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

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.

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.