THE BIG DARE and THE BIG ACTOR DRAGNET

Summary

Episode Summary: "THE BIG DARE and THE BIG ACTOR" – Dragnet

Welcome to this detailed summary of the "THE BIG DARE and THE BIG ACTOR" episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, hosted by Jon Hagadorn. This episode delves into two classic Dragnet cases, showcasing the meticulous investigative work of Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Ben Romero. Below, you'll find a comprehensive breakdown of both cases, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps to capture the essence of the narratives.

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Case 1: The Big Dare

Overview: The first case revolves around the brutal murder of Betty Dixon, a respected woman whose body exhibits signs of an inhumane attack. Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Ben Romero, are determined to uncover the truth behind her death.

Key Events:

1. Discovery of the Crime Scene ([02:43] - [05:04]):

   • Betty Dixon is found knifed to death in her home.
   • The scene indicates a savage attack, leaving detectives with little initial evidence.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Joe Friday: "Would you like to type this up for me? Dead body report." ([02:44])

2. Initial Suspects and Roy Palmer ([05:04] - [07:00]):

   • Roy Palmer, Betty's Navy boyfriend, becomes the primary suspect after a prior altercation.
   • Despite Palmer's claims of innocence, inconsistencies arise during interrogation.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Roy Palmer: "What about all those bums you used to run around with? Why don't you ask them for alibis?" ([07:09])

3. Introducing the 'Floyd' Lead ([07:00] - [10:07]):

   • A crucial piece of evidence—a postmarked envelope from Sonoma—guides the investigation toward a suspect named Floyd.
   • The detectives reach out to the Sonoma Police Department but find limited information.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Joe Friday: "Might turn up when we start checking the victim's friends." ([09:40])

4. Stakeout and Capture of Richard Floyd Coleman ([10:07] - [28:47]):

   • Persistent investigation leads to Richard Floyd Coleman, who has a history of mental instability.
   • Through meticulous detective work, including fingerprint analysis, Coleman is apprehended.
   • In a confession, Coleman reveals that Betty "dared" him to kill her, highlighting a complex psychological motive.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Richard Floyd Coleman: "She dared me to kill her. She said I didn't have the nerve. She asked me to." ([27:22])
   • Conclusion:
     • Coleman is deemed criminally insane and committed to the State Mental Hospital at Mendocino indefinitely.
     • Notable Quote:
       • Captain Steed: "Richard Floyd Coleman was examined by six psychiatrists appointed by the court and was found to be criminally insane." ([28:09])

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Case 2: The Big Actor

Overview: The second case delves into a high-stakes narcotics robbery at St. Christopher's Hospital. The theft not only involves substantial amounts of narcotics but also results in the brutal assault of an intern, James Lyons.

Key Events:

1. The Narcotics Heist ([32:49] - [36:59]):

   • Over $10,000 worth of high-grade narcotics is stolen from the hospital's pharmacy.
   • Intern James Lyons is found unconscious with a severe head injury, linking him to the crime.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Melissa (Sister Mary Benedict): "After mass, I went to breakfast. And then I came downstairs here to the pharmacy to open up." ([34:21])

2. Investigating Leonard Castle ([37:01] - [46:42]):

   • Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and Ben Romero identify Leonard Castle, an actor with connections to the stolen narcotics.
   • Through interviews and surveillance, Castle becomes the prime suspect.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Joe Friday: "Is your brother in the city now?" ([20:24])

3. Interrogation and Confession ([46:42] - [58:42]):

   • Castle is apprehended at a film studio, where his alibi falls apart under scrutiny.
   • During interrogation, Castle admits to the robbery, motivated by financial desperation.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Leonard Castle: "I needed the money. I owed money. They were gonna take my car. I was broke." ([57:39])
   • Conclusion:
     • Castle is convicted of first-degree robbery and violating the State Narcotics Act.
     • Notable Quote:
       • Captain Steed: "Leonard Francis Castle was tried and convicted of first degree robbery and violating the State Narcotics Act." ([58:42])

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Insights and Conclusions

Both cases highlight the unwavering dedication of Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and Ben Romero in unraveling complex crimes through diligent police work. The episodes emphasize the importance of:

• Attention to Detail: From fingerprint analysis to questioning inconsistencies, every detail is pivotal.
• Persistence: Continuously following leads, even when initial suspects seem innocent.
• Psychological Understanding: Recognizing the motives and mental states of suspects plays a crucial role in solving cases.

Notable Quotes Highlighting Investigative Philosophy:

• Joe Friday: "You can't buy it. A woman isn't just cut down like that without some kind of a commotion." ([09:00])
• Captain Steed: "Dragnet is the story of your police force in action." ([02:00])

These narratives not only provide gripping stories but also serve as a testament to effective police procedures and the relentless pursuit of justice.

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Conclusion

"The Big Dare and The Big Actor" episodes of Dragnet, as featured on 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, offer an immersive experience into classic police investigations. Through compelling storytelling and authentic case histories, listeners gain appreciation for the intricacies of detective work and the complexities of human motives behind crimes. Whether tracking down a criminally insane individual or an actor driven by desperation, Detective Joe Friday exemplifies the textbook approach to solving crime.

Transcript

[Mandy]

If you love chilling mysteries, unsolved cases, and a touch of mom style humor.

[Melissa]

Moms and Mysteries is the podcast you've been searching for.

[Mandy]

Hey guys, I'm Mandy.

[Melissa]

And I'm Melissa. Join us every Tuesday for Moms and Mysteries, your gateway to gripping, well researched true crime stories. Each week we deep dive into a variety of mind boggling cases as we shed light on everything from heists to whodunits. We're your go to podcast for mysteries with a motherly touch. Subscribe now to Moms and Mysteries. Wherever you get your podcast.

[Joe Friday]

The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Captain Steed]

Fatima Cigarettes. Best of all, long cigarettes brings you Dragnet.

[Joe Friday]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a homicide detail. A woman is knifed to death in her home. The body bears the mark of inhuman attack. The killer escapes. Your job. Get him. If you want a long cigarette, smoke the best of all long cigarettes. Smoke extra mild Fatima. Yes, Fatima is the king size cigarette which contains the finest Turkish and domestic tobaccos. Superbly blended to make it extra mild. To give Fatima a much different, much better flavor and aroma than any other long cigarette. That's why Fatima has more than doubled its smokers coast to coast. Enjoy Extra mild Fatima yourself. Best of all, long cigarettes. It's wise to smoke extra mild Fatima.

[Melissa]

It's wise to smoke extra mild Fatima.

[Captain Steed]

Dragnet, the documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case, from official police files, from beginning to end, from crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

It was Wednesday, September 29th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the night watch out of homicide detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Captain Blaine Steed. My name's Friday. I was on the way back from the interrogation room. It was 11:23pm when they got to room 42, Homicide. Hi, Lorraine.

[Melissa]

Hello, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Would you like to type this up for me? Dead body report.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Melissa]

Okay.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you. Joe, how you doing?

[Ben Romero]

They bring Palmer in? You?

[Joe Friday]

He's in the interrogation room. Captain's with him.

[Ben Romero]

What's his story?

[Joe Friday]

He claims he had nothing to do with it. He contacted any of the boy's relatives?

[Ben Romero]

Cause he hasn't got any in town. It was just him and his mother.

[Joe Friday]

You called juvenile hall, didn't you?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. They'll look after him for the time being. Pretty big shock for a kid.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Did you get anything out of him?

[Ben Romero]

Harry and I have been talking to him. Just starting to make sense. You want to lend a hand?

[Joe Friday]

Sure.

[Ben Romero]

We're going to the beach tomorrow, my mother and I. Day off of where we were going. That's all I know. That's all you know, Harry. You want to give it a try?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. All right, Robert. Come on, son. It's gonna be all right. Now. We need your help, Robert. Think you could answer a few questions for us?

[Ben Romero]

How about a bite to eat, son? Can I get you something, dog? I'm hungry. Okay.

[Joe Friday]

That's the stuff. Here, take it. It's clean hand with you.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, well, you're the cop that drove me down here, aren't you?

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Ben Romero]

Not going back to the house?

[Joe Friday]

Don't have to, son.

[Ben Romero]

I'm never going back to that place. All right. Oh, it was awful.

[Joe Friday]

Could you start from the beginning for us, Bob, and just take it easy? Tell us what you know, okay.

[Ben Romero]

Think I could have a Coke? I'll pick up a couple. Be right back. All right, Harry.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks, Harry.

[Ben Romero]

Well, all I know is I left the house about half past seven. Mom gave me the money to go to a show.

