Dragnet: The Big Broad 02/09/1954

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Dragnet: The Big Broad
Release Date: February 25, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of Dragnet, titled "The Big Broad," listeners are taken on a thrilling journey through a real-life police investigation from the golden age of radio. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, this installment showcases the meticulous detective work of Joe Friday and Sergeant Henry as they pursue a cunning pair of robbers terrorizing Los Angeles in 1954.

The Robbery Spree

The episode opens with Joe Friday briefing the audience on the escalating crime wave:

Joe Friday [03:05]: "Any word from Frank?"

Friday and his partner, Frank Smith, are tasked with stopping a duo—a man and a woman—whose brazen robberies have left the city on edge.

Gathering Clues

Their investigation begins at a neighborhood liquor store on Alexandria and Burns Avenues:

Joe Friday [03:43]: "Sergeant Slats, Henry, Tom Gaffney and I went downstairs to the carpool. We took out our robbery car, and we rolled on the call. Code 3."

Upon arriving, they meet the victim, Charles Osborne, who provides a shaky account of the incident:

Mr. Osborne [04:20]: "They just walk into any store and take what they want... You can't catch these people right out instead of rushing around locking the door after the horse has been stolen."

Osborne describes the robbers as a man and a woman, the latter masked with a handkerchief:

Mr. Osborne [05:05]: "They come in, just like always... She had a mask, and then I realized something was wrong."

Stakeouts and Challenges

Despite their efforts, including broadcasting the suspects' descriptions and setting up stakeouts in the Hollywood area, Friday and his team struggle to apprehend the thieves. The robbers' methodical approach—stealing a car in advance and targeting multiple stores in rapid succession—proves challenging to counter.

Narrator [10:02]: "They had established a fairly definite method of operation... Two days before they planned to work, they'd steal a car."

After several unsuccessful nights, the detectives grow weary but remain determined:

Joe Friday [16:08]: "Now. Let's go. They just hit again in the stakeout area? No, out in Highland Park. They're way out on this one."

Breakthrough

A critical break occurs when an attorney, Reese McKay, reaches out after his client—a woman named Geraldine Winston—mentions involvement in a robbery during a heated discussion with her husband.

Reese McKay [21:10]: "A couple of days ago, I got a call from a young woman who said she wanted me to handle a divorce for her."

Through strategic questioning, Friday and Henry uncover that Geraldine and her estranged husband, George Winston, are the masterminds behind the robberies. Their motive stems from George's desire to be a "big man," while Geraldine seeks to distance herself from the violence.

Geraldine Winston [26:45]: "You got the right people. Me and George. I knew when he hit that old man, we'd had it... I didn't want any part of a killing."

Confronting the Suspects

Armed with this new information, the detectives confront Geraldine at her apartment. A tense exchange ensues as Geraldine initially denies involvement:

Geraldine Winston [24:04]: "I don't care if I never see him again. Nothing but trouble did I ever get from him."

Through persistent interrogation and evidence gathering, Geraldine breaks down and reveals her complicity in the crimes, including the violent assault on an elderly store owner.

Geraldine Winston [26:42]: "I'll tell you about it. Tell you the whole thing."

Resolution

With Geraldine's confession and the identification of their hideout, Joe Friday and Sergeant Henry swiftly move to arrest both accomplices. The episode concludes with the successful conviction of Geraldine Ruth Winston and George Roland Winston for multiple counts of first-degree robbery, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of justice by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Officer [28:38]: "Geraldine Ruth Winston and George Roland Winston were tried and convicted of robbery in the first degree... For the next three days, we received several calls with information on the suspects."

Conclusion

"Dragnet: The Big Broad" masterfully illustrates the procedural dedication of law enforcement in the 1950s, highlighting the challenges faced and the triumphs achieved through teamwork and perseverance. Through vivid storytelling and authentic dialogue, the episode not only entertains but also pays homage to the real-life heroes who safeguard communities.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Friday [05:08]: "Woman was about older than maybe 5 foot 3. Around in there, wearing 130."

• Mr. Osborne [05:26]: "They had on a kind of barrette, green, kind of green coat. Red purse, red shoes, low heel."

• Geraldine Winston [26:22]: "I want you to tell me something. Tell me true."

