Dragnet: The Big Help 05/18/1954

Summary

Summary of "Dragnet: The Big Help" Episode

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Podcast Information

• Title: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
• Description: Old-time radio fans! Choice Classic Radio brings to you old-time radio’s greatest detectives! Each day we feature a program chosen from the most popular shows of the period. So sit back and enjoy the best detectives The Golden Age of Radio has to offer!
• Episode: Dragnet: The Big Help
• Original Air Date: May 18, 1954
• Release Date: June 3, 2025

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Introduction

"Dragnet: The Big Help" is a quintessential episode from the iconic old-time radio series Dragnet, hosted by the ever-diligent Detective Sergeant Joe Friday, portrayed by Jack Webb. This episode delves into the meticulous investigation of a sophisticated check forgery ring operating in Los Angeles during the 1950s. Presented as a true story with altered names to protect the innocent, the episode showcases the procedural rigor and unwavering determination characteristic of the series.

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Plot Overview

The narrative centers around Joe Friday and his partner, Officer Frank Smith, who are assigned to dismantle a pervasive check forgery operation that has defrauded over 50 businesses in Los Angeles. The lack of initial leads into the gang's true identity propels Friday and Smith into a deep investigation marked by strategic surveillance, meticulous evidence gathering, and insightful interrogations.

Key Events:

1. Initial Encounter: On a warm July morning, Friday and Smith spot Tom Dawson at York Boulevard and Buchanan Street, near York Cannon Market, where Dawson is cashing a suspicious check. Despite internal pressures and budget constraints, Friday decides to cash the check, leading to potential complications with his superiors.

2. Gathering Evidence: Through conversations with Dawson, Friday uncovers critical information about the forger, including falsified identification documents and the manipulation of check protectors. Discrepancies in the checks' signatures and typewriter imprints hint at a sophisticated forgery scheme.

3. Suspect Profiling: The detectives compile a detailed profile of the suspect—Cecil Maddox—described as an ordinary-looking man around 27 years old, approximately 5'9" tall. The analysis of the forgeries reveals that the gang operates with precision, altering essential elements to avoid detection.

4. Unexpected Ally: Frank Smith's past as a former forger introduces a personal dimension to the investigation. His relationship with Beatrice Dowling, a key figure from a previous case, becomes pivotal in providing insider insights that aid in tracking down the current operation.

5. Climactic Arrest: Through persistent surveillance and strategic collaboration, Friday and his team successfully identify and apprehend Maddox and his accomplices during a crucial transaction, leading to their conviction on multiple forgery charges.

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Key Discussions and Investigations

The episode intricately explores the challenges and methodologies of police work in combating financial crimes. Several discussions and investigative techniques are highlighted:

• Evidence Verification: The importance of scrutinizing identification documents and check details to identify inconsistencies that signal forgery.

• Surveillance Tactics: The strategic placement of detectives in key locations, such as the bar frequented by the suspect, to monitor criminal activities without alerting the perpetrators.

• Interrogation Techniques: The use of targeted questioning to elicit information from suspects, as seen in the interrogation of Raymond Johnstone, who, despite a long felony record, refuses to cooperate.

• Collaboration and Resource Sharing: Engaging with external resources like the crime lab and coordinating with other law enforcement offices (e.g., contacting George Brereton in Sacramento) to pool information and leads.

• Personal Stakes: Joe Friday's personal concerns about his job performance and family add depth to his character, illustrating the human side of law enforcement officers dealing with high-pressure situations.

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Characters and Interactions

• Joe Friday: The epitome of the dedicated detective, Friday approaches each case with methodical precision and an unwavering commitment to justice. His interactions reflect a balance between professional duty and personal vulnerabilities.

• Frank Smith: As Friday's partner, Smith brings a unique perspective given his past involvement in forgery. His insider knowledge and personal connection to Beatrice Dowling play a critical role in unraveling the criminal network.

• Beatrice Dowling: A former convict whose testimony and cooperation were instrumental in a previous case, Dowling serves as a key informant, bridging connections that facilitate the current investigation.

• Cecil Maddox: The primary antagonist, Maddox is revealed to be a seasoned forger with a history of criminal activities, making him a formidable target for Friday and his team.

