Dragnet: The Big Housemaid 07/26/1955

Summary

---

Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Dragnet: "The Big Housemaid" (Original Air Date: 07/26/1955)
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

---

Episode Overview

In this installment of Dragnet, Detectives Joe Friday and Frank Smith investigate a series of domestic burglaries perpetrated by a woman posing as a housemaid. The episode explores themes of trust, class assumptions, and the social dynamics between domestic workers and their employers, all set against the methodical narrative and realistic procedural style that made Dragnet iconic during radio’s golden age.

---

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Initial Case Assignment & Victim Introduction

Starts: 01:05

• Friday and Smith are assigned a case involving a woman impersonating a housemaid, stealing from city homes.
• The narrative setup is typical Dragnet: "The story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent." (00:52)
• Smith receives a call from his wife about Mrs. Sarah Vesper—an old family neighbor—who has been robbed ("Nice old lady like that." – Smith, 03:32).
• Mrs. Vesper’s personal connection to Smith provides warmth and humor (03:38–05:13), including revelations about his childhood poetry ("Rainbow, rainbow up so high...Won't you ever tumble down." – Mrs. Vesper quoting Smith’s childhood poem, 08:37).

Notable Quotes:

• "You gotta promise me something. You gotta give me your word right here. I don't want you to kid me afterwards about the way she treats me." – Smith (04:04)
• "Like what?" – Friday
  "Oh, you know, the crazy ideas people get...Mrs. Vesper thinks I...should have kept at it, made it my career." – Smith (04:35)

---

2. Details of the Crime & Suspect

Victim Statement: 05:35–13:19

• Mrs. Vesper explains a supposed “surprise” cleaning woman, sent by her niece, arrived, and later she discovered valuables missing
• She reluctantly calls her niece, who denies any knowledge of hiring a cleaner, confirming the woman was an impostor (13:30).
• Mrs. Vesper’s quaint recollections create a bittersweet mood, fusing personal history with procedural focus.

Notable Quotes:

• "Eating my sandwiches at the same time she was robbing me." – Mrs. Vesper (11:10)
• "Barbara didn't have anything to do with it. Oh, she's never even heard of her." – Mrs. Vesper (13:30)

---

3. Pattern Emerges: Serial Burglaries & Investigation

Detective Work: 13:42–15:47

• Nine more burglaries, all with similar M.O.—the suspect gains entrance by referencing mutual acquaintances and offers cleaning help.
• The suspect is described consistently: WFA (white female adult), ~40 years old, 5’3”–5’4”, ~140 lbs.
• Dragnet’s trademark procedural rhythm emerges: stakeouts at bus stops, pawn shop alerts, canvassing employment agencies and want ads.

---

4. Pawn Shop Lead & “Lucky Rita”

Break in the Case: 15:00–19:06

• Corky Levitt, a pawn broker, calls police about a woman, Rita Baines, trying to pawn a stolen diamond clip.
• Police detain Rita, known for past convictions ("You’ve fallen three times. Forgery, grand theft, burglary." – Friday, 17:05).
• Rita insists the pin was given to her by a stranger on the bus, a story that strains credulity but cannot be disproved. She is ultimately released for lack of evidence.

Memorable Exchange:

• "Dame on the bus asked me if I liked it. I said yes, she gave it to me....You guys don’t mind if I stick to that story, do you? See as how it's the truth." – Rita Baines (18:36–18:42)
• "I'm the gal with the record....Anytime there's trouble, pick her up." – Rita Baines (18:58)

---

5. Resolution: Identifying the True Culprit

• Another woman, Mrs. Heflin, reports being given a pearl choker by a stranger at a bus stop (20:21). Heflin’s description matches previous suspect reports.
• The detectives trace the woman to an apartment building—her name is Edna Landy (21:19).