Insights and Themes

The episode delves into themes of deception, trust, and the moral complexities faced by individuals entangled in crime. Geraldine Winston's internal conflict and eventual confession shed light on the human side of criminal investigations, illustrating that behind every case file lies a story of personal struggle and redemption.

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of "Dragnet: The Big Broad," providing listeners with a clear and engaging overview of the episode's key points, discussions, insights, and resolutions.

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

Your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean. Podbean Podbean. Podbean. Podbean the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Officer]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean.

[Witness]

To launch their podcasts.

[Joe Friday]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Witness]

My school uses Podbean.

[Joe Friday]

My church too. I love it. I really do.

[Officer]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time.

[Joe Friday]

Radio shows like us on Facebook.

[Officer]

Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Officer]

Dragnet is brought to you by Chesterfield. Made by Liggett and Myers. First major tobacco company to bring you a complete line of quality cigarettes.

[Narrator]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a robbery detail. A pair of thieves has been terrorizing the merchants in your city. They're described as a man and a woman. From their actions, you know they're capable of murder. Your job, stop them. Today you hear these three words everywhere. Chesterfield's for me. The cigarette with a proven good record with smokers. Here is the record. Bi monthly examinations of a group of smokers show no adverse effects to the nose, throat and sinuses from smoking Chesterfields. Chesterfield's for me. The cigarette tested and approved by 30 years of scientific tobacco research. Chesterfield's for me. Chesterfield gives you proof of highest quality, low nicotine. The taste you want, the mildness you want. The Chesterfield you smoke today is the best cigarette ever made. And best for you.

[Officer]

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 transcribed 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, July 23rd. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the night watch out of robbery detail. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is chief of Detective Stad Brown. My name's Friday. I was on my way back from the main jail and it was 8:16pm when I got to room 27. A robbery detail. Hi, Slat. Joe.

[Detective]

Any word from Frank?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I talked to Skipper this morning. Said they were having a little trouble with that expedition.

[Detective]

Anything big?

[Joe Friday]

No, I guess not. Chief Brown said the authorities back in St. Louis would get us straightened out. Frank ought to be back in the middle next week. Skipper said he Wants me to work with you on that liquor store thing.

[Detective]

Kathy and I can use some help. We run down just about every lead there is. They all end up in the same place.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I got a little of it. You want to fill me in on the rest?

[Detective]

Yeah, hot shot. I'll get it. You can get it firsthand.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Detective]

They just scored again.

[Joe Friday]

Sergeant Slats, Henry, Tom Gaffney and I went downstairs to the carpool. We took out our robbery car, and we rolled on the call. Code 3. It took us a little over 10 minutes to get to the corner of Alexandria and Burns avenues. The place that had reported being robbed was a small neighborhood liquor store. By the time we'd gotten there, a radio card answered the call, and a felony car from Hollywood Division had gotten there. While Gaffney talked with the men in the felony car, Slats and I went inside the store to see the victim. The uniformed officer who was with him told us that the elderly man's name was Charles Osborne. We got what information the officer had been able to get, and while he went to his unit to get out a broadcast on the suspects, Slats and I talked to Osborn.

[Witness]

Well, there isn't much to tell. I guess they worked it the same way they've been doing just the way how it tells the papers. The same.

[Joe Friday]

There were two of them, were there?

[Witness]

Yeah. Man and a woman. Two.

[Detective]

Might be better if you told us just exactly what happened.

[Witness]

Well, just pick up any paper. It's all there. They've been doing the same thing for a couple of weeks. I don't understand it. I don't.

[Joe Friday]

What's that, Mr. Osborne?

[Witness]

Well, these two just walk into any store and take what they want. You guys don't seem to be able to stop them. You go great guns after they've held up somebody, then you're great. But why are you when they're doing the Robin, huh? Where are you then? Where?

[Joe Friday]

Well, if you'll just calm down here and tell us what happened, we might be able to do something about it.

[Witness]

Oh, well, they come in, just like always.

[Detective]

About what time was that?

[Witness]

Well, it must have been round eight. I was a little too busy to look at my watch.

[Joe Friday]

Do you want to go ahead?

[Witness]

Well, there was two of them. Man and a woman?

[Detective]

Yes, sir.

