Dragnet: The Big Father 03/08/1955

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dragnet – “The Big Father” (03/08/1955)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Dragnet: The Big Father
Date Released: December 30, 2025
Main Cast: Sergeant Joe Friday, Frank Smith
Setting: Los Angeles, 1950s
Episode Air Date (Original): March 8, 1955

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Overview

This episode of Dragnet, “The Big Father,” presents a dramatized police investigation into a series of daytime burglaries in the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles. The story meticulously follows Detectives Joe Friday and Frank Smith as they piece together a pattern of break-ins, gradually closing in on a repeat offender whose motives reach beyond simple greed. The show’s signature documentary style captures both the doggedness of police procedure and the complexity of human frailty—even among criminals.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Introduction to the Case and Witness Reports

[01:03–04:42]

• Joe Friday and Frank Smith are assigned to investigate a string of “hot prowl” burglaries in the Silver Lake district.
• Local mailman Mr. Bircher reports odd encounters neighbors have had with a supposed “utility worker” found in their homes, matching the timeline of the burglaries.

“Now, it just don't stand to reason the light company be sending people to the wrong addresses all the time.”
— Mr. Bircher (04:06)

• Bircher provides the officers with details and addresses of the impacted residents, notably Mrs. Perkins and Mrs. Johnstone.

2. Interviewing Victims and Further Witnesses

[05:46–12:03]

• Friday and Smith visit Mrs. Perkins (victim), who recounts her confusion when a man arrived pretending to be from the light company, attempting entry under false pretenses.
• Mrs. Perkins’ neighbor, Mrs. Summersby, provides a more detailed description of the suspect.

“He was good size. Tall as you are. Maybe a little heavier. Late 20s or early 30s… needed a haircut. It’s nice looking. Not real handsome…but good looking.”
— Mrs. Summersby (10:22)

• Mrs. Johnstone’s tale corroborates the suspect’s modus operandi—posing as a utility worker, entering through unlocked doors, leaving quickly upon confrontation.

3. The Assault and Identifying the Suspect

[13:01–17:33]

• A breakthrough comes when Mrs. Violet Castle is assaulted after confronting the burglar in her bedroom. She is hospitalized with a concussion but able to describe the assailant.
• Despite her injury, Mrs. Castle identifies Ralph Foster Maple from a set of mugshots.

“His eyes opened up real wide, like he was scared. I remember thinking, he’s more scared than I am.”
— Mrs. Castle (14:23)

• Other witnesses also confirm Maple’s identity.

4. Tracing the Suspect—Personal Connections

[18:11–20:58]

• The detectives track down Maple’s ex-wife, Mrs. Maple, who describes his recent visits and their strained relationship post-divorce.

“He’s supposed to support Joanne. I haven’t seen a penny in six months. Always brings her a present, though…”
— Mrs. Maple (19:49)

• She predicts that he’ll return for their daughter Joanne’s birthday, providing the detectives with a lead for an ambush.

5. The Arrest and Maple’s Motives

[21:07–23:41]

• Maple is apprehended outside the house as he arrives with a gift for his daughter. He initially denies wrongdoing but soon admits his actions when confronted.

“I never missed her birthday. Even when I was in the joint. I saw to it that she got something.”
— Ralph Maple (22:49)

• Maple’s confession reveals an inner struggle—committing crimes to provide for his daughter, torn by guilt and a desire to be seen as a good father.

“That’s the only reason I done it. Little girl’s entitled to pretty things. I couldn’t afford them… had to get the money somewhere.”
— Ralph Maple (23:10)

6. Conclusion: Justice and Reflection

[23:54–End]

• The episode closes with a legal summation: Maple is convicted for burglary and assault and receives a prison sentence.
• Sergeant Friday addresses Maple’s longing for fatherhood—pointing out the tragic irony of proving himself unfit by committing his crimes.

