Written Title Cards make a huge difference.

Finally, here's a look at the Opening Cast Credits for David Janssen's other TV series' RICHARD DIAMOND, Private Detective (a.k.a. CALL MR. D) (1957 - 60), O'HARA, United States Treasury (1971 - 72) and HARRY O (1974 - 76) - isn't it an absolute JOY to see David Janssen's name appearing proudly onscreen on a Written Title Card?  I think it is.

Again - "show, not tell".

 David Janssen's Title Card
for Richard Diamond, Private Detective
accompanied by Voice-Over Introduction
("Starring David Janssen")

David Janssen's Title Card for
Call Mr. D

David Janssen's Title Card for
O'Hara, United States Treasury

David Janssen's Title Card for
HARRY O

The Fugitive is copyright CBS / Paramount.
O'Hara, United States Treasury is copyright Universal Studios.
Harry O is copyright Warner Bros.
Richard Diamond, Private Detective / Call Mr. D is copyright (???)  (does anyone who which studio currently owns this series?)

All photos are used for illustrative purposes only and are copyright the respective copyright holders.

"Fatal Vision" (1984) NBC-TV Mini-Series starring Gary Cole

Who can forget Fatal Vision?  This blockbuster TV mini-series (based on the book by Joe McGinness) aired over two nights on NBC in 1984 and stars Gary Cole, Karl Malden and Andy Griffith.  The film tells the story of Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald, the Green Beret U.S. Army doctor who was eventually convicted of murdering his wife and family in February of 1970.  MacDonald claims that he is innocent - he maintains that the real murderers were a group of drug-crazed hippies (three men and a woman) who broke into their small apartment on the Fort Bragg army base and attacked him and slaughtered his family.  Fatal Vision was released on VHS in the 1980's but has yet to have an official DVD or Blu-Ray release.

Fans of The Fugitive - with Dr. Kimble's story of a One-Armed Man who really killed his wife - will enjoy this film.

Is Jeffrey MacDonald guilty - or innocent?  Watch Fatal Vision - and then watch the various interviews with MacDonald on YouTube - and decide for yourself.

Watch Fatal Vision (3 hours) on YouTube HERE:

In late 1970 - only a few months after the murders - Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald was interviewed by Dick Cavett.  His "cheshire cat" grin and joking demeanor is positively chilling...  Watch a 2 minute excerpt from the interview on YouTube HERE:

Larry King interviewed Jeffrey MacDonald in 2003.  View this interview HERE:

The VHS release of Fatal Vision

"The Fugitive" - NuVentures VHS promo! ("It's a hard habit to break!")

Check out this absolutely amazing 5 minute promo for the 1990's NuVentures VHS release of The Fugitive ("It's a hard habit to break!").

View this promo on YouTube HERE:

Glen A. Larson's episode of "The Fugitive"!

The Fugitive
 ("In a Plain Paper Wrapper");
 aired on April 19, 1966

Kurt Russell and his kid pals 

David Janssen as The Fugitive

After a successful stint as a member of the popular musical group, The Four Preps, the late Glen A. Larson (1937 - 2014), creator of Battlestar Galactica, Knight Rider, and many other iconic TV series, broke into the writing and producing side of the entertainment business in 1965 / 66 by selling story ideas to Quinn Martin Productions for two of his biggest hits, The Fugitive and Twelve O'Clock High.

Glen A. Larson

The Fugitive episode "In a Plain Paper Wrapper" (episode #89) premiered on ABC-TV on April 19, 1966 - story by Jackson Gillis and Glen A. Larson; teleplay by John Kneubuhl; directed by the great Richard Donner.  This 3rd Season episode guest stars a young Kurt Russell who, along with two of his kid pals decide to capture Dr. Kimble using a rifle they purchased from an ad in a comic book!  Trivia:  This was the last episode filmed for Season 3 and also the last black and white episode.

Usually, the "flashier" episodes of The Fugitive garner the lion's share of fan attention, but I think "In a Plain Paper Wrapper" is definitely one of the better episodes of the series and a highlight of Season 3.  The complete episode can be seen on YouTube and is well-worth watching.  Watch it HERE:

The Fugitive is copyright (c) CBS / Paramount.