[Witness]

Man. The woman stood over there at the door. Woman walked right up here at the counter. Right up. Stood there. First off, I thought she had a cold or something. Wasn't long that thought. Held on, though. No, sir, not long at all.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Witness]

Turned out to be a mask Handkerchief, you know, right across here. Right here, across her face. About that time, of course, I realized there was something was wrong. You know, anybody walks into a store with a mask on, they don't mean no good. Oh, none.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. Did you get a good look at the pair before they put the masks on?

[Witness]

No, sir, not at all. No? No. They had them kind of up over their mouths when they come in. Kind of like they was gonna call for something. Then they took their hands away and I could see that the handkerchief was tied right on. Tied?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. You want to go ahead?

[Witness]

Well, this woman come over to the counter and ask me for a bottle of Canadian whiskey. Just as calm as can be. I sport right out. Now, mind you see, all this time I thought she had a cold. Yes, I walked over, you see there?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Witness]

That's where I keep the Canadian stuff. And got a bottle.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[Witness]

Got it right down. And I turned around, there she was just standing there with a mask on. Had it tied right around. Tied?

[Joe Friday]

Yes. What happened then?

[Witness]

Well, I asked them what the big idea was. I thought that maybe they was playing a little joke, you see. They was, but it was on me. Woman told me to put the bottle in a paper bag and put the money in the bag too. Told me to open the register and just put all the money right in the bag.

[Detective]

Did you see if they were armed?

[Witness]

No wonder you haven't caught them, sir. You got a life size picture of me giving them the money if there wasn't armed. You got that kind of idea?

[Joe Friday]

No, sir. We just want to know if they had guns.

[Witness]

Well, of course they had guns. Did you see them? Well, naturally, right out in the open. No, no, no, no. Wait a second. Come right down to it, I didn't actually see them. The fellow, he was at the door over there. He had his hand in his pocket. She had her hand in a purse. See, like this. You see, like this. Kind of come right down to it, I didn't really see them. No? Well, I'm sure they was there. I'm sure, yes.

[Joe Friday]

What happened after the woman asked for the money?

[Witness]

Well, her and the fella just told me not to move for five minutes. That's me to keep real still. Said I wouldn't get hurt if I just took it easy. Then they left the store.

[Joe Friday]

They walk away from the place?

[Witness]

Oh, no, no, sir. They had a car parked right out in front. Right in front. Got into that and roared down the street. I counted to a hundred by ones and then called you.

[Detective]

Did the uniformed officer get a Description of the car?

[Witness]

Yes, yes, I give it to him right off.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Mr. Osborne, if you'd give us a description of the pair.

[Witness]

Well, the woman was about older than maybe 5 foot 3. Around in there, waiting around 130.

[Joe Friday]

How about the color of her hair?

[Witness]

Red, just flaming red. Had blue eyes, so I guess her hair really was that color.

[Joe Friday]

What color were the eyes?

[Witness]

Flaming red. Flaming red. I told you that.

[Joe Friday]

No, sir, not her eye. Her eyes.

[Witness]

Yes. Oh, her eyes. Oh, I'm all confused here. Well, her eyes were blue. Yes, so that's how I knew that hair was bright red.

[Joe Friday]

What was she wearing?

[Witness]

Oh, had on a kind of barrette, green, kind of green coat. Red purse, red shoes, low heel. The. The front was cut out.

[Joe Friday]

How about the man? What did he look like?

[Witness]

Oh, he's a big one. He must have been around six feet. I. I couldn't tell too good cause he was standing over there with a door. Oh, but he was a big one, I tell you. He weighed about 170, maybe more.

[Detective]

How about his coloring?

[Witness]

Dark. Dark hair, Dark eyes. Of course, I couldn't see anything very good. Then. He had that mask on.

[Joe Friday]

What was he wearing?

[Witness]

He had a blue suit on. Looked kind of like it was linen.

[Joe Friday]

How about his shirt and tie?

[Witness]

White shirt, black tie. Shirt was a button down collar, no hat.

[Detective]

Did either one of them have any marks or scars that might make it easier to identify them?

[Witness]

Not that I could see. No, sir.

[Detective]

Well, how about accents? Either of them have any kind of speech peculiarity?

[Witness]

No.

[Joe Friday]

Exactly what the woman say to you, do you remember the words she used?

[Witness]

Uh huh. Well, first off, she asked for the whiskey. Said give me a bottle of Canadian whiskey. Didn't mention any special brand. Then when I brought it back, she said, just put it in the paper bag and empty the register in there too. That's what the woman said.