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Insights and Conclusions

"The Big Help" underscores several critical themes and insights:

• The Complexity of Financial Crimes: The episode highlights the intricate nature of check forgery operations, emphasizing how perpetrators manipulate seemingly legitimate financial instruments to execute their schemes.

• Persistence in Law Enforcement: Friday and Smith's relentless pursuit of leads, despite initial setbacks and the sophistication of the criminals, exemplifies the dedication required in effective policing.

• The Impact of Personal History: Frank Smith's backstory serves as a narrative device to explore redemption and the potential for personal growth, even among those who once partook in criminal activities.

• Strategic Policing: The successful resolution of the case illustrates the effectiveness of strategic planning, inter-departmental collaboration, and the utilization of available resources in combating organized crime.

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Notable Quotes

1. Joe Friday on Professional Responsibility:

   • "Sure hope you can get the guy that gave me the paper. The way it stands now, I'm gonna have to make it up out of my salary. I don't make that much. I haven't told my wife yet. She's gonna scream like an eagle when she finds out." [02:41]

2. Frank Smith on Gratitude and Cooperation:

   • "I never got a chance to tell you, Sergeant, how much I appreciated what you did for me. What you said in court." [10:12]

3. Joe Friday on Denial and Cornering the Suspect:

   • "You have just heard Dragnet, the authentic story of your police force in action." [25:09]

4. Culmination of the Investigation:

   • "Cecil James Maddox, Raymond Richard Johnstone, and Paul Milton Hadley were tried and convicted on 18 counts of forgery." [24:39]

5. Joe Friday on the Nature of the Crime:

   • "If it didn't, I wouldn't have gone for the money." [05:30]

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Conclusion

"Dragnet: The Big Help" is a masterful representation of procedural crime drama, encapsulating the essence of diligent detective work and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through its nuanced characters, intricate plot development, and authentic portrayal of 1950s policing, the episode offers listeners an engaging and insightful experience into the challenges of combating financial crimes. The collaboration between Joe Friday and Frank Smith, coupled with the strategic unraveling of the forgery ring, serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and storytelling prowess of the Dragnet series.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

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

[Joe Friday]

Dragnet.

[Narrator]

You'Re a detective sergeant. You're assigned a forgery detail. A group of check passers is working in your city. They've hit over 50 places of business. You have no lead to their true identity. They're still working your job. Stop them. It was Wednesday, July 11. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of my partner's Frank Smith, the boss of chief of detective Stabbed Brown. My name's Friday. We're on our way out from the office. It was 11:20am when we got to the corner of York Boulevard and Buchanan Street. York Cannon Market. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Something you're looking for?

[Narrator]

Like see Tom Dawson.

[Joe Friday]

He's in the back there over by count 11.

[Narrator]

Cold cereal. Thank you. Yeah. Mr. Dawson?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

Police officers would like to talk to you.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, about the check, huh?

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Joe Friday]

Mind if I go ahead with this display? I'd like to get it finished. I got enough trouble with the bosses.

[Narrator]

It is.

[Joe Friday]

I don't want to build anymore.

[Narrator]

No, sir. You go right ahead.

[Joe Friday]

This fellow cop too?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. This is officer Frank Smith. My name's Fry.

[Joe Friday]

Hi.

[Narrator]

How do you do, Mr. Darker.

[Joe Friday]

Sure hope you can get the guy that gave me the paper. The way it stands now, I'm gonna have to make it up out of my salary. I don't make that much. I haven't told my wife yet. She's gonna scream like an eagle when she finds out. We got a real strict budget. Sure gonna louse it up.

[Narrator]

You have the check?

[Joe Friday]

Yep, we got it right here. Came back from the bank this morning. Boss gave it to me. Here you go.

[Narrator]

Thank you. Same as the others? Looks like it, yeah. Here. Thank you.

[Joe Friday]

How's that look to you, sir?

[Narrator]

The display look all right? Oh, yes, sir, it's fine.

[Joe Friday]

Got this mask finished and it's all done.

[Narrator]

What can you tell us about the man who gave you the check?

[Joe Friday]

What do you want to know?

[Narrator]

Well, what kind of identification did he use?

[Joe Friday]

Just about the whole thing. Driver's license, Social Security card, gasoline, credit card. That work?