Key Interrogation (22:10–24:45):

• Landy, the thief, confesses she committed the thefts not for self-enrichment but to “teach a lesson” to employers:
  “Doesn’t matter how much you do, how hard you try...They say you took it...Least little thing gets lost, they say you’re a thief. ...As long as they’re gonna blame me anyway, might as well do something to deserve it. Good lesson. That’s what they need." – Edna Landy (23:03, 23:19)
• She gave away the jewelry and sent all money to charities:
  "I gave all the jewelry away. ...I sent it off. Every penny. Sent it to charity. Different charities all over. I wouldn’t keep something that wasn’t mine." – Edna Landy (23:43, 23:50)

Closing Reflection:

• Landy’s resentment for her treatment as a domestic worker offers a rare psychological motivation, questioning class bias and the consequences of mistrust.
• Friday and Smith respond stoically but with understanding:
  "Just trying to make them understand, that's all. Cleaning woman's like everybody else. She's got feelings too. And pride, like everybody else." – Edna Landy (24:20) "That’s right, Ms. Landy." – Friday (24:35)
  "They will." – Smith (24:38)

---

6. Epilogue: Justice & Mental Health

Court Report: 24:51–End

• Landy is declared mentally incompetent and committed to a state hospital after examination by court-appointed psychiatrists.
• The show closes in Dragnet’s factual, somber style:
  "The names were changed to protect the innocent..." (24:48) "Edna Foster Landy was examined by three psychiatrists...found to be mentally incompetent...committed to a state medical hospital..." (24:51)

---

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Case Setup & Opening Banter: 01:05–05:25
• Mrs. Vesper’s Statement & Family Color: 05:35–13:30
• Rise in Serial Burglaries & Investigation: 13:42–15:47
• Pawn Shop Interlude & Detaining ‘Rita Baines’: 15:00–19:06
• Discovery & Arrest of Edna Landy: 21:19–24:45
• Final Epilogue & Outcome: 24:51–End

---

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• "Rainbow, rainbow up so high...Won't you ever tumble down." – Mrs. Vesper, reciting Smith’s childhood poem (08:37)
• "Eating my sandwiches at the same time she was robbing me." – Mrs. Vesper (11:10)
• "As long as they're gonna blame me anyway, might as well do something to deserve it. Good lesson. That's what they need." – Edna Landy (23:19)
• "Cleaning woman’s like everybody else. She’s got feelings too. And pride, like everybody else." – Edna Landy (24:20)

---

Tone and Language

The tone balances Dragnet’s dry, methodical police procedural approach with moments of gentle humor, empathetic insight, and subtle commentary on social assumptions about domestic workers. The dialogue remains clipped, factual, and laden with 1950s vernacular and politeness, making the social commentary all the more pointed.

---

Summary for New Listeners

This Dragnet episode provides a meticulous look at a case involving a spate of thefts by a woman posing as a domestic worker, ultimately exposing not just a criminal, but larger themes of distrust and the emotional costs of social stereotypes. Through compassionate yet unwavering police work, the episode brings to light the humanity behind both crime and punishment—hallmarks of Dragnet’s enduring radio legacy.

Transcript

[Cash Avalanche Casino Announcer]

Hey, free spins are waiting for you in Cash Avalanche Casino slot. Jump into a world of exciting spin wheels, vibrant visuals and rewarding surprises. Earn sweepstakes coins through gameplay, join thrilling competitions and explore a variety of themed experiences. With smooth performance and helpful support anytime, every moment feels exciting. Ready to begin your adventure? Download Cash Avalanche Casino slot on the app Store and claim your bonus.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

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].

[Detective Frank Smith]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are

[Narrator]

about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Detective Frank Smith]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a burglary detail. A woman posing as a housemaid has

[Narrator]

been stealing cash and other valuables from

[Detective Joe Friday]

homes in your city.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Your job, Stopper.

[Narrator]

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.

[Detective Joe Friday]

It was Tuesday, October 11th. It was cloudy in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of burglary details. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Bernard. My name's Friday. We're on our way back from lunch and it was 1:17pm when we got to room 45.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Burglary. Hey, Smith. Huh? Your wife called while you're out. Want you to call her back. Oh, thanks. That's funny. I'd like fate to call in the middle of the day. Kids are all right when I left this morning. Wonder what she wants.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Why don't you call her and find out?

[Detective Frank Smith]

You're not married, Joe. You don't understand. Sometimes a guy wants a minute to think things over, sort of prepare himself if he's done something he shouldn't. Mm. Well, have you? Have I what?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Done something you shouldn't?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Of course not.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Then be my guest.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Okay. Thanks.

[Detective Joe Friday]

I'll dial 9 for you too.