[Detective]

Did the man say anything at all?

[Witness]

Well, when it was leaving, he said, stay put, Pop. Stay there for five minutes, you won't get hurt. Those are his words, exact.

[Joe Friday]

I remember them all right. Sir, we'd like you to come downtown. Check some pictures for us, if you will.

[Witness]

Well, I guess it'll be all right. You guys should sure get on the ball though. It's getting pretty bad, sir. Seems a little silly. You can't catch these people right out instead of rushing around locking the door after the horse has been stole. A little late then, seems to me.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. Well, they've been pretty lucky. They'll probably try the same thing again. Yeah, we'll try to be there the next time. A search of the immediate area failed to turn up anything that might lead to the identity of the thieves. A broadcast had been gotten out to all cars in the city giving the description of the couple, the automobile they were driving and the clothes they were wearing. The pair had been operating in the city for the past three weeks. In that time, they'd established a fairly definite method of operation. Two days before they planned to work, they'd steal a car. Then on the night that they started their operation, they'd pick one of the city's main arterials and start at one end of it. They'd hit three or four stores in the area in a period of half an hour. The stolen car would be parked on a side street and the couple would make good their escape. All of the routine efforts had been made to identify them due to the fact that a woman was involved in the operation. The state Adult Authority for Women had been contacted for the names of recent parolees. But when these had been checked out, we netted nothing. Because of the circumstances of the mo, we felt that the first break in the case would come through the woman. The stats office had made several runs and the possibles had been checked out. Results? Nothing. Five minutes after we'd left the first victim, we got another call. The parrot hit again further down on Alexandria Avenue. All right, let us through here, please. Let us through, please.

[Store Owner]

You the cop?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. That's true. That's right.

[Store Owner]

I'm the felt was robbed. I'm him.

[Joe Friday]

Slats. You want to see if you can try to clear the front of the place?

[Store Owner]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

Okay. All right, sir, if you'd like to tell us what happened here.

[Store Owner]

Terrible. Most terrible thing that ever happened to me.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Store Owner]

I gotta have a little something to calm my nerves. Gotta.

[Joe Friday]

Well, can I get you anything, sir?

[Store Owner]

I don't have to, son. I got all right here. Whole store full of it. Just a minute.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Store Owner]

A little brandy, that's what I need. Yeah. Mother's sure gonna think I took a little nip just to have it. Gonna have to explain the whole thing to her. Imagine me being robbed.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. Now, if you tell us what happened here.

[Store Owner]

Yeah. Excuse me. You like a little of this? No, sir. Well, these two came in here not more than five minutes ago. Man. Woman came right in, asked for a bottle of whiskey.

[Joe Friday]

Do you recall what brand?

[Store Owner]

Didn't ask for no special brand. Just said they wanted Canada whiskey blend.

[Joe Friday]

You be able to give us a description of them?

[Store Owner]

Well, woman had red hair, and that's about the only thing I do remember about her other than the way she talked.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean, sir?

[Store Owner]

Foul mouth. The way she swore at me. Just something fierce.

[Joe Friday]

What did she say?

[Store Owner]

Oh, just swear word, you know. I guess I didn't get the bottle fast enough for him. She told me to hurry up. Only she didn't say it just like that.

[Joe Friday]

Where was the man during this time?

[Store Owner]

Oh, he was over here at the cash register with gun.

[Joe Friday]

Was the woman there too?

[Store Owner]

Oh, no, no. She stayed over the door. Seemed to be the lookout or something. She didn't come much past there. Right there by the potato chip rack. That's about as far as she come.

[Joe Friday]

You said they used guns. Did you get a look at them?

[Store Owner]

Oh, yeah. Big ones, I guess. They must have been that long bear. Must have been that big round.

[Joe Friday]

What kind of a gun was it? Would you know?

[Store Owner]

I don't think I know what you mean.

[Joe Friday]

Was it an automatic or a revolver?

[Store Owner]

And I'm sorry, officer, but I don't understand. All I know, it was the biggest gun I ever saw. Must have been that long. That big round.

[Joe Friday]

Did it look like this one?

[Store Owner]

Oh, no, no. That's just pea shooter compared to when that fella was waving around.

[Joe Friday]

Did you see a car when they left?