“Yeah, the idea is saying I’m not a fit father. You know something, Maple? You proved him right.”
— Sergeant Joe Friday (23:41)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Humor & Humanity:
  “Our dogs are killing us. It ain’t necessarily the truth, but it’s what folks expect to hear so we don’t disappoint them.”
  — Mr. Bircher (02:08)

• Victim’s Grit:
  “Told him to put down the purse. Put it down, I said. Tried to sound real sure of myself.”
  — Mrs. Castle (14:38)

• Criminal’s Regret:
  “Wife divorced me… She shouldn’t have got sole custody though. Girl needs a father… The way I see it, a girl needs him more.”
  — Ralph Maple (22:54)

• Friday’s Moral Judgement:
  “You know something, Maple? You proved him right.”
  — Sergeant Joe Friday (23:41)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction to Bircher and victim pattern: 01:03–05:12
• Mrs. Perkins & Mrs. Summersby interviews: 05:46–12:03
• Hospital interview with Mrs. Castle: 13:53–17:33
• Maple’s ex-wife speaks: 18:11–20:58
• Arrest and confession: 21:07–23:41
• Final legal wrap-up: 23:55–End

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Tone and Style

This Dragnet episode exemplifies its trademark matter-of-fact, precise police dialogue, punctuated with moments of dry humor (“we both work for the same boss— the taxpayer”). The language is unvarnished and direct, reflecting both the gritty realities of police work and the underlying empathy officers occasionally express for those on both sides of the law.

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Summary for Listeners

“The Big Father” offers a tightly constructed investigation into the link between loneliness, parental devotion, and criminal behavior. The case unfurls methodically, giving listeners both suspense and character insights, culminating in a poignant exchange where law, order, and the struggles of parenthood collide. The episode is a stellar example of radio detective drama—with relatable victims, dogged detectives, and a criminal whose humanity is as evident as his faults.

Listeners walk away with a clear sense of how detail-oriented, unglamorous, and, at times, emotionally complicated law enforcement work could be in the golden era of Dragnet—and why these stories remain classics of the genre.

Transcript

[Narrator/Interviewer]

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[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Welcome to choice classic radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Frank Smith]

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

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You're a detective sergeant.

[Frank Smith]

You're assigned a burglary detail.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

For the past month, a hot prowl artist has been working the Silver lake.

[Frank Smith]

District in your city.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Your job.

[Frank Smith]

Stop him, 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.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

It was Tuesday, April 12. It was sunny in Los Angeles. What's we were working the day watch out of burglary detail. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is captain Bernard. My name's Friday. I was on my way back from the business office and it was 4:31pm when I got to room 45. Burglary.

[Frank Smith]

Been reading about it in the papers. You know, little items here and there. Not front page stuff, but it starts me.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Sure.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Oh, Hi, Joe. Hi.

[Frank Smith]

Ms. Burch is my partner, Sergeant Friday. I do.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How are you, Mr. Bircher?

[Frank Smith]

Pretty good, pretty good. Except for my feet. They're killing me. Oh, that's just a little joke amongst us mailman sergeant. Somebody asks us how we feel, we say our dogs are killing us. It ain't necessarily the truth, but it's what folks expect to hear so we don't disappoint them.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. What was it you wanted to see us about, Mr. Bircher?

[Frank Smith]

I was just telling your partner here. Smith, is it?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

That's right, sir.

[Frank Smith]

Well, I was just telling Mr. Smith my mail out's out in the Silver Lake district.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Uh huh.

[Frank Smith]

You know where they've been having them burglaries lately?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, sir, sure.

[Frank Smith]

It's a shame. Nice part of town. Quiet, residential. Nice people too. Been delivering their mail for the past 12 years.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Is that right?

[Frank Smith]

Get to know folks pretty well in that length of time. Now, you take Mrs. Davenport lives in the 700 block on St. George Place.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes.

[Frank Smith]

Minute I gave her a mail last Friday, I could tell something was wrong. She didn't even glance at her postcards. That was the tip off. Told me somebody had sneaked into her house that morning. Stole 20 in cash and her diamond engagement ring. Said she'd left it on the sink when she started doing the breakfast dishes. Went to the other room to answer the phone. That must have been when she was robbed. You already heard about Mr. Davenport being robbed, have you?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. We talked to her last week.

[Frank Smith]

Oh, you're the fellows come to see her about it?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Frank Smith]

You had any luck yet? How's that? Catching a fellow that robbed her.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No, sir, not so far.

[Frank Smith]

Well, I don't know whether this will help you out or not, but I thought I ought to tell you about it anyway.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

About what?