[Narrator]

There's pencil notation on the back of the check. This his license number?

[Joe Friday]

Let me take a look here. Yeah. Yeah, that's it. I figured sure it'd be good. Nice looking fella. Sure. Never going for a paper hanger.

[Narrator]

Can you give us a description of him?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure can. I got a good look at.

[Narrator]

This.

[Joe Friday]

Sure ought to sell this stuff.

[Narrator]

What's that, sir?

[Joe Friday]

I say this ought to sell the stuff, this mask. We're giving them away. When you buy the breakfast food, extra quarter and you get one of these head things, kids sure go for them.

[Narrator]

Uh huh.

[Joe Friday]

Whole display's built around it. See the finished mask goes right there. Makes it look like the cardboard kid's wearing it.

[Narrator]

Uh huh.

[Joe Friday]

You want to go ahead with the questions while I put it together?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. Have you ever seen this man before?

[Frank Smith]

No.

[Joe Friday]

Of course, he might have been around. We do a pretty good business. Could have been in, I wouldn't have remembered. What'd he say to you? Just came in and bought some groceries. Must have been about a dollar and a half's worth. Asked me to cash a check. I told him the manager would have to. Okay. Told him the manager wasn't here, he'd have to wait.

[Narrator]

Well, can't anyone else give the okay?

[Joe Friday]

Not supposed to. If we do and something goes wrong, we're stuck for it.

[Narrator]

I see.

[Joe Friday]

Guy told me he didn't have time. Said he was on his lunch hour and he had to get the groceries home. So I asked him if he had any identification. He said he did. Looked all right to me, so I cashed a check. Say, would you hold this mask for Me? While I get the rubber band around the top?

[Narrator]

Yeah, sure.

[Joe Friday]

Now, wait till I wind it around a couple of times. We put these things up high, but the kids still find a way to get them down. They're not put together good. They don't last long. That'll do it. Now, let's see. Guess this is what goes in next. The eyepiece. Take the eyepiece and put it inside the mask. Slip into notches. Y and T, set Cs.

[Narrator]

Did you look at the man's identification closely?

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean?

[Narrator]

Close. Well, you take a good look at it?

[Joe Friday]

Good enough to think it was all.

[Narrator]

Right to cash a check. It looked genuine, huh?

[Joe Friday]

If it didn't, I wouldn't have gone for the money.

[Narrator]

I see. Was there anything about the man that would make it easier for us to identify him?

[Joe Friday]

Not that I could see. He looked ordinary enough. Nothing special about him? Nothing that'd stand out. Hold this a minute, will you, while I put the earpiece on this here? Yes. Thanks. I guess that's all there is. Put it up here on the top and that does it. How's it look?

[Narrator]

It's fine. Kind of scary.

[Joe Friday]

Sure hope the boss likes it. Sure been on my back since that check came back. Seems like everything I do is wrong. Be glad when this day is over.

[Narrator]

Yeah, sure. You want to give us that description now?

[Joe Friday]

Of the man who gave me the check?

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Joe Friday]

Sure, I'll do all I can to help. You think if you catch him, I'll be able to get the money back?

[Narrator]

Well, that's hard to say, sir.

[Joe Friday]

Sure hope so. 89.60. That's a lot of money. I hate to lose it.

[Narrator]

How much is that?

[Joe Friday]

89.60.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Joe Friday]

Don't even want to think about what my wife's going to say. That'll be pretty rough.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. We understand. How old was the man?

[Joe Friday]

About 27. Around in there.

[Narrator]

About how tall was he?

[Joe Friday]

Five nine, I guess. Say, if you do catch him, how do you go about getting the money back?

[Narrator]

Well, it's booked as evidence first.

[Joe Friday]

Then I get it back.

[Narrator]

Well, that depends on what happens at the trial. It's not up to us to decide, sir. You see, the suspect has gotten to several other people, too. If there is anything recovered, they've got a share of it.

[Joe Friday]

And I probably won't get what's coming to me?