[Store Owner]

Yeah, I did. Right out in front. It was parked in front of the sign. You see there where it says reserved for patrons? Yes, sir, right there. That's where the car was. After the fella told me to dump the cash into the paper bag with a bottle, the woman opened the door and both of them ran out and jumped into the car. Roared off down the street. But I got a good look at it, real good.

[Joe Friday]

Then you can give us a description of it?

[Store Owner]

You bet I can. Dark 1953 Ford sedan, four door. Had one of them sun things on the front, you know, like a shade.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Store Owner]

Used to have them on the buggies when I was a young man. Guess if you wait long enough, they get back to everything.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. How much money did they get away with, sir?

[Store Owner]

Oh, guess must have been around $225 round in there someplace. Give a couple, take a couple.

[Joe Friday]

Do you think you'd know either one of these people if you ever saw them again?

[Store Owner]

No. You just bet I would. Even with those masks on, I'd be able to pick them right out of a crowd. You just stand him up in front of me and I'll point him out. Never forget that gun. Biggest gun I ever saw. Must have been that long. That big around that one you got There is a real pea shooter.

[Detective]

How's it look, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

Well, it's the same couple. Description fits perfectly.

[Detective]

I checked around the people in the crowd. Found one old guy who says he saw the pair come out of the store. Got a good description of the car?

[Store Owner]

I already gave him one. I can tell you anything you want to know.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir, we appreciate that, but we do want to talk to everybody who knows anything about the hold up.

[Store Owner]

All right, you go ahead and talk to the other fella. You go right ahead. I got something he can't give you.

[Joe Friday]

What's that, sir?

[Store Owner]

License number of the car they drove.

[Joe Friday]

An immediate supplementary broadcast was gotten out to the cars in the area. With special attention to the units covering Alexandria Avenue. The search for the pair of thieves went on. But as the hours passed and they failed to hit again, it became apparent that they had eluded us again. The next morning, the car was found abandoned on the east side of Los Angeles. It was a stolen vehicle. And after it had been checked for the crime lab for latent prints, we were no further toward apprehending the suspects. Conferences were held with the Chief of detectives, Thad Brown, and it was decided to place an extensive stakeout on the liquor stores in the Hollywood area. From past performances, the pair seemed to work their operation in that general area more than the other parts of town. The stakeout was maintained for three days without results. On Tuesday night, July 29, Sergeant Henry and I waited in the squadron for reports from the other officers out in the field.

[Detective]

1:15Am Looks like another night shot.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, still no action. Stores will be closing in about 45 minutes now.

[Detective]

Yeah. You get a cigarette? I'm out.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I think there's a couple left in here. Yeah, just two here. Go ahead.

[Detective]

I'll go down the hall and get a couple of packs later.

[Joe Friday]

That's all right. Here.

[Detective]

Heard from Frank?

[Joe Friday]

No. I talked to Faye night before last. She got a letter from him. Said he thought he'd be back about the end of the week.

[Detective]

Say how it's going.

[Joe Friday]

No, he just read me a couple parts of the letter. I guess it's all straightened out. Suspect's coming back on his own.

[Detective]

Extraditions can sure be a pain. I had to go back to New Orleans on one last year. Had a miserable time. Guy gave us a lot of trouble.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I remember. I get it. Podbean, your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean. Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Witness]

Thousands of businesses and Enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Joe Friday]

Use Podbean to record your podcast. Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast. Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast. Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere. Launch your podcast on Podbean today. Now. Let's go. They just hit again in the stakeout area? No, out in Highland Park. They're way out on this one.

[Detective]

What do you mean?

[Joe Friday]

Well, the victim decided to give him a little trouble.

[Store Owner]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

The male suspect broke off the bottom of a whiskey bottle and worked the victim over. Almost killed him.

[Officer]

You are listening to Dragnet, the authentic story of your police force in action.

[Narrator]

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[Joe Friday]

The young crowd really goes for Chesterfields. I've noticed that wherever we've played, and I guess it's one of the reasons Chesterfield is America's most popular two way cigarette. Of course, D and I are Chesterfield smokers too. We know they're best for us.