[Joe Friday]

Was she alone in the house when you left?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's right. We had dinner and then I went to the show. You usually go to the show on school nights, huh? No, but mom asked me if I wanted to go. She gave me the money. Double feature. She told me to stay for both.

[Joe Friday]

She usually tell you that?

[Ben Romero]

No, she always said to just stay for one picture. She didn't want me coming home so late.

[Joe Friday]

Was she expecting anybody to visit her? I mean, after you'd gone?

[Ben Romero]

She didn't say. So she just told me to stay for both pictures, that's all. What time did the movie let out? Almost 11:00. Pretty late. So I went straight home. Mom was in the bedroom. She was on the floor. There was this knife. This big knife.

[Joe Friday]

What'd you do then, son?

[Ben Romero]

I ran outside, hollered Wallaces came over from next door, went inside and looked. And they called the cops.

[Joe Friday]

That knife you saw in the bedroom.

[Ben Romero]

There was blood on it, all over it. It was terrible.

[Joe Friday]

Did you ever see the knife before?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Yeah, Roy gave it to my mom last year. It's a bolo knife. Who is this? Roy. Mom's boyfriend. One of them. He's in the Navy.

[Joe Friday]

Was he at your house tonight?

[Ben Romero]

I told you, it was just mom and I. Roy had a fight with mom about two weeks ago. He said he didn't like her having other boyfriends. And they had a fight?

[Joe Friday]

They argued. Is that what you mean?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. And once Royce left my manager. You want one of these, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

No. No, thanks, Harry.

[Ben Romero]

There's your coke, Robin. Oh, yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Son, did you know most of your mother's friends?

[Ben Romero]

Most of them, yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Can you think of any of them who might have wanted to hurt your mother?

[Ben Romero]

I don't know. Roy Palmer, maybe. He was mad at her. He's the only one I can think of. I don't know. I don't want to think about it anymore.

[Joe Friday]

All right, son. We won't bother you anymore tonight. Thanks a lot.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Ben, you want to follow through with juvenile hall, See if the boy's taken care of.

[Ben Romero]

Okay. You gonna be in the interrogation room?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I got a few more questions for Roy Palmer.

[Ben Romero]

Right. Check you later. Okay.

[Joe Friday]

Cry.

[Mandy]

Am I back yet? Friday?

[Joe Friday]

No, not yet, Captain. Just talked with the Reynolds boy.

[Mandy]

Yeah?

[Ben Romero]

Can't believe anything that kid tells you. He's a liar. He hates me.

[Joe Friday]

You give him reason to hate you, Palmer?

[Ben Romero]

The kid's a liar, that's all.

[Joe Friday]

You were his mother's boyfriend. He says two weeks ago you had a fight with her, that you slapped her.

[Ben Romero]

All right, I slapped her. That don't make it murder.

[Joe Friday]

I wasn't near that house last night.

[Ben Romero]

And I didn't kill her.

[Joe Friday]

We found your knife in her bag.

[Ben Romero]

Huh?

[Mandy]

A bolo.

[Joe Friday]

Knife, bone handle.

[Ben Romero]

That's not mine. I gave it to her a year ago for a present. Didn't even know she still had it. Look, why do you have to pick on me?

[Mandy]

Because you had a motive and you haven't got an alibi.

[Ben Romero]

What about all those bums you used to run around with? Why don't you ask them for alibis?

[Mandy]

When we find them, we'll ask them.

[Joe Friday]

Do you know any of them, Palmer? The other men that she went out with?

[Ben Romero]

How'd I know? Only time she ran around was when I was on sea duty.

[Mandy]

And how'd you know she was running around?

[Ben Romero]

Friends of mine. They saw her out with these guys.

[Joe Friday]

I'll get her. Interrogation room. Friday.

[Ben Romero]

Lee Jones. Joe. Just got back from the Dixon house.

[Joe Friday]

Anything off to fast start?

[Ben Romero]

Leighton Prince. Checked the murder weapon, that knife, dusted the handle.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Fingerprints? Perfect set.

[Joe Friday]

Captain Steed and I took the suspect, Roy Palmer, down the hall and had his fingerprints taken at the same time. Across the street in the crime lab, a set of fingerprints were lifted from the weapon which had taken the life of Mrs. Betty Dixon. The two sets of prints were checked and rechecked they didn't match. Every object in the murder house was gone over for fingerprints and further evidence. Roy Palmer's fingerprints were on none of them. He was released pending further investigation. The only suspect in one of the most savage murders in the history of the city was free. The next morning. Captain Steed and I met with Chief of Detective Thad Brown about the dead woman's son.

[Ben Romero]

You talked to him again?

[Joe Friday]

Well, Romero's with him now. He's taking down a list of all the people that his mother knew. Friends, neighbors, everybody. No luck yet with a set of fingerprints?

[Mandy]

No. We've got no record on him. Checking them through Washington. We ought to get a kickback pretty soon.

[Ben Romero]

Set of prints and a piece of envelope.

[Joe Friday]

That's physical evidence, huh? Yeah. One of the top corners off an envelope had a postmark on it. Sonoma.

[Ben Romero]

Sonoma. Tie in with anything yet?

[Joe Friday]

No, not so far. Might turn up when we start checking the victim's friends. They posted the body this morning.

[Captain Steed]

She saw this coroner's report?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, I did.

[Joe Friday]

I don't have to tell you you're.

[Ben Romero]

Not after an ordinary killer.

[Mandy]

23 knife wounds.

[Ben Romero]

Revenge motive, maybe?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, the reaction of the dead woman's neighbors. That's what's got me stopped.

[Ben Romero]

No one heard a thing.

[Mandy]

Mitchell and Didion are still covering the neighborhood. Haven't found anyone yet who saw or heard anything unusual.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I can't buy it. A woman isn't just cut down like that without some kind of a commotion. Besides, the homes in that neighborhood are fairly close together.

[Mandy]

Shouldn't take much to make yourself heard from one house to the other.

[Ben Romero]

No sign of robbery or burglary?

[Joe Friday]

No. According to the boy, the house is intact. Nobody touched anything. It leaves you with a boyfriend angle. Lovers quarrel. We're stuck with it. Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Hi, Chief. Rommel.

[Mandy]

How'd you make her up?

[Ben Romero]

Better than I thought. Boy was over most of his shot this morning.

[Joe Friday]

Did he talk?

[Ben Romero]

Five pages of names and addresses. He gave me all of them.

[Joe Friday]

How about that boyfriend angle?

[Ben Romero]

About half a dozen names. Seems her mother had quite a social life since the boy's father died. You confirmed the boy's story about going to the movies?

[Mandy]

Yeah, it checks out.

[Ben Romero]

Pretty nice kid, considering the environment he's been raised in.

[Joe Friday]

How about those names, Ben? Any of them list Sonoma is their hometown?

[Ben Romero]

No, I don't think so. Let me check here. No, no, no. Huh? Oh, none of them.

[Mandy]

All right, you better start digging into that list. Postmark may tie in later. Meantime, you still have that set of fingerprints.

[Joe Friday]

No chance for Mistake there.

[Ben Romero]

When you reach the right man, those prints will connect him with the killing.

[Mandy]

That makes it simple for you. Prince will tell us who he is. You got only one answer to dig for.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Mandy]

Where he is.

[Joe Friday]

Thursday, September 30, 11am we started checking the list of the murdered woman's friends through RNI for any possible criminal record. It's usually the case that a major crime rates headline space twice when the crime is committed, when the criminal is apprehended. Between the two, more than often, there's a space of weeks and months, sometimes even years, in which the police officer goes through the monotonous, undramatic business of checking files, asking questions, sifting and sorting leads and evidence until he finally reaches the criminal. For a news story, it's pretty dull material, but it proves out the contention of most working detectives. You don't catch criminals with headlines. Monday, October 4th. We checked with Ms. Lucille Dana, a counter clerk at a little market out on Crenshaw.

[Ben Romero]

It's a terrible thing.

[Melissa]

I've been away on my vacation. Heard about it when I got home yesterday.

[Ben Romero]

You were pretty good friends with Betty Dixon, that right, Ms. Dana?

[Melissa]

Yeah, pretty close. Excuse me a minute. I'll take care of this customer.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, all right.

[Melissa]

Is everything, sir?

[Ben Romero]

No. Two bags of them jelly beans, please.

[Melissa]

All right.

[Ben Romero]

Okay. That's a.

[Melissa]

That's 1987. Nine. 87. This is not marked. Just a minute, Tommy.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Melissa]

Number two corned beef. How much?

