Podcast Summary: Dragnet – The Big Cad (08/17/1954)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Aired: August 19, 2025
Original Broadcast Date: August 17, 1954
Case Title: The Big Cad

Episode Overview

In this classic episode of Dragnet, Detectives Joe Friday and Frank Smith investigate a high-stakes robbery involving the theft of $4,000 in narcotics from a wholesale drug company in Los Angeles. The story follows their relentless pursuit of leads, from a seemingly routine arrest to the eventual unraveling of a narcotics ring, showcasing the meticulous and steadfast methods of mid-century police work.

Key Discussion Points & Case Progression

1. Initial Discovery and Arrest (01:53–06:19)

• The case begins on a hot July night when patrol officers find Norman Keery passed out in a parked car, initially suspecting a heart attack or DUI.
• Treatment at the hospital reveals puncture marks and a vial of morphine, later linked to the recent drug robbery.
• Joe Friday and Frank Smith question Keery, who maintains a standoffish attitude:
  • Norman Keery: “All he says is his name, gives his address.” (03:35)
  • Friday’s warning: “You got trouble, Kerry.” (05:25)

2. Keery’s Reluctance and Interrogation (06:19–08:22)

• Keery is booked on suspicion of violating the State Narcotics Act but refuses to cooperate, giving only basic information.
• After release on bail, Keery, feeling betrayed by his suppliers, returns and offers to assist police:
  • Keery: “Worst sit in the can trying to figure out some way to keep him clean. They pull a stunt like this on me.” (07:49)

3. Keery Turns Informant (08:22–13:35)

• Keery reveals he got the morphine from a man named Olan Corbett at a bar on Fifth Street.
• Describes Corbett: about 45–46 years old, 5’9”, dark graying hair, a limp.
  • Keery: “Let me nail them for you... you can't get within 10ft of them. The whole bar is hinky. Now let me go in and get him.” (12:25–12:28)
• Police debate using Keery as a confidential informant, ultimately agreeing to work with him:
  • Friday: “If one of them gets in trouble over you, you better start running, because there isn’t gonna be a big enough handicap for you.” (13:13)

4. Bar Stakeout and Surveillance (13:35–18:54)

• Attempt to plant an undercover officer in the bar fails; Keery is compromised and must step back.
• Police mount a 24-hour stakeout, using a hidden camera in a delivery truck to gather evidence on comings and goings at the bar.

5. Break in the Case – Corbett and Bula Pringle (18:54–23:33)

• After several days of surveillance, Corbett is identified and linked to a black Cadillac registered to Bula Pringle.
• Photographic evidence and witness IDs tie Corbett to the robbery.
• Bula Pringle becomes a subject of interest. She is observed passing packages (later determined to be narcotics) but investigators struggle to find the main cache.

6. Discovery of the Main Narcotics Cache (23:33–24:33)

• Detectives theorize Pringle may be using visits to her sons’ school as a cover for hiding drugs.
• A search of the boys’ room uncovers a locked makeup kit containing the stolen morphine.

7. The Confrontation and Arrest (24:33–25:50)

• Detectives confront Pringle:
  • Ms. Pringle: “You must have some kind of evidence to make a charge like this.” (24:15)
  • Friday: “We’ve got motion pictures of you meeting the men that I mentioned. Pictures of you passing the narcotics to them. We checked your children’s school. We found that makeup kit.” (24:22)
• Pringle confesses to having participated out of boredom and a need for challenge:
  • Ms. Pringle: "Maybe it gave me too much. I didn't have anything to look forward to, nothing to act as a sort of challenge." (25:08)

8. Resolution and Sentencing (25:59–26:59)

• All responsible parties are tried and convicted.
• Narrator details the legal outcomes for Keery, Corbett, Pringle, and an accomplice, Ulrich.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Keery’s Bitterness at Betrayal:
  “All this time I thought they were friends of mine. And they turn around, pull a stunt like this. It’s pretty lousy.” (13:27, Keery)

• Friday’s Dry Humor:
  “You got it wrong there, fella, huh? It’s gonna cost them.” (13:35, Friday)

• Ms. Pringle’s Motive – Boredom and Restlessness: “I divorced my husband several years ago... Gave me just about everything I wanted. Maybe it gave me too much. I didn't have anything to look forward to. Nothing to act as a sort of challenge.” (25:08, Pringle)

• Friday’s Final Assurance:
  “You can be sure of one thing.”
  “What’s that?”
  “You won’t be bored.” (25:50, Friday)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:53] The initial evidence and Joe Friday’s night watch intro.
• [03:07] Discovery of the morphine vial linked to the robbery.
• [05:03] First interrogation of Norman Keery.
• [07:49] Keery returns, ready to turn informant.
• [08:45] Keery gives up Olan Corbett as his drug connection.
• [12:25] Keery volunteers to go “blow the whistle” on the bar suspects.
• [13:42] Surveillance plan with hidden camera truck discussed.
• [18:54] Corbett and Pringle are surveilled and linked to narcotics transfers.
• [23:33] Pringle’s confrontation and confession.
• [25:59] Sentencing and legal wrap-up.

Tone and Style

The episode maintains a terse, matter-of-fact tone, true to Dragnet’s signature style. Friday’s steady narration and the clipped, no-nonsense exchanges between officers showcase the procedural detail of 1950s policing. The suspects’ confessions are tinged with resignation and a hint of tragic motivation, but the police force’s professionalism never wavers.

Conclusion

Dragnet: The Big Cad exemplifies the classic crime procedural: procedural, methodical, and marked with dry wit. The episode is a showcase of careful police work, patient surveillance, and the unexpected ways that desperation and boredom can motivate crime. From the first contact with an unconscious suspect to the unraveling of a narcotics network—hiding drugs in a child's makeup kit—this episode provides both a window into vintage policing and a timeless narrative about crime and consequence.