[Narrator]

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[Joe Friday]

At 1:13am the pair of thieves had entered a small all night grocery store in the Highland park area. They'd gone through the usual part of their MO Asking for the bottle of Canadian whiskey and then the money. However, when they asked the victim to turn over the money to them, he had told them to get out of the store. The male member of the team had grabbed the bottle, hit it against the counter, breaking off the bottom, and then struck the victim several times about the head and shoulders. When we'd gotten the call, the man had been removed to Georgia Street Receiving Hospital where he was in a critical condition. An immediate search of the area had failed to turn up anything that might lead us to the apprehension of the man and woman. A citywide broadcast was gotten out on the pair and arrangements were made for their description to be broadcast on the police television program. Newspapers carried the stories and joined with us in asking for full cooperation from the public. For the next three days, we received several calls with information on the suspects. But when all of these were checked and sifted, we were right back where we started. The stakeouts were maintained on the liquor stores, but the suspects failed to hit again on Monday, August 4th. We got a call from the county hospital telling us that the latest victim was in condition to be interviewed. Slats. Henry and I drove over to see him. He was unable to tell us anything more than the dozen victims before him had told us. 3:15pm we went back to the office.

[Detective]

Wanna check the book?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I'll get it. Yeah, there's a message here that a Reese McKay called. He left a number.

[Detective]

Say what he wanted?

[Joe Friday]

No, just wants us to call this table. We gotta put something under this leg. It sure wobbles, doesn't it?

[Detective]

Been that way for years.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Like to speak to Mr. Reese McKay, please. My name's Friday, Los Angeles Police Department. No, Police Department. Yes. Surely it's an attorney's office. Yes, sir.

[Detective]

Mm.

[Joe Friday]

This is Sergeant Friday. Yes, sir. Certainly. When was this? Mm. All right, sir. No, we'll be right over. Yes, sir. Thank you very much. Oh, might be something.

[Reese McKay]

What'd he say?

[Joe Friday]

Woman was in his office this afternoon.

[Detective]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

Said something about being involved in a robbery. Sergeant Henry and I signed out of the office and drove over to the address the lawyer had given me on the phone. We waited in the reception room for a few minutes, and then his secretary ushered us into Mr. McKay's office.

[Reese McKay]

Come in, gentlemen.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you very much.

[Reese McKay]

I'm Reese McKay.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. This is Sergeant Henry. My name's Friday.

[Reese McKay]

Oh, yes. You're the gentleman I talked to on the phone.

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Reese McKay]

Well, sit down and I'll try and tell you what happened.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Thank you very much.

[Reese McKay]

You've got to realize my problem in this thing.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. What's that?

[Reese McKay]

Well, if this isn't anything worthwhile, I certainly don't want to have a client embarrassed. You can understand that.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Reese McKay]

I suppose I just tell you what happened and we can go on from there.

[Joe Friday]

All right. That'll be fine.

[Reese McKay]

A couple of days ago, I got a call from a young woman who said she wanted me to handle a divorce for her. We set up an appointment for her this afternoon. She came in and we went over the problem. I don't want to go into the detail of the divorce action. I don't think that'll have any bearing on the rest of it.

[Joe Friday]

All right, see?

[Reese McKay]

Well, to get to the short of it, we were going over the necessary information. The door burst open and this man came in. I wanted to know what it was all about. My secretary was right behind him. Seeing that, he just pushed his way right through the reception room.

[Joe Friday]

Well, who was he? Do you know?

[Reese McKay]

Well, he said he Was the woman's husband that true? Well, apparently I told my secretary to wait outside. Then I asked him what he wanted. He didn't pay any attention to me at first. Said it wasn't any of my concern and told me to keep my nose out of it.

[Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Reese McKay]

And he and the woman had a big discussion. Seems that he didn't want her to divorce. He made all sorts of promises how things would be different if she came back to him first. She seemed to go along with the idea. As you know, we. We like to affect a reconciliation wherever possible. So I told them to go ahead and talk it over. Well, I left them in the office, went out of the reception room, and for a while it seemed they were getting along all right. And the shouting died down and they seemed to have agreed. All of a sudden, it broke loose again. They started screaming at each other. And I went right back in the office. And just as I opened the door, I heard the man tell her that if she didn't come back, he'd cause her a lot of trouble. He said for her to remember that she was mixed up in the hold ups, too. And these were the exact words. Don't forget you're mixed up in those stickups as deep as me.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[Reese McKay]

When they saw me, they both quieted down, and a couple of minutes later they both left the office. The woman said she'd get in touch with me about the bill.

