MovieChat Forums > Barnaby Jones (1973) Discussion > Did anyone else ever wonder...?

Did anyone else ever wonder...?

posted 9 years ago by ichray
3 replies | jump to latest

...why Ebsen felt it necessary to play the character with a temperament so "reserved" (almost lethargic) that it at times verged on "moroseness?" I just read that the character of Barnaby Jones was supposed to have gotten into the PI game in order to find out who killed his son--maybe the memory of this tragic event was supposed to have partly explained it...or did Ebsen just feel it necessary to conserve his energy during the filming of the show? I mean, the guy was only in his late 60s, early 70s during the run of the show but sometimes it seemed he only had the energy of an 80-year old...

[–] sage2112 9 years ago

Well he was just calm, cool and collected. That's all.

[–] justinaames 8 years ago

The reserve in voice and demeanor became more pronounced during the last three seasons. Before then, especially before J.R. arrived, he was more happy go lucky, and played up his good ole boy persona.

[–] writermaia 8 years ago

Maybe he was tired? Crew members note that Buddy liked to take "cat naps" on set, but he always knew just when to wake up again for shooting. Learn more here: metv.com/lists/10-easy-going-crime-busting-facts-about-barnaby-jones