[Ben Romero]

Just a minute. 67.

[Melissa]

Thanks. 217. Out of five. 2. 17, 2. 20, 25. $53.

[Ben Romero]

4.

[Joe Friday]

5.

[Melissa]

Thank you.

[Ben Romero]

Okay.

[Melissa]

I just can't get over it, Sergeant. Poor Betty.

[Joe Friday]

We understand that you used to go out with The Dixon woman, Ms. Dana. Do you know most of her close friends?

[Melissa]

Well, most of her men friends. We used to double date a lot together.

[Ben Romero]

Mm.

[Joe Friday]

I wonder if you'd take a look at this list of names that we have here.

[Melissa]

All right, let's see.

[Joe Friday]

Now. Does that about COVID all her boyfriends? All that you knew of anyway?

[Melissa]

Yeah, I think so. Let's see. Tony Morris Galbraith. Al O'Neal. You don't have Floyd down here.

[Ben Romero]

Who was that? Floyd who?

[Melissa]

I never did know what his last name was. He used to take both of us out. Betty and I seemed to like her quite a bit.

[Joe Friday]

When's the last time she was out with him, do you know?

[Melissa]

Oh, five or six months ago, at least. Kind of strange.

[Ben Romero]

How do you mean, Floyd?

[Melissa]

Jealous, you know, hot temper. Said he was Spanish, but he had a light complexion. Oh, excuse me. Please.

[Joe Friday]

Sure.

[Melissa]

Yes, sir.

[Ben Romero]

A pack of that mint gum and.

[Joe Friday]

Some lighter flints, please.

[Melissa]

Yes, sir. 25. Thank you.

[Ben Romero]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Could you describe this Floyd force, Ms. Dan?

[Melissa]

Well, he was kind of fresh and conceited in some ways. He was attractive. A lot of fun.

[Ben Romero]

How about his physical appearance, weight and height?

[Melissa]

About six feet, I'd say. Nice build. 180 pounds, I guess. Dark hair, dark brown eyes, good dancing.

[Joe Friday]

How'd he and Ms. Dixon get along?

[Melissa]

Oh, I don't think he did it. Floyd and Betty used to fight all the time, but she used to fight with Roy Palmer, too. I don't think Floyd did it.

[Ben Romero]

Is he in town now? Do you know?

[Melissa]

No, I don't. As I say, last time I saw him was six months ago.

[Ben Romero]

Did you know if Mrs. Dixon saw him recently?

[Melissa]

She did. She didn't tell me.

[Joe Friday]

You have no idea then where we could get in touch with this Floyd?

[Melissa]

Well, no, I don't. He's from up north originally.

[Joe Friday]

Is that so?

[Melissa]

Yeah, Sonoma.

[Joe Friday]

Ben and I went back to the office and got up a teletype to the Sonoma Police Department along with a description of the suspect named Floyd. Then we checked with the 16 year old son of the murdered woman. He remembered the man called Floyd, and essentially his description of the suspect checked out with that given us by his mother's friend, Lucille Dana. 3:00pm we met with Lieutenant Harry Didion and Captain Steed.

[Mandy]

You want to fill him in?

[Ben Romero]

Didion finally got in touch with the dead woman's next door neighbor. His name's Conroy. Get anything out of him? They seem to be the only ones who heard anything the night of the murder.

[Joe Friday]

What'd they have to say?

[Ben Romero]

Let's see. Yeah, they saw Mrs. Dixon's son Robert leave the house about 7:30 the night of the murder. And nothing till 8:30.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Heard loud pounding in the back door of the Dixon home. The door finally opened. They heard an angry woman's voice invite the person in.

[Joe Friday]

A man?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Any description? Not much. He was tall, good bill, not much. Jack Swan. Neighbors said it was quiet then for about an hour. Then they heard a woman crying. Said it sounded like Mrs. Dixon.

[Joe Friday]

They make out any of the conversation?

[Ben Romero]

I got it right here. About 9:30, they heard Mrs. Dixon a lot of loud talking. She said, why don't you kill me then, Floyd? Put me out of my misery. Mm.

[Joe Friday]

Anything else?

[Ben Romero]

They said it was quiet between 9:30 and 10 and they heard something that sounded like the thud of a body falling on the floor, a piece of furniture overturned, no screams. For help. Funny. But the neighbors say no. The only other thing they heard was Mrs. Dixon. Here's a quote. She said, do a good job. Finish me off.

[Mandy]

None of the neighbors thought of calling the police.

[Ben Romero]

They told me they didn't want to get mixed up in a family fight. None of their business. She had quite a few men visitors.

[Joe Friday]

That's all of it, huh?

[Ben Romero]

No, one more thing. I guess this is what made the neighbors think everything was all right. About 10:15, they heard a man's voice. Couldn't make out any words. Then they heard Mrs. Dixon say, Please kiss me goodbye. A few minutes after that, they heard someone leap at the back door. They seem not very good. They think it was the same man they saw go in. Pretty tall, good build. That's it.

[Mandy]

Where does it leave us?

[Ben Romero]

Pretty weird. How about that?

[Joe Friday]

Oh, I don't know.

[Mandy]

She was supposed to be a sane woman. She'd have to be pretty drunk to ask a man to kill her.

[Ben Romero]

A man would have to be pretty drunk to take her up on it.

[Mandy]

Why? The killer used that BOLO knife on the victim. That piece of envelope we found by the body.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah? It was postmarked Sonoma. There's a state mental hospital up there.

[Mandy]

Just a hunch.

[Joe Friday]

Maybe we're dealing with a maniac. 4pm Monday. R& I could give us nothing because of the meager description. Ben and I checked out of the office and went over to the State building to the Department of State Institutions. First, we checked the name Floyd through the files, using it as a last name, then as a first name. We failed to connect. Either the names didn't fit the description of the suspect or they were elderly men still confined to the institution at Sonoma. We checked through the files using Floyd as a middle name. We came up with two recent parolees from Sonoma. Both matched the description almost perfectly. Both had the middle name of Floyd. We checked out the first one, Charles Floyd Johansen. We found out that he'd been returned to Sonoma almost a month before the second parolee still had his freedom. We took a set of his fingerprints back to the office and had them checked out with a set of prints found on the murder weapon.

[Ben Romero]

How's it shaped up, Joy? Richard Floyd Coleman. That's the right name.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. And he make he's your killer.

[Captain Steed]

You are listening to Dragnet. The case history of a police investigation presented in the public interest by Fatima Cigarettes.

[Joe Friday]

If you smoke a long cigarette, it will be in your interest to listen to a typical case history of a Fatima smoker.

[Captain Steed]

It's the case of skating star Helen Davidson of the 1951 Ice Capades. This is her actual signed statement.

[Melissa]

Recently on tour with the Ice Capades, I've noticed more and more people smoking Fatima. You know why? If you like king size cigarettes, you're bound to prefer the one that's extra mild. I know I do and I agree. It's wise to smoke extra mild Fatima.

[Joe Friday]

More and more smokers are discovering this every day. Actual figures show extra Mild Fatima has more than doubled its smokers coast to coast.

[Captain Steed]

So enjoy Extra Mild Fatima yourself.

[Joe Friday]

The king size cigarette which contains the finest Turkish and domestic tobaccos. Superbly blended. To make it extra mild, you will.

[Captain Steed]

Prefer Fatima's much different, much better flavor. You will agree it's wise to smoke extra mild Fatima.

[Melissa]

It's wise to smoke extra mild Fatima.

[Joe Friday]

The best of all long cigarettes. Monday, October 4, 7pm we got on an APB and a radiogram on Richard Floyd Coleman. We checked DMV for possible auto ownership. From his record, we found that he had been confined twice to the state mental hospital at Sonoma. The first time for a period of two years, the second time for 14 months. Hospital files showed us that on both occasions he had been committed by his older sister, Evelyn Coleman, his only living relative. Her address was listed as 5640 Upper Terrace, an apartment court in the East Wilshire district. We drove out to question her. In one of her apartment windows was a hand lettered sign. Seamstress dresses made to order. Evelyn Marie Coleman. She turned out to be a tall, quiet girl in her 30s, gray eyes, brown hair. She worked on the sewing machine while we talked with her.

[Melissa]

I'm sorry to be so rude, Sergeant, but I have to have this blouse ready by 2 this afternoon. Ms. Tallow's coming to call for it.

[Ben Romero]

It's Perfectly all right, Ms. Coleman.

[Melissa]

Exactly what was it you wanted to know?