[Detective]

Certainly something that should be looked into.

[Reese McKay]

Yes, that's what I thought. That's the reason I called you.

[Joe Friday]

Can you give us the name and address of the couple?

[Reese McKay]

Yes, sir. I have it right here.

[Detective]

Mm.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Reese McKay]

Pretty difficult to imagine that she'd be involved in anything like that. Pretty woman, beautiful hair.

[Joe Friday]

Is that right?

[Reese McKay]

Yes. Flaming red.

[Joe Friday]

We obtained the address the woman had given rise McKay, and we checked her name through R and I. We found no criminal record on anyone answering her description. While Slats called Chief Brown and told him what had happened, I asked the record division to make a run on the husband. We found that he'd been arrested three years before for attempted armed robbery, but that he'd been released for lack of evidence. 5:40pm Slats and I drove over to the woman's address. The name on the mailbox in the apartment lobby read Mr. And Mrs. George Winston. We rang the bell and we identified ourselves.

[Geraldine Winston]

You want to come in?

[Joe Friday]

Thank you very much. Is there anyone else here, ma'am?

[Geraldine Winston]

You mean in the apartment?

[Joe Friday]

Yes.

[Geraldine Winston]

No, I'm alone.

[Detective]

Where's that door lead, ma'am?

[Geraldine Winston]

Bedroom.

[Detective]

You Mind if we take a look?

[Geraldine Winston]

Maybe you better tell me what this is all about first, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Better go ahead, Slant.

[Geraldine Winston]

Yeah, I suppose you're used to hearing that. You've got a lot of nerve.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Geraldine Winston]

Well, that's true. What's this all about? Isn't there some law that says you gotta make a complaint or something?

[Joe Friday]

Where's your husband?

[Geraldine Winston]

That bum.

[Joe Friday]

Where is he?

[Geraldine Winston]

I don't know, and I don't care if I never see him again. Nothing but trouble did I ever get from him. Miserable man.

[Joe Friday]

You haven't any idea where he is?

[Geraldine Winston]

No. Don't think I'd tell you if I did until you let me know what this is all about.

[Joe Friday]

What's your husband do for a living?

[Geraldine Winston]

Man, you guys are so interested in him, why don't you ask him yourselves?

[Detective]

Place is clean, Joe.

[Geraldine Winston]

I told you that going in. What's this all about now? Come on. Tell me or get out.

[Joe Friday]

We understand you and your husband had an argument this morning. Two of you mentioned something about a robbery.

[Geraldine Winston]

Oh, I understand it all now. Now it's all real plain. Look, what George said was a joke, that's all. Just a joke. He didn't mean anything by it.

[Joe Friday]

The way we got, the story sounded pretty straight.

[Geraldine Winston]

You got it a little mixed up.

[Joe Friday]

Well, maybe you better come downtown and tell us all about it, huh?

[Geraldine Winston]

What for?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we've got some people down there we'd like you to meet.

[Geraldine Winston]

I got enough friends.

[Joe Friday]

Well, let's put it down to these people who'd like to meet you. Do you want to get your coat?

[Geraldine Winston]

I think there's supposed to be something like a charge, isn't there?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am. That's the way you want it.

[Geraldine Winston]

I do.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Suspicion of robbery.

[Geraldine Winston]

What makes you think you can make it stick?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we wouldn't be taking you in if we didn't figure we had a case.

[Detective]

You'd save all of us a lot of trouble if you'd tell us where we can pick up your husband.

[Geraldine Winston]

What's in it for me?

[Joe Friday]

What do you got now?

[Geraldine Winston]

Nothing.

[Joe Friday]

Well, that's the best we can do.

[Geraldine Winston]

What makes you think you can hold up this kind of a charge?

[Joe Friday]

A dozen victims, for one thing. Slatsy, want to check the closet? See if you can find the green coat and the red shoes and purse.

[Store Owner]

Yeah.

[Geraldine Winston]

What happens if I've got a green coat?

[Joe Friday]

Well, it makes us look pretty good, doesn't it?

[Geraldine Winston]

A lot of girls got green coats.

[Joe Friday]

Now we're looking for one.

[Geraldine Winston]

She supposed to look like me?

[Joe Friday]

Description we got matches exactly.

[Geraldine Winston]

A lot of people in the world look like me. Same people who have green coats?