[Narrator]

Well, no, sir. But you can be sure of one thing. What's that? Suspect will. 11:46am we got the complete description of the suspect and we Made arrangements for the victim to come down to the city hall and go through the mud books. The information on the driver's license was checked through R and I and the Department of Motor Vehicles and we found it to be false. The first bad check had come to our attention on February 16, five months previously. Between then and the present forgery, the gang had taken approximately $60,000 from businessmen in the Southland area. All attempts had been made to stop them. The checks, cash, were all issued for the same amount, $91 and 10 cents. The checks were drawn on real companies, but on banks when no account existed. Examination of the forgeries by the crime lab and by handwriting showed that the checks themselves were not genuine. The signatures on each of them vary. The typewriter used to fill in the payee and the date was different in each instance, as was the check protector. Used MO bulletins carrying pictures of the checks and lists of the companies that they were drawn on were gotten out to all supermarkets and check cashing agencies in the city. None of the precautions we took did any good. The gang continued to operate. Each of the victims was questioned, but the descriptions of the suspect that they gave us was different. In each instance, examination of pictures of known check forgers using the same method of operation netted us nothing. The stats office had made several runs on the information we had, but they were not able to come up with any new evidence. George Brereton up at Sacramento was contacted and he furnished us a list of possibles. These were all checked out and several arrests were made clearing up other forgeries. But our prime suspects were still free and they were still operating. Wednesday, 4:15pm Frank and I came back from Captain Welsh's office. Well, now we know how the skipper feels. Can you blame him? No, I guess not. We're doing all we can. If the people who run the stores won't look at the bulletins, there's nothing we can do. Breaks are bound to go with us pretty soon. They gotta start sometime. I get it. Forgery fighting. Well, just a minute, ma' am. Fergie around? I don't know. I'll take a lookin back. Hey, Fergie, then. Fergie? No, he's not here. He's not here right now. Can I take a message? Mm. Yes, ma' am. No, he's not working today. Yes, ma' am. Well, if you give me your number, I'll have him call when he gets in. All right, that's nine. Eight. Yes, ma' am. No, no, it's right in the message book. No, he'll see it. That's right. Yes, ma' am. Mm. No, he'll look at the book when he comes in. No, the first thing. You bet. Well, you're more than welcome. Yes, ma' am. Bye. Problem? No, she just didn't believe that Fergie would get the message. Yeah, I know. Sometimes Faye says the same thing.

[Frank Smith]

Sergeant Friday?

[Narrator]

Yes, that's. Oh, hi, B. Come on in.

[Frank Smith]

I'm sure you'd be in.

[Narrator]

You know my partner, Frank Smith, don't you? Beatrice Dowling.

[Frank Smith]

Oh, yeah, we've met.

[Narrator]

Sure. I haven't seen you in a long time. Sit down, Bea.

[Frank Smith]

Thanks.

[Narrator]

There you go. What can we do for you?

[Frank Smith]

I thought I'd drop in, say hello. Been a while.

[Narrator]

Yeah, it has it that. How's it been going?

[Frank Smith]

Pretty good. Got myself a job when I got out. Things are working good for me.

[Narrator]

How long's it been now?

[Frank Smith]

Year ago last January.

[Narrator]

Well, is there anything we can do for you?

[Frank Smith]

No. Might be the other way around.

[Narrator]

How do you mean?

[Frank Smith]

I never got a chance to tell you, Sergeant, how much I appreciated what you did for me. What you said in court.

[Narrator]

Well, we just told him the truth.

[Frank Smith]

I know. It would have gone a lot harder with me if you hadn't been on my side.

[Narrator]

It's nice of you to think of it that way, anyway.

[Frank Smith]

True. Never get a chance before. And now. Maybe there's a way I can pay you back.

[Narrator]

That's not necessary, you know.

[Frank Smith]

I know. I don't want to.

[Narrator]

All right, what do you got?

[Frank Smith]

You know how it is when you get out of jail. You meet a lot of people in the business. They all got a deal for you. Something to put you back on your feet.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Same thing happens with me. I stayed clear of it, though. Never went near him. Well, I'm not going to con you. A couple of times, pretty hard. But I'm on the road and I'm gonna stay there.

[Narrator]

That's good to hear.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

You get rumbles? You know, things come up. I got one the other day. More than a rumble. How about you? Right away. Figured there's a way to pay you back.

[Narrator]

Well, what is it?