[Detective Frank Smith]

That's mighty nice. Funny, I know. The kids are all right. Smut. Hi, honey. Yeah, and they just told me we're out to lunch.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Why?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Something wrong? Oh, when did happen? And I said, does she know who she reported? Why not? Oh, yeah? Well, why'd you tell her? I guess we could. Yeah, sure. It's afternoon, I guess. Yeah. Joseph. All be about 7:30, I guess. All right, honey. Thanks for telling me. If anything comes up I'll call you.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Bye. Nice old lady like that.

[Detective Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Detective Frank Smith]

I don't think you ever met her, Joan. Her name's Mrs. Vesper.

[Detective Joe Friday]

No, it doesn't sound familiar.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Used to live next door to us when I was a kid. Known me since ever since I can remember. She's alone now. Faye calls her up every once in a while, see if she's all right. Called her this morning, Ms. Vesper. Says she had some money stolen, some jewelry. Happened yesterday.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Didn't she report it?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Faye doesn't seem to think so. Wants me to talk to her.

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right, let's go.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Well, Joe. Yeah? You gotta promise me something. You gotta give me your word right here. I don't want you to kid me afterwards about the way she treats me.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Ms. Vesper?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yeah, I told you, she's known me all my life. Yeah, well, sometimes she acts like I'm still a little boy. You know how it is. Sure. So you won't rip me no about anything? Anything at all. Well, what are you getting me at? Well, she doesn't think I ought to be on the force, for one thing. I might as well tell you about it. If I don't, she will. Yeah, she always claims I should have taken up something else.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Like what?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Oh, you know, the crazy ideas people get, especially about kids. Well, Ms. Vesper thinks I. Well, see, when I was a lot younger, real young, 10 or 12, I used to sort of memorize things. Little pieces and poems. What? Memorize things, poems and little pieces. And I'd go next door and recite them for her. Yeah.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You say she's known you all her life?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yeah, practically, I guess.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Well, it'll be true if we don't get out there.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Well, she got a real kick out of them poems, and I wasn't much good. But she was prejudiced because she liked me. You know what else? H. Want to go? Yeah, but I just want to explain this. That she thinks I should have kept at it, made it my career.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Reciting poems?

[Detective Frank Smith]

No, not exactly reciting. Jo. I didn't just recite him.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You wrote them, too.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Frank and I left the office and drove out to the home of Mrs. Sarah Vesper. She lived in a small bungalow on Las Palmas street in the Miracle Mile district. It was 2:07pm when we got there.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Why, for goodness sake, Frank Smith, where on earth did you come from?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Afternoon, Ms. Vesper.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Mrs. Vesper. What's gotten into you, Frank? You've never called me that before in your whole life.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Oh, I meant Aunt Sarah.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Well, now, that's more like it. Who's this you got here with you?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Aunt Sarah, My partner, Sergeant Friday.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Oh, pleased to meet you.

[Detective Joe Friday]

I do, ma'.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Am.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

You work for Frank, do you, Young man and Sarah?

[Detective Frank Smith]

We work together.

[Edna Landy]

Oh, you don't say.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Well, I expect that keeps you from getting lonesome, don't it?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

My goodness. Now, don't just stand there. Come on inside, both of you.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Thank you very much.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Well, sir, this isn't the darndest coincidence, ma'. Am. You're coming to visit me today. Oh, sit right down.

[Edna Landy]

Sit right down.

[Detective Joe Friday]

After you, boss.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Thanks.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Believe it or not, I was talking to your wife only this morning. Then the next thing I know, here you are.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Am.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Fay told me.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Oh, my stars.

[Detective Frank Smith]

What's the matter, Aunt Sarah?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Oh, I just remember. That's why you're here, ain't it? On account of what I said to Faye.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yes, sir.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

I should never have mentioned it to her. I don't know what's the matter with me. I must be losing my mind or something. I just keep forgetting that you're a policeman. Well, you oughtn't to have been one in the first place. Now, if you'd just taken my advice and.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Sarah.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Oh, now, don't misunderstand me, please. I'm not criticizing the police. We certainly couldn't get along without him. And I'd be the first to say so. But some people have a talent for one thing, and some people are talented in a different direction. Isn't that right, Mr. Friday?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Am.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

You take Frank here. He had a real talent for making up verses even when he was just a little tight. I bet you didn't know that, did you?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Well, I heard a little something about it.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

A real talent, that's what it was. Why, I remember some of his poems to my dying day. They rhymed and everything.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Is that right?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Say, Aunt Sarah, would you tell us

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

about one about the rainbow that was one of his very best. Did he ever do it for you, Mr. Friday?