[Joe Friday]

It's about your brother, Richard.

[Melissa]

Oh. Anything wrong?

[Joe Friday]

No, we're just checking, that's all. We'd like to talk to him.

[Melissa]

What about?

[Ben Romero]

Routine check. We understand he spent some time up at Sonoma.

[Melissa]

Yes, he did. Richard's had a hard time of it. Doctors don't seem to know the trouble. Poor Richard. He's so mixed up.

[Joe Friday]

You're his only living relative.

[Melissa]

Yes, I am. Folks died when we were both young. Practically raised Richard myself.

[Joe Friday]

Have you seen your brother lately, Ms. Corman?

[Melissa]

No, not lately. Why?

[Ben Romero]

Do you have any idea where we might contact him?

[Melissa]

Well, no, I don't. You see, he travels around the state a good deal.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, Is he working?

[Melissa]

No, but he rides from time to time. What was it you wanted to see him about, Sergeant?

[Joe Friday]

Just routine questioning. We like talk to him.

[Ben Romero]

Where was he when you last heard from him, Ms. Coombs?

[Melissa]

Well, couldn't you tell me what you want to see him about?

[Joe Friday]

We'd just like to question him, that's all.

[Melissa]

Well, what about? You can tell me.

[Joe Friday]

Is your brother in the city now?

[Melissa]

Oh, I don't know. I just got back. I haven't heard from him in two weeks. Almost three weeks.

[Ben Romero]

Does he usually stay here when he's in town?

[Melissa]

Well, sometimes, yes. Is Floyd in some kind of trouble?

[Joe Friday]

Is that the name he usually goes by, Floyd?

[Melissa]

Well, most of his friends call him Floyd. Why?

[Joe Friday]

You think he might be staying with one of his friends here in the city?

[Melissa]

Might be. I don't know. Look, Sergeant, if Floyd's in trouble, you can tell me. I've seen him through lots of trouble before.

[Joe Friday]

Not this kind, miss.

[Melissa]

Women. Oh, I wish there was something I could do.

[Ben Romero]

Where was he when you last heard from him?

[Melissa]

He was in Santa Barbara. He wrote me. Please, Sergeant, why do you have to see Floyd? Excuse me.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure. Hello.

[Melissa]

Oh, yes, Ms. Tyler. Uh huh. Well, maybe just a few minutes late. Would 2:30 be all right? Fine, thank you. All right, Miss Tyler. Bye. I'll have to hurry Mrs. Towler's blouse.

[Joe Friday]

Sure, you go right ahead.

[Melissa]

I really don't make much of a dressmaker, but I'm saving up. I'm gonna buy a place in the valley farther out. Be fine for Florida. Me be awfully good for him. Floyd has to get away from excitement. He's awfully nervous.

[Joe Friday]

Say, Ms. Coleman.

[Melissa]

Sergeant.

[Joe Friday]

Are those your brother's suitcases in the alcove back there?

[Melissa]

Yes, they are. They've been there for a month. I keep his odds and ends for him.

[Ben Romero]

I'm sure he hasn't been here in the past month.

[Melissa]

Oh, yes, I'm sure. Please, Sergeant, why don't you tell me the truth? I've been through this before. There's trouble with Floyd. What is it this time?

[Joe Friday]

Pretty bad.

[Melissa]

What is it?

[Joe Friday]

We want to ask him about a murder.

[Melissa]

Oh, no. He wouldn't do that. You're. You sure it was Floyd?

[Ben Romero]

We'd like to talk to him.

[Melissa]

Floyd.

[Ben Romero]

Floyd.

[Melissa]

It didn't have to happen. I was going to buy a place in the valley. Floyd would have liked it there. I was gonna take care of him out in the valley?

[Joe Friday]

Do you have any idea where we could find him, Ms. Coleman?

[Melissa]

No, I don't. I don't know where he is. Santa Barbara. That's the last I heard. I've been worried about him.

[Ben Romero]

If he was in the city, would he come here to stay, ma'am?

[Melissa]

Well, he did before, yes, but I don't know about now.

[Joe Friday]

Does he have a car?

[Melissa]

No, not that I know of. No, I. I don't know what he's living on. He doesn't have any money. Who was the woman?

[Ben Romero]

Mrs. Dixon seems to know your brother pretty well. Oh, boy.

[Joe Friday]

You better grab that, Ben.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, all right. Hello, Ed. That's all right. Thank you. Yeah, Mrs. Tyler. She'll pick up her blast tomorrow.

[Joe Friday]

Ben and I left Evelyn Coleman's place and went back to the office. A stakeout was placed on her apartment. Two days went by. Nothing happened. Despite the fact that the suspect's sister had promised to cooperate fully with us in locating her brother. A team of men was assigned to follow her wherever she went as insurance against any possible slip up. As far as we were concerned, no precaution was out of reason. A maniac was on the loose in the city. The same maniac who had murdered the Dixon woman. He'd done it once, and if the urge was there, he'd do it again. We sweated out the next three days. On the afternoon of the sixth day, we got an urgent call from one of the parole officers in the State institutions department. From Ms. Gertrude Vaughn. Ben and I went over and checked with her.

[Melissa]

Call came in about 20 minutes ago. Sergeant. Man's voice.

[Ben Romero]

What do you have to say?

[Melissa]

He wanted to talk to me about the Betty Dixon case. Seemed nervous.

[Joe Friday]

You say you knew anything about it?

[Melissa]

I didn't want to frighten him off asking too many questions. I got the idea he had something he wanted to get off his mind.

[Joe Friday]

Well, did he mention anything specific? I mean, names, places, anything like that?

[Melissa]

No, but I got the impression he knew quite a bit about the case.

[Ben Romero]

What else?

[Melissa]

He promised he'd be here by 4:00. Said he'd be ready to talk.

[Joe Friday]

Mm. Well, it's 2:45 now. All right, Ben.

[Ben Romero]

Okay.

[Joe Friday]

Pull up a chair. We waited. 3:15, 3:30, 3:45. No sign of the anonymous caller. 4:00pm still no sign. We waited. At 4:30, the office door opened and a tall, thin girl with brown hair came in and walked straight toward the desk of Parole Officer Gertrude Vaughn. We saw Ms. Vaughan motion the girl across the room toward us. It was Evelyn Coleman.

[Melissa]

Sergeant.

[Ben Romero]

Ms. Coleman, how are you?

[Melissa]

I know where Floyd is. I'll take you to him.

[Joe Friday]

4:35Pm Ben and I Left the State Building with Evelyn Coleman. Got in our car and drove north across the city according to her directions. Until we got on Highway 66. We continued driving north out of the city. Evelyn Coleman sat quiet in the backseat, looking at her, hands folded in her lap. Except for directions, she said nothing. Approximately three miles out of the city, she directed us off onto a county highway. We drove east for a few miles. Then we turned north onto an unpaved road lined with eucalyptus trees. We'd gone a little less than a mile when she directed us to pull up.

[Melissa]

We can walk the rest of the way.

[Ben Romero]

Okay.

[Melissa]

It's not far.

[Ben Romero]

All right.

[Melissa]

This way.

[Joe Friday]

Your brother been out here all this time?

[Melissa]

He didn't tell me. He called this morning. Supposed to get himself up.

[Ben Romero]

What happened?

[Melissa]

I don't know. He's worse now, I think. Could hardly understand him on the phone. Doesn't make sense.

[Joe Friday]

Is he alone now?

[Melissa]

He was when I left him. We go across this field here.

[Ben Romero]

Okay.

[Joe Friday]

Is your brother armed?

[Melissa]

No.

[Ben Romero]

Is that it over there?

[Melissa]

Yeah. Shack by the trees. You'll see he's treated right.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am. We'll see to it.

[Ben Romero]

Evelyn. Heavy.

[Melissa]

I brought them in, Floyd. They'll take you back.

[Ben Romero]

I'm Richard. Floyd Coleman. I want to tell you I killed Betty Dixon.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Ben.

[Ben Romero]

I wanted to marry her. She didn't want it. She dared me to kill her. I grabbed a knife.

[Joe Friday]

We can talk about it later, huh?

[Ben Romero]

She was lying on the floor. She said, kiss me goodbye. I held onto her. She seemed to go to sleep.

[Melissa]

We have to go, Floyd.

[Ben Romero]

You tell him, Evie. I loved her. You tell him that.

[Melissa]

Yeah, I will.

[Ben Romero]

She dared me to kill her. She said I didn't have the nerve. She asked me to.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Come on.

