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Show One for Dragnet MASH is Morgans swan song ... by Kon Miller Writer Kmght-Ridde- r Once the decision is HOLLYWOOD and bring made to disband that zany band of Korean War veterans home from the front, you can say a sad farewell to one of TV's real character players. "I think that's part of me, Morgan said of his wry, dry screen persona "M-A-S-- Don't believe it for a moment In person, the man is as warm as a newborn puppy and as pretentious as a but comfortable pair of slippers. well-wor- Im pretty sure that will be my swan song, says Harry Morgan, who plays the dour Col. Potter. I don't think Ill ever do another series. Though he was interested in speech and oratory in high school, Morgan had no interest in an acting career until he got involved in civic theater in Washington. DC. while working as a salesman of office equipment. INSTEAD, MORGAN intends to reowns in Santa Rosa and get out of the rat race once and for all Oh, he may venture out for an occasional guest role, but Morgan's now 64 and really doesnt think hell ever find another show the likes of his beloved treat to the ranch he He liked performing and finally quit his job to join a stock company. 1 was tired of selling office equipment." Morgan said, "To tell you the truth. 1 wasnt really selling much of it either." Dressed in his familiar olive drab uniform and Army boots, Morgan looked right at home in the Army camp mock-uinside the cavernous Stage 9 on the Fox lot Thats because it has become his home since he joined the cast midway through its eight seasons AFTER HE MADE it into the New York company of Clifford Odets "Golden Boy," then the London company, Morgan decided his new job was pretty good Movie roles started coming his way and he made his screen debut in 1942 in "To the Shores of Tripoli. p the seven TV series he has in as a regular since "December Bride in 1954, Mor an has fared best in playing a character who started out in the traditionally acerbic Harry Morgan style, but has gradually warmed into the most beloved figure of his career Of appeared Col THE RUNTY. Potter, whose deep baritone voice drips with sarcasm, has been allowed to display so much tenderness and human feeling in the last two seasons of that he has nearly spoiled forever Morgans carefully cultivated image as a snide misogynist who talks only out of one side of his mouth. For more than a decade, he worked under the name Henry' Morgan (His real name is Harry Bratsburg), but finally changed it to Harry Morgan in 1955, to avoid confusion with the popular panelist and wit, Henry Morgan. Whatever the name, hes the one we remember. Harry Morgan, who portrays Col. Sherman Potter in the popular series MASH, (seen here in a sequence from an episode in which Maj. Margaret (Hot Lips) Houlihan marries and Col. Potter gwes the bride away), says the comedy will be AFTER HIS BIG splash as the sardonic neighbor, Pete, on TVs "December Bride, Morgan landed his own series, the spinoff called Pete and Cara Williams. Gladys. Williams left to do her own flop series, even though "Pete and Gladys" was doing well. the only other Before really memorable series character Morgan played was Jack Webb's sidekick in "Dragnet, Morgan still looks back with envy on Dragnet for its easy work schedule. his swan song when it closes down. JUG-EARE- SOf SIDING rn STEAM CARPET CLEANING $9 95 per room $49 95 Entire house STORM DOORS Advanced Protection Co.. Inc. investment in quality 10, craftsmanship When you want to turn an average mto a truly fine honre But0es hon Mm can help you do it with everything m quality oodwork front gi aceful taius AIL AMERICAN free Estimates turned Contrictoi recorder Video ip tO: Week, advanced sh'iied custom TV at out 1165 Empu Central Place Suite 105, DoHos. 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The Hes also going to appear soon in yet another TV movie sequel to "The Wild, chan Video Mary Salt How does Morgan think his image has changed over the years methods Wntt pnon n Or com for Our free i. oo Ctrochu' hard-surface- d Morgan says Webb recently asked him to team up with him for a new Dragnet movie, which hell do if the picture gets a address recorder format do t Lake As Col Potter, Morgan has found a whole new legion of fans. He is delighted to be recognized by youngsters these days and also reports a lot of support from older viewers who identify closely with the colonel with a heart of gold Detail your home machines and enable our highly craftsmen to produce Quality inidttork to your specifications .ill Robert Conrad and program- trades and fireplace mantels to em Dossed carvings and decorative moldings Best of Wild West" with Ross Martin. free Receive owners' poscord witft Nome phone number nes received 254-392- watch the dirt come out ieocossehe for recording ming Send JACK LIKED to wrap things up in two days, Morgan recalls. "It was the easiest job I ever had. FASCIA STORM WINDOWS Your "M-A-S-- 1720 South Redwood Road S l.C Utah 84104 Rh 72082 Visitors Welcome Work Guaranteed Free Estimate Call 268-685- 'londav through Friday from We ILLIAMS 0 7 Financing Available a.m until6p.m vwyiWEATHERGUARD 248 East 3900 South keep our word. You keep the savings. & |