[Frank Smith]

Mr. Richard happened twice to my knowledge. Twice in the last two weeks. Once just this morning. That's why I come down here as soon as I got off work. It was Mrs. Perkins on South Maltman. It happened to today. Said she walked down into her kitchen and there he was, big as life, sir. Stranger. Complete stranger. She asked him what he was doing there. He said he was from the light company come to repair her electric stove. Thing is, Mrs. Perkins don't have an electric stove. Fella apologized. Said he got into the wrong house by mistake. Mrs. Perkins didn't think nothing about it and just happened to mention it when I come by with the mail. I didn't think nothing about it either. Not at first.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Frank Smith]

Then I remembered. Same thing happened to Mr. Johnstone over on Scott Street. Week you 10 days ago, found a man from the light company standing in her kitchen. She hadn't sent for him either. He said they'd given the wrong address. Now, it just don't stand to reason the light company be sending people to the wrong addresses all the time.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No, sir.

[Frank Smith]

Doesn't got to thinking about them burglaries, Mrs. Davenport and the ones I read about in the papers. Wondered if there wasn't some connection.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, it might be the way a hot prowl artist works.

[Frank Smith]

Hot prowl?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Daytime burglar operates when the victim is apt to be in the house.

[Frank Smith]

Oh, Would you give us their addresses, Mr. Bertram? Huh?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

The two ladies you were telling us about.

[Frank Smith]

You mean that found the fellow from the light company in their kitchen?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes.

[Frank Smith]

Mrs. Perkins. She lives on South Maltman, number 201. Mrs. Waldo Perkins. That's her full name, 201.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

And the other lady?

[Frank Smith]

Johnstone. Mrs. Nellie Johnstone. She's a widow lady. Her address is 1247 Scott street, corner Scott and Brandon.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I see. Thank you. Would you mind showing us just what your mail route covers, Mr. Bircher?

[Frank Smith]

Huh?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

On the map over here. Would you come over here?

[Frank Smith]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Here we are.

[Frank Smith]

Starts here, down this street, like so. Then over here, this whole section. These streets here, down here. This is where I end up.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I see.

[Frank Smith]

That's the right area, all right.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Anything else I can do for you?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No, sir, I don't believe so. We appreciate your coming in.

[Frank Smith]

Figured out to help you if I could, seeing as how we both work for the same boss.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How's that?

[Frank Smith]

The taxpayer.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We checked with the utility companies and they told us that they had made no recent repair calls in the vicinity of the addresses that Mr. Bercher had given us. 5:46pm Frank and I drove out to 201 South Maltman was a one story stucco bungalow set behind a white picket fence.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Well, it's about time. You. Where are the flowers?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Ma'? Am?

[Mrs. Perkins]

Aren't you from McAdam's flower shop?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Perkins]

They promised me they'd have them here by five. Promised?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Faithfully.

[Mrs. Perkins]

I just can't depend on anybody. Well, what is it?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We're police officers, ma'. Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Police?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

This Frank Smith. My name's Friday.

[Mrs. Perkins]

Oh, for heaven's sake.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You Ms. Perkins?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Well, yes, of course.

[Mrs. Perkins]

Who'd you think I was?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We'd like to talk to you for a minute.

[Mrs. Perkins]

Oh, what on earth about? Please, I'm in an awful hurry. I've got 16 people coming for dinner.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Just a couple of questions, please. It won't take us long.

[Mrs. Perkins]

Oh, all right, all right. I suppose you might as well come in.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Mrs. Perkins]

It isn't about Waldo, ma'.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Am.

[Mrs. Perkins]

My husband. It isn't about him, is it? Not on top of everything else, no, ma'.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Am.

[Mrs. Perkins]

I don't know whether I'm coming or going. I'm just not up to a big dinner party anymore. I shouldn't have tried.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am. We understand you had a visitor this morning, Ms. Perkins.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Visitor?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

A man who said he'd come to fix your stove.

[Mrs. Perkins]

Oh, yes. Now, how on earth. Oh, that mailman. I ought to know better than to tell him anything. He spreads it all over town.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Mrs. Perkins]

Am.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You hadn't sent for an electrician, had you?