[Ben Romero]

Try to tell him that at the hospital.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

I'm not crazy.

[Joe Friday]

The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Captain Steed]

On December 4, trial was held in Superior Court Department 86, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial.

[Ben Romero]

And now, here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you. To prove a suspect's guilt or innocence, as in tonight's case. The working detective spends many a long hour with a man in question in the interrogation room, the crime lab, with his friends, his enemies. Gets to know his man well. And so, with a cigarette, if you're a long cigarette smoker like I am, get to know Fatima. Live with it a while. Pack after pack, their extra mile. Get to know the best of all long cigarettes. Smoke. Fatima.

[Captain Steed]

Richard Floyd Coleman was examined by six psychiatrists appointed by the court and was found to be criminally insane. He was committed to the State Mental Hospital at Mendocino for an indefinite period of time. You have just heard Dragnet, a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice for Dragnet comes from the office of Chief of Police W.A.

[Joe Friday]

W.H.

[Captain Steed]

Wharton, Los Angeles Police Department.

[Joe Friday]

Fatima Cigarettes the best of all Long Cigarettes has brought you Dragnet from Los Angeles.

[Ben Romero]

Sarah Burner is delightful in Sarah's private.

[Captain Steed]

Caper, next on NBC.

[Joe Friday]

Listeners, as we go into a new year, we all have a lot on our plates. There are backpacking trips across Europe to plan, personal best to crush in the gym, and capsule wardrobes to create good thing. Our sponsor, NerdWallet is here to take one thing off your plate. Finding the best financial products introducing NerdWallet's 2025 Best of Awards. List your shortcut to the best credit cards, savings accounts and more. The nerds have done the work for you, researching and reviewing over 1100 financial products to bring you only the best of the best. Looking for a balance transfer credit card with 0% APR? They've got a winner for that. Or a bank account with a top rate to hit your savings goals? They've got a winner for that too. Know you're getting the best products for you without doing all the research yourself. So let NerdWallet do the heavy lifting for your finances this year and head over to their 2025 Best of Awards at NerdWallet.com awards to find the best financial products today. Marketing is hard, but I'll tell you a little secret. It doesn't have to be. Let me point something out. You're listening to a podcast right now and it's great. You love the host. You seek it out and download it. You listen to it while driving, working out, cooking, even going to the bathroom. Podcasts are a pretty close companion. And this is a podcast ad. Did I get your attention? You can reach great listeners like yourself with podcast advertising from Libsyn Ads. Choose from hundreds of top podcasts offering host endorsements or run a pre produced ad like this one across thousands of shows to reach your target audience in their favorite podcasts with Libsyn ads, go to Libsynads.com that's L I B S Y N ads.com today the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Captain Steed]

Fatima Cigarettes. Best of all, Long Cigarettes brings you Dragnet.

[Joe Friday]

You're a detective sergeant. You're Assigned to narcotics detail.

[Captain Steed]

A large hospital in your city is held up.

[Joe Friday]

$10,000 in high grade narcotics is stolen. The bandits escape. Your job. Get em. If you want a long cigarette, Smoke the best of all long cigarettes. Smoke extra mild Fatima. Yes, Fatima is the king size cigarette. Which contains the finest Turkish and domestic tobaccos. Superbly blended to make it extra mild. To give Fatima a much different, much better flavor and aroma than any other long cigarette. That's why Fatima has more than doubled its smokers coast to coast. Enjoy extra mild Fatima yourself. Best of all long cigarettes. It's wise to smoke extra mild, Fatima.

[Melissa]

It's wise to smoke extra mild. Fatima.

[Captain Steed]

Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes. In cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department. You will travel step by step on the side of the law. Through an actual case. From official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

It was Monday, October 23rd. It was foggy in Los Angeles. We were working a day watch out of narcotics detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Captain Kearney. My name's Friday. It was 7:16am when we got to St. Christopher's Hospital. The pharmacy. How you do? Yes, police officer. Sister, would you like to see Sister Mary Benedict?

[Melissa]

I'm she.

[Ben Romero]

Mother Superior sent us down to see you, Sister. We're investigating the narcotics robbery.

[Melissa]

Oh, yes. There have been quite a few policemen here in the past hour. I believe it was the fingerprint men who just left. Just a minute. I have their card. Yes, they were from Layton, Fingerprint Division.

[Ben Romero]

Stahl and the boys from Layton Print?

[Melissa]

Yes, that's right. Sergeant Harlan Stahl.

[Joe Friday]

Sister, we're the investigating officers assigned to the case. This is Sergeant Romero. My name's Friday.

[Melissa]

Are you a lieutenant?

[Joe Friday]

No, I'm a sergeant. I wonder if you could start right from the beginning for us. Just tell us what you know about the robbery.

[Melissa]

Well, after mass, I went to breakfast. And then I came downstairs here to the pharmacy to open up.

[Ben Romero]

You keep the pharmacy locked overnight?

[Melissa]

Oh, yes, always. We always assign an intern on night duty. He has the key in case any medicines are needed during the night. He's authorized to issue what may be needed upon the doctor's request.

[Joe Friday]

Who else has a key to the pharmacy?

[Melissa]

Sister, they're just three keys. Mother Superior keeps one at her desk. And we have one for the intern on duty. And I have one.

[Joe Friday]

All right, you want to go on?

[Melissa]

When I got down here this morning, I started to unlock the door. And Found it ajar. There were no lights on. I snapped on the wall switch. That one. That's when I saw young Jimmy Lyons.

[Ben Romero]

That's the intern?

[Melissa]

Yes. He was unconscious on the floor. I could see his head had been cut. He was bleeding profusely.

[Joe Friday]

What'd you do then?

[Melissa]

I called Mother Superior and she came right down. Dr. Spencer was summoned. He came in and started administering aid to intern Lyons, there on the floor.

[Joe Friday]

Is that when you found out the narcotics were missing?

[Melissa]

No, not just at that moment. Both Mother Superior and myself were quite worried about young Lyons condition. It was really Mother Superior who first noticed the narcotics safe had been tampered with.

[Ben Romero]

Your stories don't exactly jibe there, Sister.

[Melissa]

How do you mean?

[Joe Friday]

Mother Superior gives you credit for first noticing the theft.

[Melissa]

Oh, my. No. She's very charitable. But she's the first one who pointed to the safe. She's very observant.

[Joe Friday]

I understand. Go ahead, please.

[Melissa]

Upon checking the safe, we found that someone had taken our entire store of narcotics. Everything.

[Joe Friday]

Is that the safe over there?

[Melissa]

Yes, that's the narcotics safe. Don't touch that, Mr. Friday. No, no, never. Nothing is to be touched until the police have completed their investigation. Clues.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we're the police, Sister.

[Melissa]

Then do you have all the clues you need?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I wouldn't know. But the men from Latent Fingerprints have dusted everything here, so it's all right to touch things now.

[Melissa]

That was Mr. Harland. Stall his men.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, that's right.

[Melissa]

Oh, I didn't know.

[Ben Romero]

We understand you have the inventory list.

[Melissa]

Yes, I have it on my desk here.

[Ben Romero]

Thank you.

[Melissa]

We keep a running inventory. So that's the exact amount that's missing?

[Ben Romero]

Yes, ma'am. Cocaine and morphine. No bird's eye, Jill. Big haul, huh? Looks like about 10,000 worth.

[Joe Friday]

Like to have a copy of this inventory, Sister?

[Melissa]

Would you take the carbon? I like to keep the originals for my monthly files.

[Joe Friday]

I'll be fine.

[Ben Romero]

Outside of this intern Lyons, nobody saw whoever it was?

[Melissa]

No. Mother Superior and I have interrogated everyone. We made a thorough investigation on our own. I took notes.

[Ben Romero]

That so?

[Melissa]

Yes, that's the way Father Brown does it.

[Ben Romero]

Father Brown?

[Melissa]

Yes, he's an expert. Detective Brown?

[Ben Romero]

You wouldn't mean Thad Brown?

[Melissa]

No, Father Brown.

[Ben Romero]

Father Brown. You people have your own detectives now?

[Melissa]

Oh, my. No, he's not a regular detective. He's more like Mother Superior and myself.

[Ben Romero]

Is that right?

[Melissa]

Yes, he's in England. Solve some really difficult cases. Here, I'll show you. See, right here, the triple cross. Another exciting Father Brown Mystery by G.K. chesterton. Oh, yes. I have all but one of the Father Brown books. Mother Superior has it. I get it after she finishes.

[Ben Romero]

Mm.

[Joe Friday]

What's the condition of the Internet?

