There isn’t much I can say about Joseph Wambaugh that hasn’t been said before. His laurels speak for themselves: Cop, novelist, film and television producer, journalist, Mystery Writers of America Grand Master, and one of the acknowledged fathers of the modern police procedural.
Without question, Wambaugh could easily rest on these laurels. He could sit back and wistfully recall his past accomplishments and be proud. Instead, Wambaugh continues to move forward, and what he has created in the Hollywood series (Hollywood Station, Hollywood Crows, and most recently, Hollywood Moon) is perhaps one of the best ongoing series running. And on December 2nd at the Poisoned Pen, I had the pleasure to sit down and talk with this incredibly charismatic and legendary novelist.
Nice job, Keith. Other than his titles, I knew nothing about Wambaugh. I may have to pick up a copy of The Choirboys.
Thank you for this gift, Keith. Wambaugh is an icon and I hope this video remains archived forever.
Amazing interview, Keith. I’m with Elaine — this is an important document: I can’t remember seeing a long-form interview with Mr. Wambaugh, in print or any other format. I remember reading THE BLUE KNIGHT as a too-young-for-it kid, maybe ten or eleven…my first “grown up” crime novel, and probably the gateway book for all the crime novels that followed. The man is a treasure.
Fantastic interview, Keith. Fascinating.
Joseph comes across as a really top bloke, and I’ll be sure to check out his work.
Regards to you both,
Col