[Frank Smith]

Met a guy in a bar, a little place near where I work. Usually after work, I stop in and have a beer while I wait for the traffic to clear up before I go home. The other night fell. Come up and started talking. Nice looking guy he got. Talking about different things. Nothing big, just things. You know, how you do at a bar.

[Narrator]

Mm.

[Frank Smith]

He asked me what I did for a living, how things were going. Like that and he wanted to know if I'd like to pick up a few extra bucks.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Said he wanted me to cash a check for him. I told him I didn't have the money. It didn't make any difference how small the check was. I didn't have the loot. Then he sprung it. He didn't want me to cash it myself. Said he wanted me to take it to the store and get it cashed. That he'd give me half what the check was for.

[Narrator]

Well, why didn't he do it himself?

[Frank Smith]

I asked him the same thing. That's when he told me. As soon as I heard it, I figured it might be something for you. He said the check was stolen.

[Narrator]

Beatrice Dowling had been convicted of forgery three years before she'd been sentenced to the California Institution for Women at Corona, California. Frank and I had a small part in the investigation that resulted in her conviction. During the trial, we testified that her cooperation had aided us in apprehending the rest of the gang and allowing us to clean up the entire operation. Since she'd been paroled, we'd lost track of her. But on those occasions when we talked to a parole officer, we found that she was living up to all of the conditions of her release. Frank and I took her across the street to a restaurant and we talked further to her.

[Frank Smith]

That's the sugar. Will you, Sergeant?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Hey, Abby.

[Frank Smith]

You don't use it?

[Narrator]

No. No, thanks.

[Frank Smith]

How about you, Mr. Smith?

[Narrator]

No, thanks. I take a bite, too. How about this guy? What did you tell him?

[Frank Smith]

I said I'd think over the deal and let him know.

[Narrator]

Did you get a chance to see the checks?

[Frank Smith]

Couple took him out of a wallet and his coat. I didn't get a good look at him, though.

[Narrator]

Uh huh. How about the man himself? Pete. You ever seen before?

[Frank Smith]

I don't think so.

[Narrator]

You know why I picked you?

[Frank Smith]

I've been trying to figure that one myself. Only thing I can think of is the bartender there knows I fell once. He might have given the word.

[Narrator]

Has he got any record that you know the bartender? Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

I don't think so. He likes to talk big, but I don't think he's ever done big time.

[Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Narrator]

He set up anything about meeting the man with a check?

[Frank Smith]

Not definite. I told him I'd think it over. Asked him if I decided to do it, would the offer still be open? Yeah, he said it would. Said to look him up at the same bar? Yeah, but I could get in touch with him there.

[Narrator]

Any special time?

[Frank Smith]

I'm Gonna name one. I want you to know I wasn't even figuring to go through with it, not for a minute. When he told me the checks were stolen, I thought right away about you. Thought you might want the information. I never figured to get mixed up in it.

[Narrator]

Well, we'll buy it.

[Frank Smith]

What are you gonna do about it?

[Narrator]

Try to find out where the checks came from. While you were talking to this guy, did he use a name at all?

[Frank Smith]

No, not right out. While we were sitting there, another fella come in and talked to him. I heard the other guy call him Cecil.

[Narrator]

How about this other man? Do you know him? No, never saw him around the bar?

[Frank Smith]

No, I never do.

[Narrator]

Look, Bee, there's something I don't understand. If you stop at this bar all the time, how come you haven't seen Cecil before? Looks like he's a regular customer of the place.

[Frank Smith]

You don't believe me, do you?

[Narrator]

I'm just trying to get a straight.

[Frank Smith]

I told you before, I only go in there about 5:30. I'm only in the place maybe 15 minutes and then I leave. A lot of time when people are coming in and out that I'm not there.

[Narrator]

I see.

[Frank Smith]

Listen, I'm trying to give you guys something for free. You don't want it? Don't worry. You're not gonna hurt my feelings.

[Narrator]

No, it's not that beef. Frank and I have been on a thing for the last four months here. It's been giving us a lot of trouble.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, well, that's it. Think it's worth anything?

[Narrator]

We're gonna check it out. Does Cecil give you any idea where he got the checks?

[Frank Smith]

He said they were stolen payroll checks. All made out and ready for endorsement.