[Mrs. Perkins]

Oh, certainly not. If anything was wrong with my stove, I'd send to the gas company. It's a gas range.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, could you describe him for us, please?

[Mrs. Perkins]

Describe him?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I don't know what you mean.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, what'd he look like? Was he tall or short?

[Mrs. Perkins]

Well, I hardly even looked at him. He's just an ordinary man.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How old would you say he was?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Isn't this kind of foolish?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We aren't sure yet, ma'.

[Frank Smith]

Am.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Do you have any idea of his age?

[Mrs. Perkins]

Youngish, I guess.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

About 30.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How was he dressed?

[Mrs. Perkins]

I'm afraid I don't remember.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Did he have any uniform of any kind?

[Mrs. Perkins]

No, no uniform. Suit, I think. I didn't pay much attention.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No scars or anything like that?

[Mrs. Perkins]

Not that I noticed. Might have.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, just what'd he say to you?

[Mrs. Perkins]

Just that he'd made a mistake. That he was in the wrong house, that's all.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Do you have any kind of an accent?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

No.

[Mrs. Perkins]

He sounded like a plain, everyday American to me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Do you think you'd recognize him if you saw him again?

[Mrs. Perkins]

I don't think so. If it had been some other day when I wasn't so busy, when I didn't have so much on my.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am. Did you notice where he went when he left here?

[Mrs. Perkins]

Out the back door.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

He drive away?

[Mrs. Perkins]

I really haven't any idea. If you're so interested in the poor man, you better talk to Margot.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Margot?

[Mrs. Perkins]

Mrs. Summersby, my next door neighbor. She was doing some gardening this morning.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I see.

[Mrs. Perkins]

I suppose she saw him, too. There's much that gets by Margot. She's a little on the nosy side, if you know what I mean.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am. Which house is hers?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Nothing there.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I see.

[Mrs. Perkins]

Now I've just got to get back to my dinner. I haven't even started the salad yet.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Just one more thing, Ms. Perkins.

[Mrs. Perkins]

Well, what is it now?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Is anything missing from around the house?

[Mrs. Perkins]

Missing?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Frank Smith]

Am.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Money or anything of value?

[Mrs. Perkins]

Why, no. No, of course not.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You sure? Are you?

[Mrs. Perkins]

What on earth are you driving at? A man makes a perfectly honest mistake, next thing I know, the police are bothering me. You think he was a criminal or something?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I'm sorry we troubled you, Ms. Bruce.

[Mrs. Perkins]

I just don't understand it. People come here all the time, day in and day out. Some of them have the right address, some of them have the wrong one. Spend half my life answering the doorbell.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Perkins]

What's so special about this fellow?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

He didn't ring your doorbell. We left Ms. Perkins and went over to talk to her next door neighbor, Mrs. Summersby. Mrs. Summersby told us that she'd spent most of the morning in her garden transplanting begonias. She also said that she remembered seeing a stranger enter Mrs. Perkins house about.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

10:30Am I don't think he noticed me. I was down on my hands and knees behind the hedge. Remember thinking it was kind of odd the way he just walked in. Then I decided it was probably somebody about the party she's giving tonight. Delivery man, somebody like that.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am. Did you see him leave?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

A couple of minutes later he came back and out. Headed out toward the front of the house.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Do you have a car?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I suppose so.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You aren't sure?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

No, I just assumed he did. If he was a delivery man, could.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You describe him for us, Mrs. Summersby?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Doesn't Mrs. Perkins know who he was?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, she isn't sure.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Well, she must know what he looked like.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, we'd like to check your description against hers, if it's all right.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I suppose she was a bit vague. I'm not surprised. She doesn't have a very sharp eye. She can't see her nose in front of her face.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Is that so?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

And the way she's been carrying on about this dinner party, well, it's a wonder to me she even remembered the man.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

You think if she could entertain 16 people, two more wouldn't be any extra trouble.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How's that?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

All her talk about just having friends of her sisters. That's who the party's for. Her sister from Cleveland. They're out here on a visit. Excuse. That's what it is to get out of inviting Rex and me. Well, she won't need excuses. In the future, our relationship will be on a somewhat different basis.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am. Now, if you'll just tell us about the man you saw this morning.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Oh, him.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Well, he was good size. Tall as you are. Maybe a little heavier. Late 20s or early 30s. I put him dark hair, needed a haircut. It's nice looking. Not real handsome or anything like that, but good looking.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Do you remember how he was dressed?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Coat and pants. Don't think they matched. Not too sporty, though.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I see.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Walked real fast. Brisk, like he was in a big hurry.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am. Anything else?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