[Melissa]

He's resting comfortably. Dr. Spencer says he'll be all right. Had to take nine stitches in his scalp.

[Joe Friday]

We'd like to talk to him.

[Melissa]

I'm sure that'll be all right. I don't have to tell you we all think this is a terrible thing.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, Sister, it is.

[Melissa]

All those narcotics, whoever took them will distribute them, won't they?

[Joe Friday]

Well, that's our guess, Sister. The stuff will be sold to addicts.

[Melissa]

What makes a dope addiction? How did they get started? Why did they do it?

[Ben Romero]

I don't know, Sister. I give you a lot of reasons.

[Melissa]

None of them good.

[Joe Friday]

None of them good.

[Melissa]

And for a few moments. Of what? Tonight they have it. And tomorrow they have nothing.

[Joe Friday]

It's about the size of it, Sister.

[Melissa]

The stars are setting and the caravan starts for the dawn of nothing.

[Ben Romero]

The Bible?

[Melissa]

No. Omar Khayyam.

[Joe Friday]

Before we left St Christopher's Hospital, we talked with intern James Lyons. Since he was slugged from behind, he failed to see his assailant. He could tell us nothing. The entire hospital staff was screened thoroughly. They could add nothing to what we already knew. Between 6 and 7 o'clock that morning, $10,000 worth of high grade prescription narcotics had been stolen. Somewhere in the city of Los Angeles was the answer. As in all narcotics cases, speed is the prime factor. Whoever held those narcotics wouldn't waste any time diluting or cutting it and making it ready for quick sale. Our job was to stop them. Five minutes past 8am we checked in with Sergeant Harlan Stahl at Layton Fingerprints Detail.

[Ben Romero]

Not much help, is it? That's all you got, huh? The safe was clean. Not a print on it. No prints anywhere in the room. Slug the intern from behind, took his keys, tore a belt loop off his trousers, opened the safe and waltzed out. Couldn't have been cleaner.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

You didn't get anything on your end, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Nothing.

[Mandy]

Gentlemen.

[Ben Romero]

Captain.

[Mandy]

I picked one up.

[Ben Romero]

Who is he?

[Mandy]

Junker by the name of Babe Kellogg. He's really Stein, Steve, but he's coming out of it. Let's go talk to him. Check you later. Stall.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. What's the story on Wallace and Hunt?

[Mandy]

Picked him up downtown LA, sitting in a parked car at 4th and Broadway. Thought at first he was a 390, but they couldn't raise him. He's down this way.

[Joe Friday]

What else?

[Mandy]

Well, Wallace figured he must be geared up, so they rolled up his sleeve to look for the spike marks. They found him.

[Ben Romero]

Find anything on him?

[Mandy]

Yeah, there were two vials of M on the seat behind him, beside him. Prescription stuff. Got that list of serial numbers from the hospital?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, right here.

[Mandy]

All right, let's go. Walters.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah?

[Mandy]

Captain Friday's got a list of the serial numbers on that hospital heist. Hop down and check them against the vials you found in his car.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, here you are, Walter.

[Ben Romero]

Thanks, Joe.

[Mandy]

How you feeling, babe?

[Ben Romero]

All right.

[Mandy]

Kelloggis is Friday and Romero. Central division.

[Ben Romero]

Hi, Simon.

[Mandy]

You want to tell us about it?

[Ben Romero]

Nothing to tell.

[Joe Friday]

Living high, aren't you? It's not the way I get it. You're scoring good prescription stuff.

[Ben Romero]

Birthday present from a friend. Who is it wanting to keep his friendship?

[Mandy]

Who's your connection, babe?

[Ben Romero]

I don't know.

[Mandy]

You know that morphine we picked out of your car is hot?

[Ben Romero]

Is it in all of it?

[Joe Friday]

Hospital pharmacy was knocked over this morning. If the numbers on those vials of yours match up, you're in a real jam.

[Ben Romero]

No numbers on them.

[Joe Friday]

You might as well tell us where you got it.

[Ben Romero]

I'm not gonna be a fagin for you. Nobody's asking to be a fagin, Kellogg. That's high powered stuff. If we don't get anybody else, it can go hard for you. I'm not gonna bite the hand that feeds me.

[Mandy]

You want to stand it alone on this one? Not the idea.

[Ben Romero]

I didn't say that one of us.

[Mandy]

Isn'T gonna go along and hold your hand. How about it? Who's your connection?

[Joe Friday]

All right. It isn't gonna be a long wait, Kellogg. Soon as Walters gets back with those serial numbers, you can play hero all afternoon.

[Mandy]

That'll be on the 12th floor of the county jail, babe. You won't have to wait long there, either. The minute you put one foot in that cartoon, the judge will throw you. Throw everything he's got at you.

[Ben Romero]

Two bottles of drugstore stuff.

[Joe Friday]

Robbery. Kellogg. $10,000.

[Ben Romero]

This is good, but two bottles ain't worth that much.

[Joe Friday]

You only show a part of it. Maybe you got the rest of it at your plant.

[Ben Romero]

You got my plant? 1931 Essex, four wheel brakes. Your car's being jacked out. Didn't find any more, did you? No, I couldn't be that lucky. You feel pretty good now, but you'll get a yen on. You won't help me. You never do. When's the last time you helped us? Your memory's worse than mine. I helped you. I helped you guys a lot. Don't you remember the Frank smith plant.

[Mandy]

No.

[Ben Romero]

1933. Friday night last. I led you right to Smitty's plant. Smitty didn't have no geezer like he found on me. He was a big man. We turned up four kites on him.

[Mandy]

Not for us, you didn't.

[Ben Romero]

Sure I did. Right here in Kansas City. I done you a big favor that night. Friday night last.

[Joe Friday]

A different town on a different night, babe.

[Ben Romero]

You're kidding. In the St. Louis seeing Steve. Yeah, don't kid me along. This is Kansas City. How is the St. Louis?

[Mandy]

You're in Los Angeles, babe. Los Angeles, California.

[Ben Romero]

You kidding? Clannard wouldn't do that to me.

[Joe Friday]

Who's Clannard?

[Ben Romero]

Levin, from Baltimore. Hangs out down at the Continental Hotel.

[Joe Friday]

That's in Kansas City.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, Marty Clinard. Tough cop. He said to make a hut for me. He didn't want me at KC he gave me a floater out of town. That's why I came here to St. Louis.

[Mandy]

You're in Los Angeles, babe. You got it? Los Angeles.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, yeah. You told me. Want to step outside a minute?

[Mandy]

Yeah. Stay with him. Romero.

[Ben Romero]

Right. That's it.

[Joe Friday]

Checks out, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Somebody cut through the serial number stamps on the vials. But you can still make them out. The two vials of morphine we found in Kellogg's car were from the hospital pharmacy.

[Mandy]

Thanks, Wallace. Let's try it again, Freddy.

[Joe Friday]

Right.

[Mandy]

All right, babe. Now let's cut out the jokes. Those two vials you had came from the hospital. A numbers checkout.

[Ben Romero]

No numbers on those vials.

[Mandy]

How do you know? You probably didn't even look at them.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, yeah, I looked. No numbers on them.

[Joe Friday]

We found them all right.

[Ben Romero]

I don't see how you could read them. I couldn't. Why not? Somebody scratched them off. Who, Ben? You wouldn't know him.

[Mandy]

Try us.

[Ben Romero]

How much heat do I have to stand if I take it alone?

[Mandy]

Plenty. There was an intern slugged on that job. Hurt pretty bad. They're gonna tag you for assault, too.

[Ben Romero]

I never hurt anybody in my life.

[Joe Friday]

How do we know?

[Ben Romero]

I just told you. We don't know you didn't pull this job. We haven't got any proof. Once more. What's the count?

[Mandy]

Goes like this, babe. First degree robbery, five years to life. Assault with a deadly weapon, one to 10. Violation of the state narcotics act. One to 15, you can add. That'll lose you up there. You can get a real yen on by that time. There's no buzzing up at Q. I.

[Ben Romero]

Can'T go that route.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you get the stuff?

[Ben Romero]

I'D rather be a Fagin than spend 50 years at the joint.

[Joe Friday]

You convinced us. Where'd you get it?

[Ben Romero]

Anybody turned Fagin before they spent 50 years at Kew? No, I can't go that route.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you get it, babe?

[Ben Romero]

From some Joy Popper. Who? I gave him 700 bucks. Clean me crew company. Passing himself off as a croaker. I can spot a guy who's been hitting speedballs a mile away. I knew he wasn't any croaker.