[Narrator]

Well, if they're made out, what about identification?

[Frank Smith]

He said he had. That all I'd need to put the checks through.

[Narrator]

They show you any of it?

[Frank Smith]

No, just said that he had it already.

[Narrator]

All right. B. Wonder if you come back to the office and check through the books for us, see if you can spot this Cecil.

[Frank Smith]

Oh, sure, I'd be glad to help out.

[Narrator]

I got a bill. We can leave.

[Frank Smith]

I don't want to bring this up, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Yeah, what's that?

[Frank Smith]

I hope you'll understand. I'm not trying to get out of line.

[Narrator]

Oh, go ahead.

[Frank Smith]

Be they know me in this bar. The fella, Cecil knows me. What had happened if I went ahead of the deal?

[Narrator]

You mean make the connection for us?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. Line him up. Find out how the gas working. Then you move there and make the pinch.

[Narrator]

Well, we can't ask you to do that.

[Frank Smith]

It's not your idea. I just figured it might be easier all around. You and Mr. Smith will be right there as soon as I get the information. Then it's up to you.

[Narrator]

Well, I'll have to check that with the skipper. We'll find out what he thinks of. The idea might be pretty dangerous.

[Frank Smith]

I thought of that, too. Only one thing bothers me.

[Narrator]

What's that?

[Frank Smith]

Somebody's along the line. I'm going to have to tell this joker that I don't go for the deal. He's going to find out I'm working with you. When he does be there.

[Narrator]

We returned to the office and made arrangements to meet Beatrice Dowling. The next day, Frank and I got the name and description of the bartender at the place where the Dowling woman said she'd been approached. We ran it through R and I, but we were not able to find a record for the man. The next morning we met with Captain Welch and told him of the idea. He agreed that it appeared to be the only way we had of stopping the suspect. We contacted Ms. Dowling and made arrangements for her to be kept under constant surveillance. The same day, Thursday, July 12, at 5:20pm she entered the bar. Frank and I were parked down the street in our car. How about it? See the doorway? Well, all we can do now is wait. Yeah. Here, you want a cigarette? I got one. Oh, what's the matter? You got a cigarette? Yeah. You got one on your hand. There's some right here. Sure? Yeah. All right. I'll sure be glad to get home. Yeah. Faye and me had a big argument last night. Is that right? What's the matter now? Oh, I came home, I guess, about 7:30 around in there. Right after dinner, I got ready for bed. That's when I saw it. I should have known right from the start. Should have known what? Well, Fay fixed Swedish meatballs for dinner again, huh? Right. Then I should have known that's what had happened. You know, she always figures he'll soften me up so I won't mind. Well, what'd she buy this time? A new bedroom set, King size bed, Joe. Mattress springs, A couple of those new rubber pillows. You know, those bouncy springs. I took one look at them and naturally the roof went off. You mean she bought the whole thing, huh? She refurnished the whole room. Cost a lot of money, didn't it? That's what I thought. I was pretty sore about it, too, and we had a few words. I guess it was pretty bad time. I got calmed Down.

[Joe Friday]

She was asleep.

[Narrator]

Then I saw the bill, couldn't believe it. You wouldn't either, Joe. It wasn't big at all. Right. Yeah, I sure slept good. Think I could make it, Joe? What's that? You know I'm always talking about sleeping for a week. Yeah? Well, the way I slept last night, I think I could make it. You know something? I sure like to try. How are you gonna have to wait to try? Take a look down there. Huh? The bar. Beatrice coming up. Oh, yeah? A couple of guys with her. They're acting kind of funny, aren't they? Yeah. Way they're shoving her around, there's only one reason for that. Yeah? They found out about us. Frank and I followed the three people down the street. A half a block from the bar, they got into a black Oldsmobile sedan and pulled out into the line traffic. We kept him under surveillance while we drove to the downtown area. We call communications and got a rolling make on the car was registered to a Cecil Maddox, 2482 North Alexandria and Hollywood. We requested that Maddox be checked through R and I. And we found that he'd been arrested twice before on charges of grand theft. He'd served one term at San Quentin and one term at Folsom Penitentiary. At the corner of Broadway and Clay streets, the trio pulled into a parking lot and they left the car. Frank and I parked our unit and followed them to a stationary store. From the street, we could see Maddox talk to a salesman while the other man walked up to a display of typewriters. He took a slip of paper from his pocket and apparently tried the machine. By the time he was finished, Maddox had gotten through talking to the clerk and they used the same piece of paper to try a check protector. During this operation, Beatrice Dowling stood by and waited for him. Finally, the three of them left the store and walked two blocks east to a large market. There we saw Maddox hand the darling woman an envelope. After that, she entered the store and came back a few minutes later. Frank and I were about 10ft from the pair of check men when the woman returned.