No, no, I can't think of anything.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Has he been around this neighborhood before?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

No, stranger to me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Would you recognize him if you saw him again?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Don't see why not.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Excuse me, Shirley.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Hello. Yes. Oh, that's too bad. Well, I don't know. Oh, well, I suppose you do, but. Oh, I see. All right. Bye, Misses Perkins.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Is that right?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Says the Barringtons can't come. Mr. Barrington's got virus. Wants me and Rex to fill in at the last minute. Well, if you're all through, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Am.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I better start getting ready.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We told Mrs. Summersby to get in touch with us if she saw the suspect in the neighborhood again. We also told her that we might need her assistance in making an identification for mug shots. She offered to do all she could to help us. 6:48pm Frank and I canvassed the vicinity for anyone else who might have seen the suspect. We were unable to turn up another witness. 8:06pm we drove over to Scott Avenue and interviewed Mrs. Nelly Johnstone. Mrs. Johnstone stated that on Monday of the previous week, a strange man had entered her kitchen. He claimed to be from the electric company. He apologized for coming to the wrong address and left immediately. Her description of the suspect tallied with what we already had. The next day, April 13th, we checked the description in the MO with a stats office. They came up with three possibles. We took the names to R and I and pulled their packages. 12:08pm we went back to the office. What do you think, Joe? Well, from these mug shots, it could be any one of them. Yeah. I better try for an identification. Who do you want to start with? Doesn't matter. Ms. Perkins again.

[Frank Smith]

Okay.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Wonder how our party went last night. I got it. Burglary, Friday. Where'd it happen? Yeah, that's the neighborhood. How long ago? I see. Right. Thank you. Looks like we won't need Ms. Perkins. I just brought a lady into Georgia street who lives out in the Silver Lake District. Yeah? Found a man going through a purse in the bedroom. Tried to stop him from getting away. He slugged her. We drove over to Georgia Street Receiving Hospital and talked to Dr. Sebastian. He told us that a Mrs. Violet Castle had been brought in for treatment. He said she had a bad bruise on her face and a slight concussion. He also said she hadn't lost consciousness and was able to talk to us. Ms. Castle?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Yes?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Police officers, ma'.

[Frank Smith]

Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Okay.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We'd like you to tell us what happened, if you would.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I told the others when they come to get me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am. We'd like to hear from you.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Well, he was just standing there by the dresser. I couldn't imagine where he come from. I didn't say anything for a minute. I was too surprised. He didn't seem to know I was in the room. His back was towards me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What was he doing?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Well, I couldn't tell. Not the First. And then I heard a little snap. You know, just a click. I realized he was opening my purse.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Started fumbling at the things inside. I must have moved or something. Anyway, he looked up, saw me in the mirror. His eyes opened up real wide, like he was scared. I remember thinking, he's more scared than I am.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Did he say anything?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

No, sir. Not a word. I did all the talking. Told him to put down the purse. Put it down, I said. Tried to sound real sure of myself.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What happened then?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Dropped the pocketbook, turned around toward me. I don't think he had a gun or anything. If he did, I didn't see it.

[Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

He just started running toward the door. I moved over so as I'd been in his way. Where do you think you're going? I said. He didn't answer and just pushed past me. I grabbed at his arm and that's when he hit me. Here.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

The bandages.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I see.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Must have struck the chair when I fell. The doctor tells me I'm going to have a real bump. Guess everybody will be saying, violet Castle sure got the swell head, huh? I didn't think, though. I thought for a minute I was going to, but I didn't. I heard him run out of the house like a herd of wild horses away. Pounded out of there. Managed to get to my feet. Made it to the telephone in the hall. Called the police. They sent an ambulance for me. Got there real quick. First time I ever rode in an ambulance.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Is that right?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Oh, I've had my share of sickness. I've been in hospitals and all that. But I never had an ambulance ride before.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Am. Siren, too. Siren going all the way down here now. I thought I must be pretty bad off, they had to use a siren like that. But the doctor says it's who told me I'd be up and around again in a few days. Be my old self, except for my lump. Be a while before a lump like that goes away.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Do you think you could identify the man who hit you, Ms. Castle?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Identify him?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, yes. If we showed you some pictures, could.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