[Detective Joe Friday]

No. No, I don't think he did.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Oh, it gave you such a beautiful picture, just like an artist had painted it, only with words. You know what I mean?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Well, I'm not sure I do.

[Edna Landy]

Go ahead, Frank.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Say it for Mr. Friday.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Please, Aunt Sarah.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Now, I know he'd like to hear it. Wouldn't you, Mr. Friday?

[Detective Joe Friday]

I sure would.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

All right, Frank. The one about the rainbow.

[Detective Frank Smith]

I don't remember it, Aunt Sarah.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Oh, now you're just being modest.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yes.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes, you are, Frank.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Joe, oh, really, I don't, Aunt Sarah.

[Detective Joe Friday]

I don't remember.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Not a word.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Honest.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Seems funny you'd forget a thing like that. I mean, when you made it up yourself.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Well, it's been a long time.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

It hasn't been any longer for you than it has for me. And I can still remember it just as clear as the first time I heard it.

[Detective Frank Smith]

What?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Rainbow, rainbow up so high that's how it begun, Mr. Friday.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Mm.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Love to hear it, Frank.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Rainbow, rainbow, up so high Blue and red and yellow and brown like an arch across the sky Won't you ever tumble down. Where did it go from there, Frank? The next verse, what was it?

[Detective Frank Smith]

I'm sorry, Aunt Sarah, but we haven't got much time.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Oh, well, anyway, that gives you an

[Edna Landy]

idea of Frank's talent.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes, ma', am, it sure does.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Ah, come on, Aunt Sarah. Would you just tell us about the things that were stolen from you?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Ms. Vespert?

[Edna Landy]

Oh, ma'.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Am.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

I suppose I should have got in touch with the police.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes, ma', am, you should have.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Well, I didn't see where that would help matters none. Just like closing the barn door after the horse had been stolen. And besides, I didn't want to hurt Barbara's feelings.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Barbara?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

My niece.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Oh, I see.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

You remember Barbara, Frank. Oh, sure. You played out in the backyard with her the whole summer she was visiting me. Kind of a scrawny girl. Of course, she's filled out now. You just wouldn't recognize her. Has two children of her own. Nice home out in Westwood.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Detective Joe Friday]

What's your niece got to do with all this, Ms. Vesper?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Oh, she's the one who sent her, ma'.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Am.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

The Keenan woman.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Well, did you know your niece was sending this woman over?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

No, no, I. I guess it was supposed to be kind of a surprise.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Oh.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Anyway, she just come up to the door yesterday morning. Oh, long about 9:30 now. Said she was ready to go to work.

[Detective Joe Friday]

I see.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

First, I didn't know what she was getting at. Then she explained about Barbara hiring her to give me a hand. Of course, I don't need nobody. Little place like this, no trouble at all.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Am.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

But I didn't want to hurt Barbara's feelings, so I told her to come on in. Figured maybe she could help out some of the heavy work. You know, turning the mattresses and moving furniture.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Sure.

[Detective Frank Smith]

What was the woman's name at Sarah?

[Edna Landy]

Margaret.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

That's what she told me.

[Edna Landy]

Margaret.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You know her last name?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

No, no, don't think she even mentioned it.

[Detective Frank Smith]

All right.

[Detective Joe Friday]

What happened next?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Well, we did the cleaning. Not that she was much of a housekeeper. Practically had to go over the whole place after she left.

[Detective Joe Friday]

About how long she stayed. You remember.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Half day. It's what she said Barbara hired her for.

[Edna Landy]

Must have been about, oh, ten after

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

one when she went. Didn't even give me a full four hours. Insisted on my fixing her some lunch, too. I tell you, that woman sure had her share of gall. Eating my sandwiches at the same time she was robbing me. Wonder she didn't ask for car fare.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Well, just what was it?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

She stole my cash money. Cleaned out every pocketbook in the dresser. Found the bills I had hid under the dresser. Scarf, too.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Am.