[Joe Friday]

What was his name?

[Ben Romero]

He was scarring good somewhere. I'll let Cecil and marry. Now I know where he got us.

[Mandy]

Give us his name, babe.

[Ben Romero]

He's a bit player in pictures. Leonard Castle.

[Joe Friday]

Where is he?

[Ben Romero]

Yuma, Arizona. On location.

[Mandy]

How could he be on location when you bought that stuff from him this morning?

[Ben Romero]

Hopped the plane this morning. He was on his way.

[Mandy]

Leonard Castle, picture act. Is that right?

[Ben Romero]

You got it.

[Mandy]

Run it down.

[Joe Friday]

10:00Am we checked the name Leonard Castle through our and I. We found nothing. We looked in the phone book and got the number. Garfield 3711. Central Casting.

[Melissa]

Central Casting.

[Joe Friday]

Los Angeles Police Department calling.

[Melissa]

Yes, sir.

[Joe Friday]

Do you have a Leonard Castle registered with you?

[Ben Romero]

One moment.

[Melissa]

Yes, we do.

[Joe Friday]

Wonder if you could tell me if he's working.

[Melissa]

Oh, just a minute. I have his card right here. Yes, he's working. He's doing crime report for Schumann and Kester. Independent Production. They're shooting over at Soundstages Incorporated.

[Joe Friday]

He working today?

[Melissa]

Yes, he is.

[Joe Friday]

You're sure that company's not on location?

[Melissa]

No, we have no location showing for that picture.

[Joe Friday]

Could you give me his call, please?

[Melissa]

Surely. He had a 9 o'clock call today. Stage three. Did you wish to see Mr. Castle?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Melissa]

You shouldn't have any trouble locating him over there.

[Joe Friday]

We'll find him.

[Captain Steed]

You are listening to Dragnet. Actual case histories taken from official police files.

[Joe Friday]

If you smoke a long cigarette, it will be in your interest to listen to these case histories taken from the file marked Fatima.

[Captain Steed]

On this card. Reporter Lee Silver. Statement.

[Ben Romero]

I need an extra mild cigarette. No other long cigarette I've tried is as mild as Fatima.

[Captain Steed]

Here is nurse Shirley Gilman's statement.

[Melissa]

When I go off duty, I appreciate a mild cigarette. Fatimas are extra mild. I can enjoy them more.

[Captain Steed]

On this card, the statement by drama Critic Richard Watts, Jr.

[Ben Romero]

Anyone can tell Fatima contains the finest tobaccos. It's extra mild and has a much better flavor.

[Joe Friday]

All agree it's wise to smoke extra mild Fatima. And that's what more and more smokers are discovering every day. Yes, actual Figures show Extra Mild Fatima has more than doubled its smokers coast to coast.

[Captain Steed]

So enjoy Extra Mild Fatima yourself.

[Joe Friday]

You'll agree it's wise to smoke Extra.

[Melissa]

Mild Fatima it's wise to smoke Extra Mild Fatima.

[Joe Friday]

Best of all, long cigarettes. 10:30am Central casting gave us Leonard Castle's home address. And Detectives Long and Hunt went on immediate stakeout. Ben and I drove out to Sound Stages Incorporated and checked in at the reception desk. We showed them our identification. We were issued a pass to Sound Stage three.

[Ben Romero]

This is Stage one. Stage three ought to be down there. Yeah. Not a very big lot now.

[Joe Friday]

It's pretty small. Watch the truck, Ben.

[Ben Romero]

Think Kellogg knew what he's talking about?

[Joe Friday]

We'll know in a couple of minutes.

[Ben Romero]

Not very usual, Joy Popper pulling a job like that.

[Joe Friday]

May all start somewhere.

[Ben Romero]

That's a good way to get around a movie lot. Bicep.

[Joe Friday]

Better than walking.

[Ben Romero]

Sure.

[Joe Friday]

A thick fog, isn't it?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. We don't have them often, but when we get in there, real pee. Super here.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you better hold it, Ben. Red light there. Shooting in there.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, yeah. I didn't see it. Well, Stage five, you know. Couldn't tell you. All clear. Let's go in.

[Joe Friday]

Hey, fella.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

Wonder if you can tell us where we could find Leonard Castle. Sure.

[Ben Romero]

Rosie, call Len Castle, will you? Fellas want to see him? Okay. Leonard Castle. Leonard Castle.

[Joe Friday]

Guess we can wait over here by the phone, huh?

[Ben Romero]

He'll be right here. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you, Rosie. You call me.

[Joe Friday]

These gentlemen want to see him.

[Ben Romero]

Thanks. Willie. You want to see me?

[Joe Friday]

Your name Leonard Castle?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's right.

[Joe Friday]

Police officers.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

There's someplace where we can talk.

[Ben Romero]

Well, is this all right? I got to stick close. I might be in the next shot.

[Joe Friday]

All right. You know a fellow by the name of Babe Kellogg?

[Ben Romero]

No.

[Joe Friday]

He says he knows you.

[Ben Romero]

No, I never heard of him.

[Joe Friday]

You sure put us on a bell, George. Hold the work.

[Ben Romero]

Quiet down.

[Joe Friday]

Fly it.

[Ben Romero]

Have to hold it a minute. They're lining up your shoe.

[Joe Friday]

Lefty. Move that brute about a foot and.

[Ben Romero]

A half to your right.

[Joe Friday]

That's it.

[Ben Romero]

Hold it right there. Make it a little hotter.

[Mandy]

A couple of turns.

[Ben Romero]

Whoa. Whoa. That's good, Baxter. Give me an incident. Ink right here. Camera left. Harry, when Fred Conrad crosses over at the table, can you help me out a little?

[Joe Friday]

Can you bring this one down about.

[Ben Romero]

Two points on the dimmer?

[Joe Friday]

Did you get that? All righty. Miller.

[Ben Romero]

Mr. Conrad. Yes, sir. Take it real easy. Remember, you don't know your sergeant. Got a clue until he comes to you with it? All right, you're anticipating a little bit. Okay, let's try. Bob, watch that mic shadow.

[Joe Friday]

We're getting it on that wall.

[Ben Romero]

Am I out now? Not too much. You come in a little. That's fine. You're clear already.

[Joe Friday]

We can try one.

[Ben Romero]

Turn him over. Roaming speed. Action.

[Joe Friday]

All right, chief. As soon as I get all the clues, I'll be right down.

[Ben Romero]

Look, I found this, honey.

[Joe Friday]

Piece of that broken window, huh?

[Ben Romero]

That's right. It's plastic with fingerprints.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, we got our men cut.

[Captain Steed]

Save him.

[Ben Romero]

Sure. Let's hold this fire, folks.

[Joe Friday]

You never heard of Babe Kellogg, huh?

[Ben Romero]

That's right. Where were you at 6:00 this morning, Castle? In bed. We got men out your place checking. What's it all about?

[Joe Friday]

Between 6 and 7 o'clock this morning, somebody robbed the place. Pharmacy at St Christopher's Hospital. They slugged the intern. Made off with over $10,000 worth of narcotics.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. If we find you were in bed between six and seven, you're clear.

[Mandy]

Well, I was.

[Joe Friday]

Anybody to back up that alibi?

[Ben Romero]

Well, landlady, I guess she'd know what.

[Joe Friday]

Time she'd generally get up.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, I don't know why she couldn't.

[Joe Friday]

Very well back you up. She was still asleep.

[Ben Romero]

Well, she's usually up early. Thought you said you didn't know what time she got up. Well, I meant I don't usually know.

[Joe Friday]

But you knew this morning. No, you don't know Babe Kellogg. Dimmer down, everybody.

[Ben Romero]

Let's have it quiet.

[Joe Friday]

Night, em all.

[Ben Romero]

What do you read on that, Junior?

[Joe Friday]

Harry.

[Ben Romero]

Nine plus. Make it a little hotter.

[Joe Friday]

A little hotter, Jack.

[Ben Romero]

That's it. Whoa. Ten plus, Steve. That's it.

[Joe Friday]

How about it, Steve?

[Ben Romero]

Anytime. Turn him over. Rolling spade. Action. All right, chief.

[Joe Friday]

As soon as I get all the clues, I'll be right in.

[Ben Romero]

Look what I found.

[Joe Friday]

Piece of broken window, huh?

[Ben Romero]

That's right.

[Joe Friday]

It's plastic with print. Yeah, we got our man cut.