You pick him out right now?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Well, I'm afraid not. But isn't that. I wouldn't know him. He understand him or his picture. I'm not likely to forget that face. Well, Too dark in here for me to look at any pictures. Way too dark. Doctor said they had to leave the blinds down for the time being. Told me not to turn the light on.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I understand.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I'm sorry. I can't be more help. But the doctor left strict orders.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Am.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I'll check on it, Joe. Thank you.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Always believe in following doctor's orders.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

No use paying the doctor unless you do what he tells you. So my husband always used to put it. Of course, I'm not paying anything here, Emma. That's what they told me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I explained I wasn't a charity case. Got some health and accident insurance. I guess you'd call this an accident, wouldn't you?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, I'm not sure. I imagine so.

[Frank Smith]

Dr. Sebastian says it'll be all right.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Turn the lights on for a few minutes, Joe. Okay.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Are you sure it's all right?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am. Said so.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

He was so positive before about keeping it dark in here.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, a couple of minutes probably won't make any difference, Ms. Castle.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Well, the doctor says so.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Frank Smith]

Oh, sure.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Seasons bright, don't it?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am. Now, if you just look through these photos.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I'll do my best. It sure is funny.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How's that?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

You getting here so quick and having pictures all ready to show me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, we don't know that we've got his picture here.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Well, that's what's so funny, ma'.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

This is him right here.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Misses Castle positively identified one of the mug shots we had shown her. Ralph Foster Maple. Maple had done time for burglary. The three ladies we had previously interviewed also identified the suspect's picture. 3:16pm we went back to the office. The crime lab reported that there were no fingerprints or other physical evidence at Mrs. Castle's home. Frank and I checked the phone books and city directories for Maple's address was no listing. We ran DMV for a car registration. They had nothing under his name, but they told us that a Mrs. Ralph F. Maple at 317 Himbert street was the registered owner of a late model Nash sedan. 4:48pm we drove out to interview Mrs. Maple?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Yes?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Mrs. Maple?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Yes?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Your husband in?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

My husband?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I'm afraid you've made a mistake. I'm not married. Not anymore.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Oh, I see. You were married to Ralph Maple.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Yes.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We're police officers.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Oh.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Ms. Frank Smith. My name's Friday.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

What's he done now?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We'd like to get in touch with him, that's all. You mind if we come in?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Give me a minute to send my daughter over to the neighbors. I'd rather she didn't hear this.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We'll have to come in.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Oh, all right. Over here.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Frank Smith]

Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Go out and play, will you, honey? What is it this time? Burglary again?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We're just trying to reach him, Ms. Maple. Do you know where he lives?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

No.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Is he still in Los Angeles?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I suppose so. He was here a couple of weeks ago. Came by to see Joanne. She's our daughter. Should have known he was up to something, ma'.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Brought his presents, expensive presents. Said he had a new job. I didn't really believe him, but I tried to, for Joanne's sake.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Did he say what this job was selling?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Didn't mention the firm. I suppose he could be a good salesman if you'd try.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Do you have a car?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Told me it was in the shop being repaired. Came up in a taxi cab.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I see.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

A great one for taxis. Ralph is big tipper, too. Somebody else's money. I'm sorry. I guess I sound a little bitter, don't I? It was my own doing. I knew he was wild when I married him. I thought he'd change. He did. He got worse.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How long you been divorced?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Little over two years now. Oh, I waited till he got out of prison. I thought that was my duty. Have a home ready for him to come back to.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Wouldn't hold down a job. Didn't even try. Well, we'd managed without him while he was in San Quentin. I knew we could do it again. He's supposed to support Joanne. I haven't seen a penny in six months. Always brings her a present, though. That's his way of trying to get on the good side.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You know any of his friends who might help us locate him?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

His friends aren't my friends, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

But you won't have any trouble finding him, ma'.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