[Frank Smith]

Hey, Dave.

[Joe Friday]

How'd it go?

[Frank Smith]

Thank you, Sam. Here's the money.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, let's get a little bar. We'll make a split.

[Frank Smith]

Half. This is mine.

[Joe Friday]

That's the way it was set up. Let's go.

[Narrator]

Come on, Frank. All right, Maddox, hold it up. Whoa.

[Joe Friday]

What's this all about?

[Narrator]

Police officers. You're under arrest.

[Joe Friday]

For what? Go ahead, spell out the beef.

[Narrator]

How's forgery Fifth?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know. You won't hang it on me.

[Narrator]

Don't book it, mister. You'll get short eyes the wrong beef. I won't. You already have.

[Joe Friday]

Huh?

[Narrator]

You paid for it with a bad check. The two suspects were taken to the city Hall. The second man was identified as Raymond Johnstone. We checked him through records and identification. We found that he had a long felony record. He'd served sentences in both San Quentin and Folsom. And from the record, we found that he was in Folsom at the time Maddox was serving his term. We talked to Johnston for an hour, but he refused to admit any complicity in the forgeries. 9:15pm Officers Ferguson and Regan went out to the address we'd gotten for Maddox. And Frank and I talked to the suspect in the interrogation room. All right. Come on, Maddox. Empty your pocket.

[Joe Friday]

What for?

[Narrator]

Because we want you to.

[Joe Friday]

Do I get the stuff back?

[Narrator]

Put it on the table.

[Joe Friday]

I haven't got anything. Nothing you want?

[Narrator]

Will you let us figure that one? Come on. On the table.

[Joe Friday]

Hang Here's a wallet, handkerchief, chain, baggage of gum, keys. That's it.

[Narrator]

All right. Now, the coat pockets.

[Joe Friday]

Cigarettes, lighter, some more change and parking stuff.

[Narrator]

Inside pockets, too.

[Joe Friday]

There's nothing there you'd be interested in.

[Narrator]

Inside pockets.

[Joe Friday]

Couple of letters. That's all right.

[Narrator]

Let's take a look. Your true name Cecil James Maddox?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Who does this stuff belong to?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know anything about it.

[Narrator]

Driver's license, Social Security card, oil company credit card. These don't belong to you, do they?

[Joe Friday]

Take a good look, cop. You see my name on them?

[Narrator]

We found them in your pocket.

[Joe Friday]

Cleaner must have left.

[Narrator]

Oh, come off it, Maddox. We got you nailed and you know it.

[Joe Friday]

You gotta show me.

[Narrator]

All right. These other envelopes here. Same thing on all of them. Now, where'd you get them?

[Joe Friday]

I told you, I got a sloppy cleaner.

[Narrator]

Frank, you want to check and see if Fergie's back? Yeah. You got any money in the wallet? Couple bucks. Take it out.

[Joe Friday]

Sure, I'll give it to you.

[Narrator]

Keep it in your hand. Just give me the wallet.

[Joe Friday]

You find anything interesting in there, and I'll split it away.

[Narrator]

Yeah, sure. How about these checks? Where'd you get them?

[Joe Friday]

I forget.

[Narrator]

Well, you better start remembering, mister.

[Joe Friday]

I'm trying. It just isn't working out.

[Narrator]

Pretty important that you do.

[Joe Friday]

I think I found them.

[Narrator]

Where?

[Joe Friday]

I don't remember.

[Narrator]

You turn up with $500 worth of checks and you don't know where you got them?

[Joe Friday]

I haven't got the slightest idea.

[Narrator]

What about this receipt? What's it for? I don't Know it's in your wallet. You must have put it there.