[Detective]

Got them. Joe found them up on the shelf in the closet. Take a look. They match what we heard.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Would you like to try this coat on, Ms. Winston? And then we can get going?

[Geraldine Winston]

Okay. But you guys are sure gonna find out that you're wrong.

[Joe Friday]

Is that right?

[Geraldine Winston]

You just bet. And it's gonna cost the city a lot of money. Cause I'm really gonna make a big thing out of this.

[Joe Friday]

Well, if we're wrong, we'll admit it.

[Geraldine Winston]

Then you admit you could be making a mistake.

[Joe Friday]

No, we don't.

[Geraldine Winston]

I read in the papers where there was an old guy beat up in a robbery. Same ones you're after me for?

[Joe Friday]

Might be, yeah.

[Geraldine Winston]

How's he doing, the old guy?

[Joe Friday]

We're not sure yet.

[Geraldine Winston]

He's gonna live, though, isn't he?

[Joe Friday]

I told you, Ms. Winston, we're not sure.

[Geraldine Winston]

You got a cigarette?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am. Here.

[Detective]

Here.

[Geraldine Winston]

I want you to tell me something. Tell me true.

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Geraldine Winston]

You really think you can put me in those stores?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, we do.

[Geraldine Winston]

I can't make a deal, huh? I'll tell you things. And have it go any easier?

[Joe Friday]

No, ma'am. All we can do is see that it's marked down that way.

[Geraldine Winston]

Best I can get.

[Joe Friday]

That's the best.

[Geraldine Winston]

I'll take it.

[Joe Friday]

What?

[Geraldine Winston]

I'll tell you about it. Tell you the whole thing.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Go ahead.

[Geraldine Winston]

You got the right people. Me and George. I knew when he hit that old man, we'd had it. Knew it right away. That's why we quit. I was afraid if the guy died, you'd be able to get us for murder. I didn't like the robbery part, but I didn't want any part of a killing. I never did like the setup. Never. I used to tell George I didn't like it. That didn't make any difference to him. He wanted to be the big man. He used to sit here after hitting the places. George would get the morning papers and sit here and laugh at the cops. Because he had them running after themselves.

[Detective]

You know where he is?

[Geraldine Winston]

Yeah. He's in a hotel down on West 7th using the name Evanston. I'll give you the address.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Let's go.

[Geraldine Winston]

Yeah. Oh, George. He's gonna be real surprised when you walk in on him. Real surprised. Sure wish I could see the expression on his face when he finds out what's happened. Sure like to see it.

[Joe Friday]

Well, that makes you even, doesn't it? He'll want to see yours.

[Narrator]

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

[Officer]

On November 17, trial was held in Department 98, Superior Court of the State of California in and for the county of Los Angeles. In a moment, the results of that trial.

[Narrator]

Now here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you, George Feniman. Friends, we've told you that Chesterfield is the best cigarette for you to smoke. Now to me, Chesterfield's record with people who do smoke them regularly backs up that statement. Chesterfields are best because they're highest in quality. Low in nicotine because they smoke mild and they're really satisfying. I wish you'd give them a try and see for yourself. America's most popular two way cigarette. Regular or king size Chesterfield. Best for me? Best for you.

[Officer]

Geraldine Ruth Winston and George Roland Winston were tried and convicted of robbery in the first degree, five counts. They received sentence as prescribed by law. Robbery in the first degree is punishable by imprisonment for a period of not less than five years in the state penitentiary. You have just heard Dragnet. A series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Charge. Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department Technical Advisors, Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Van Spracher. Heard tonight were Vic Perrin, Herb Ellis, Vic Rodman. Script by John Robinson. Music by Walter Schumann. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Narrator]

Watch an entirely different Dragnet case history each week on your local NBC television station. Please check your newspapers for the day and time Chesterfield has brought you Dragnet. Transcribed from Los Angeles Filter tip Smokers, this is it. L and M filters. The one filter tip cigarette with plenty of good taste, much more flavor, much less nicotine and effective filtration. Only the L and M filter contains the miracle product alpha cellulose. Absolutely pure, non mineral, harmless to health. Yes, this is it. As Barbara Stanwyck puts it, L and M filters are just what the doctor ordered. Buy L and M filters the light and mild smoke. Hear Rocky Fortune following John Cameron Swayze and the news on the NBC Radio Network.