[Ben Romero]

Jake, you said plastered with prints. The line reads plastered with fingerprints. You gotta say the whole word. They'll never know what you mean in Vancouver. Come here, I'll unpack. You hold the work. Keep it quiet. That's Millie. He's a tough director, but he's a good one.

[Joe Friday]

How long you been doing this kind of work, Castle?

[Ben Romero]

Oh, six, seven years.

[Joe Friday]

What pictures you been in?

[Ben Romero]

Oh, I don't think you'd have noticed. They're mostly small parts.

[Joe Friday]

What kind of part you got in this picture?

[Ben Romero]

I play a cop.

[Joe Friday]

What would you like to do in this picture? No, I mean what's your ambition? You gonna stay in pictures?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, I'd like to. I'd like to get a few bigger parts if I could. It's pretty tough to try and sell yourself to producer if he can't see you on film. Money's pretty good though, isn't it? Well, it all depends. It's a different deal on each picture you. Do you have an agent? No. I did have. Wasn't doing anything for me, so I let him go on. Not represented.

[Joe Friday]

Pretty hard to build any kind of a name without an agent, isn't it?

[Ben Romero]

It all depends if you can keep up a good front. Nice car. That's all that counts in this town.

[Joe Friday]

You really believe that, do you?

[Ben Romero]

Don't you?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know much about it. I'm not an actor.

[Ben Romero]

You said you didn't know Babe Kellogg at all, didn't you? No, I don't know.

[Joe Friday]

You said you saw Yolante at 6 o'clock this morning.

[Ben Romero]

No, I didn't say that. There's Theodore Milton, the director. Would you like to meet him?

[Joe Friday]

What time did you see your landlady this morning?

[Ben Romero]

Oh, Mr. Milton. Yacht Castle. When are you gonna get to me? Millie? You need me in the shop? No, still on the same thing. We'll get to you til after lunch. You can stay with your friends. Okay. What time does it break for lunch? Castle, this company usually breaks around 12:30. It's only 11:15. Maybe we can go outside and talk. The director said he didn't need you. Why? You never want to believe the director. It's always a first assistant. We could check with him, couldn't we? I don't like to do that. I hate to ask any favors. Said he wasn't going to use you till after lunch. Well, it isn't a good policy to bother the first assistant.

[Joe Friday]

It's probably better in here anyway. I didn't see any place sit down outside. Unless you have a car on the lot. Do you have a car?

[Ben Romero]

No, I don't.

[Joe Friday]

But you told us you had a car.

[Ben Romero]

No, I didn't tell you that, did I?

[Joe Friday]

You said something about keeping up a good front. Nice car. Isn't that what you said?

[Ben Romero]

Oh, sure, I have a car. I don't know what I was thinking about. Yeah, I have a car.

[Joe Friday]

I thought you said you had a car.

[Ben Romero]

Tell you this picture act will drive you crazy. I don't know what I'm saying after that. Maybe you made a mistake about Babe Kellogg. Do you know him? No. I'm sure about that. I don't know any babe. Carson Kellogg. Kellogg. You know, I, I, I don't know him.

[Joe Friday]

Would you mind showing us your wallet?

[Ben Romero]

What for? You want to see my identification? Can we see the wallet, please? All right.

[Joe Friday]

No, you hold it. Would you open it up?

[Mandy]

Quiet, please. All right, Steve.

[Ben Romero]

Okay, fair enough. Rolling bait. All right, nice and easy. Now. Fingerprints, Jake. Right. Action.

[Joe Friday]

All right, chief. As soon as I get all the clues, I'll be right in.

[Ben Romero]

Look what I found.

[Joe Friday]

Piece of broken window, huh?

[Ben Romero]

That's right. It's plastic with fingerprints. Yeah, we got our men cut. Save them. No talking, folks.

[Joe Friday]

See how much money you got in your wallet, Castle? No, you rolled it. Just count it. Course.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, there it is. What about the rest of it in there? All right, I didn't see it.

[Joe Friday]

All right, count it.

[Ben Romero]

Just a few hundred. Here.

[Joe Friday]

Count it.

[Ben Romero]

All right. See?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I can see 450s right there on top. That's 200, isn't it?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, it's 300. 400. 450. Yeah, go on. I didn't know I had this much. That's 250 more. That makes 700, doesn't it? It's more than I thought I had.

[Joe Friday]

There's two more tens and a five there. That's $725, Cassidy.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Doing pretty well on this picture, aren't you?

[Ben Romero]

It's not all picture money.

[Joe Friday]

All right, you can put your wallet away.

[Ben Romero]

Thanks. If you didn't make this money on the picture, where'd you get it? Played little cards last night. Play? Pretty late. Yeah, pretty late. Weren't you tired this morning? No. Not even when you got up at six? Did I say I got up at six?

[Joe Friday]

Now listen, Castle. You don't know what you said, but one thing's sure, you're lying to us. You know Babe Kellogg. And you owe him well enough to sell him two vials of high grade morphine.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, you're wrong about that.

[Joe Friday]

All right, then you set us straight. Kellogg says he paid you $700 for this stuff. You got over 700 in your wallet. That's more than you need for lunch money. Now, this could be a coincidence. You set us straight or you're wrong. Where'd you get the money?

[Ben Romero]

Turnover. Wrong. Speed. Action. All right, chief.

[Joe Friday]

Soon as I get all the clues.

[Ben Romero]

I'll be right in. Look what I found.

[Joe Friday]

Piece of broken window, huh?

[Ben Romero]

That's right.

[Joe Friday]

It's plastic with fingerprints. Yeah, we got our men, Cass.

[Ben Romero]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

What's more, where'd you get the money, Cassidy?

[Ben Romero]

I told you, I played cards.

[Joe Friday]

It Won't do. Got the keys to your car.

[Ben Romero]

I can't leave.

[Joe Friday]

We'll get you excused. We want to look at your car.

[Ben Romero]

No, no, don't do that.

[Joe Friday]

All right, then. Do you know Babe Kellogg?

[Ben Romero]

I. I don't know.

[Joe Friday]

Sternum rolling.

[Ben Romero]

Stink action. All right, chief.

[Joe Friday]

Since I get all the clues, I'll be right in. Piece of broken window, huh?

[Ben Romero]

That's right. There's plastic with fingerprints.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, we got our man.

[Ben Romero]

Cut. Print it. Hold it for Lily.

[Joe Friday]

Do you know Babe Kellogg?

[Ben Romero]

Yes. Yes, I know him.

[Mandy]

I know him.

[Joe Friday]

You robbed that hospital this morning.

[Ben Romero]

I needed it. I needed the money. I had to have it. I owed money. They were gonna take my car. I was broke. What else could I do? I was sick once. I stayed at St. Christopher's I knew where they kept the drugs. I knew if I could get them, I could make some fast money. I didn't mean to hit the kid. I couldn't let him see me. He didn't have to be there, did he? He didn't have to be. Beat her. I sold. All bad.

[Joe Friday]

The stuff.

[Ben Romero]

And the rest is in the car under the seat. I needed the money. I was broke.

[Mandy]

I was broke.

[Joe Friday]

Better get him out of here, Ben.

[Ben Romero]

Come on, Castle. That was a great reading. My name's Milton. I'm directing this picture. You the boy's agent?

[Joe Friday]

No, sir.

[Ben Romero]

Never heard him read better. Funny thing, though.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Ben Romero]

In front of the camera, he goes to the dogs.

[Joe Friday]

The story you've just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Captain Steed]

On January 28, trial was held in Superior Court Department 91, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial.

[Joe Friday]

And now, here is our star, Jack Webb. Thank you. The working detective in reaching the solution of a crime depends on the combined efforts of many minds and many hands. The crime lab, state and federal peace officers, and you, the citizen. And so, with Fatima, the combined efforts of many go into their blending and manufacture. Skilled hands working with the finest Turkish and domestic tobaccos make Fatima extra mild. Best of all, long cigarettes. If you're a long cigarette smoker like I am, try Fatima. Every pack is extra mild. Smoke Fatima. Ladies and gentlemen, starting Thursday, August 24th, that's two weeks from tonight, Dragnet will be heard one hour earlier at 9pm Eastern Daylight Saving time.

[Captain Steed]

Leonard Francis Castle was tried and convicted of first degree robbery and violating the State Narcotics Act. He received sentences as prescribed by law. Alfred Babe Kellogg was convicted of violating the State Narcotics Act. Both men are now serving their terms in the state penitentiary. You have just heard, Dragnet. A series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department.

[Joe Friday]

Fatima cigarettes, the best of all long cigarettes has brought you Dragnet from Los Angeles.