[Joe Friday]

Look at the back. Phone number on it. Maybe that's where I kept it.

[Narrator]

No phone number here.

[Joe Friday]

Well, then I can't tell you where I got it. I guess I've been carrying it around for a long time.

[Narrator]

Dated a couple of months ago.

[Joe Friday]

That's a long time.

[Narrator]

Look, what are you trying to prove with this innocent pitch? You know, we got you going in. We're going to make a forgery complaint stick. Now, why are you trying to make it harder?

[Joe Friday]

I don't think you can trip me for the beef.

[Narrator]

There's a couple of officers over at your apartment. Now, they come up with the press you used to print up the checks and the identification. You've had it, mister.

[Joe Friday]

If they find the press.

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Joe Friday]

Only one big hole in the fairy tale, that's all. I haven't got a press. I don't know where I got those checks. I think I bought them. You try to take me to court on that kind of evidence and you'll make the front pages the dumbest cop of the year.

[Narrator]

Joe, you know? Got something for you. You wait here, Maddox.

[Joe Friday]

Only one door and you're in front of that. I'm not going anywhere.

[Narrator]

Just sit still. Yeah. How's it going? Not too good. He won't cop out. How'd you do? I talked to Fergie. They went over Maddox's apartment. Yeah. Didn't find anything. We went back into the interrogation room and we talked to the suspect. He'd admit nothing. We talked to Raymond Johnstone, but he refused to cooperate with us. A thorough search was made of their car, but we failed to turn up anything new. We contacted the printer who'd made up the receipt blanks. He checked his records and was able to give us the address of the place that had ordered him. Officers Ferguson, Regan, Frank and I drove out to the place. It was a cheap hotel located on East 7. We checked with the desk clerk and showed him the receipt. He told us that two men answering the descriptions of the suspects had rented a room two months previously. He went on to say that there was a third man with a pair and that he was in the room at the time. We asked about luggage and the clerk said that the trio had moved in several large trunks. We got the room number and while Ferguson and Regan covered the rear of the building, Frank and I went up to the room down this way. Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Paul Hadley?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right. What do you want?

[Narrator]

I talk to you.

[Joe Friday]

I'm Kind of busy right now. What's it about?

[Narrator]

Police officers.

[Joe Friday]

Get out of here. You got no call to bust in here. I'm not doing anything wrong.

[Narrator]

Why'd you try to keep us out?

[Joe Friday]

I just don't like cops running all over the place.

[Narrator]

Where's that door go?

[Joe Friday]

Bedroom. But there ain't nothing in there that concerns you.

[Narrator]

I'll take a look.

[Joe Friday]

You stay out of there. What's this all about anyway? What are you cops trying to build?

[Narrator]

Nothing about it. Frank, take a look. Come on. Hadley, over here. Press and everything, huh?

[Joe Friday]

I do a little printing for the neighborhood people. There's nothing to concern you.

[Narrator]

You do work for the Department of Motor Vehicles, too? What? These driver's license planks, what are they for?

[Joe Friday]

Who tipped you?

[Narrator]

What?

[Joe Friday]

Who told you about the plant?

[Narrator]

Who told you? That make any difference?

[Joe Friday]

You bet it does. All the difference in the world. I don't know what they told you, but I'm not gonna take the beef alone. I'm not gonna take it alone.

[Narrator]

That so?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. You go back and tell Cecil and Ray that they're going with me. I'm not gonna carry this by myself. You tell them that, will you?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Joe Friday]

Phony deal. Anyway, I sit here with the press, all the checks. Anything goes wrong, I'm the one that stands for it. They're out with the money. One sided, that's what it is. They get the kicks, I get to work. One sided.

[Narrator]

No, not this time, huh? You're all gonna come out even. Cecil James Maddox, Raymond Richard Johnstone and Paul Milton Hadley were tried and convicted on 18 counts of forgery. They receive sentence as prescribed by law. Forgery is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year or by imprisonment for not more than 14 years in the state penitentiary.

[Joe Friday]

You have just heard Dragnet, the authentic story of your police force in action.

[Narrator]

And starring Jack Webb, a presentation of.

[Joe Friday]

The United States Armed Forces Radio Service.

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