He'll be here tomorrow. Oh, it's Joanne's birthday. He'll bring her something. He'll be here.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I suppose he does love her in his way. Maybe he loves me, too.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Maybe I love him. I was even thinking about us getting back together, if it was true about his new selling job. I guess you never learn, do you?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You're sure he'll be here tomorrow?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

He won't miss Joanne's birthday? Ralph's a very thoughtful father. Not the kind of man who forgets birthdays and anniversaries.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I see.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Might forget to pay his bills, but that's different.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

It'll be quite a birthday present for Joanne, won't it?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

That's it.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Her father getting arrested again.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

The next day, Thursday, April 14th. We staked out Mrs. Maple's house, 3:35pm A taxi cab pulled up and Ralph Maple got out. He was carrying a large package. Keep the change. Thanks. Mr. Ralph Maple, huh? Police officers. Just stand still.

[Frank Smith]

What's going on?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

He's light, J. All right, let's go.

[Frank Smith]

Now, wait a minute. Can't you tell me what this is all about?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We'll let you tell us downtown.

[Frank Smith]

Well, you can't arrest a man without some reason.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where were you yesterday?

[Frank Smith]

What time?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Let's start with the morning.

[Frank Smith]

Got up, had breakfast, went shopping.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where?

[Frank Smith]

Department stores. Had to buy a present for my daughter. This is it right here.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I take you all morning. Did it?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, most of it.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right, come on, get in the car.

[Frank Smith]

Well, if you just tell me what it is you want to know.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We want to know about a lady who was in the hospital.

[Frank Smith]

Lady?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah, somebody slugged her yesterday. You think it was me? She does. Let's find out if she's right. Come on, then.

[Frank Smith]

Okay.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

She's right. All right, let's go.

[Frank Smith]

I didn't mean to hit her very hard.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

It was hard enough.

[Frank Smith]

Just wanted to get her out of my way.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right, get in. Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Hey, wait a minute.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Huh? What about this? What about what?

[Frank Smith]

My little girl's present.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

It's her birthday.

[Frank Smith]

Well, can I give it to her?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You stay where you are.

[Frank Smith]

What about one of you guys? She could take it up to the door. It's not hot. You can see for yourself.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

The store wrapped it, see? Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

I paid for it myself.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

With whose money? The least you can do is see that she gets it, Joe. All right, go ahead. Here you are. I'll be right back. Sure appreciate it. She's just a little girl.

[Frank Smith]

Six today. Wouldn't understand if there wasn't a present from Daddy.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah. I never missed her birthday.

[Frank Smith]

Even when I was in the joint. I saw to it that she got something.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Wife divorced me a couple years back. I guess I can't blame her. Not for divorcing me. Had it coming. She shouldn't have got sole custody, though. Girl needs a father. Everybody talks about how boys need their old man. The way I see it, a girl needs him more.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Sure.

[Frank Smith]

You know, they're so kind of helpless.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah. I was on a counter.

[Frank Smith]

Heard Joanne.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

That's the only reason I done it. Little girl's entitled to pretty things.

[Frank Smith]

I couldn't afford them, not with the kind of dough that I made.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah, I had to get the money somewhere.

[Frank Smith]

I never stole much, Just enough to.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Buy her a few presents. Figured if I didn't she'd turn against me.

[Frank Smith]

Being divorced and all, I figured I.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Had to do more than regular fathers.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, I shouldn't have given Dora sole custody. Wasn't fair. She lets me come around and visit whenever I want. But it's sort of like saying Joanne doesn't belong to me anymore. Judge claimed I wasn't a fit father. How do you like that? Just because a man does a little time, everybody has it in for him afterward.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah, the idea is saying I'm not a fit father. You know something, Mabel? You proved him right.

[Frank Smith]

The story you have just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent. On August 6, trial was held in Department 98, Superior Court of the State of California in and for the county of Los Angeles. Ralph Foster Maple was tried and convicted of burglary in the first degree, assault with intent to do great bodily harm and receive sentence as prescribed by law. Burglary in the first degree is punishable by imprisonment for a period of not less than five years. Assault with intent to do great bodily harm is punishable by imprisonment for not more than five years in the state penitentiary. You have just heard Dragnet, the authentic story of your police force in action. And starring Jack Webb, a presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Sam.

[Josh Whalen]

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