[Detective Joe Friday]

How soon did you find out these things were gone?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

A little while after she left. When I went to straighten up the mess she'd made.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You still haven't talked to your niece about all this?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

I told you I didn't want to get her all upset.

[Edna Landy]

I suppose she will.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Think it's funny I haven't called a thanker.

[Detective Joe Friday]

I wonder if you'd mind calling her now.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

You mean, right now?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Am.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Do I have to?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Well, we'd like to get this cleaning woman's name and address.

[Detective Frank Smith]

You don't have to say why you're calling Aunt Sarah.

[Edna Landy]

She's bound to know something's wrong.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Barbara's no fool.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Well, if you won't talk to her, we will. We can find out where she lives.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Guess I was wrong about you.

[Edna Landy]

Frank Smith, ma'.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Am. Guess you're turning into a policeman after all. Look in the gift. Tossing the teeth, that's what it is. Bob is going to think don't appreciate all she's done for me. You wait there. I'll be right back.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Am. All right, go ahead and say it. Go on, get it over with. Write me about the poem. I saw you smirking. I'd rather you did that than just sit there with that silly smirk on your face. I suppose you never made up any poems when you were a kid, huh? Yeah, I might have. I'll bet.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Blue and red and brown like an arch up in the sky when will you tumble down?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Is that it?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Of course, I wasn't a real talented poet.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yeah? What are you staring at, then? Oh, nothing. Nothing at all. Well, then stop it, will you?

[Detective Joe Friday]

No, I was just noticing. You need a haircut, don't you?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Well, I'm going to get one this week.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You're not letting it grow long, then.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Why would I let Joe, So help me, if we ever get out of here?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Just slipped out. I won't say another word, I promise.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Or look, either. Huh?

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right. I won't even look.

[Edna Landy]

Well, that isn't the strangest thing.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Did you get a hold of your niece, Ms. Vesper?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Oh, yes.

[Edna Landy]

Yes, I. I talked to her, but

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

I don't understand it. Simply don't understand it.

[Detective Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

A cleaning woman.

[Detective Joe Friday]

What about her?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Barbara didn't have anything to do with it. Oh, she's never even heard of her.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Frank and I continued to talk to the victim. Mrs. Vesper told us the suspect was WFA, about 40 years old, 5ft 3 or 4, weighing approximately 140 pounds. Said she was wearing a house dress and a light gray coat. She also gave us a detailed description of the jewelry that had been stolen. Frank telephoned Mrs. Vesper's niece, and she said she was not acquainted with anyone who answered the suspect's description. 5:17pm the crime lab reported they had found no physical evidence at the Vesper residence. Three days later, October 14, we received a theft report from a woman living near Wilshire and Western. The suspect had gained entrance by saying that a neighbor had sent her to clean. The description tallied with what we already had. During the next two weeks, nine more thefts were reported. In each case, the suspected used the same MO and the description indicated that the crimes had all been the work of the same woman. Each of the thefts took place within a few blocks of Wilshire Boulevard and in the area between Vermont and Fairfax. In one instance, the suspect had been seen departing on the Wilshire bus. Police officers staked out buses and bus stops. Lists of the stolen property were sent to all pawn shops in the city. Two women were brought in for questioning, but the victims were unable to give positive identification. Employment agencies for domestic workers were contacted. Newspaper want ads were checked. No leads developed. Saturday, October 29, 2:17pm I get it.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Burgery Friday. Who? Oh, yeah.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah, Corky.

[Detective Frank Smith]

What's that?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah, thanks. If you can. Okay, Corky. Levis?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Woman's in his pawn shop trying to unload a diamond clip. Oh, Corky says it's on our list. We left the office and drove down to Corky Levitt's Pawn Shop on South Maine. Over the phone, Corky had said he would stall a woman as long as he could. It was 2:28pm when we got to his place, the woman was still there.

[Rita Baines]

You make up your mind, buster. Give me some dough on the thing

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

and hand it back.

[Rita Baines]

I'll take it someplace else.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Let's Have a look at it, Corky.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Sure.

[Rita Baines]

Hey, what is this?

[Detective Frank Smith]

Police officers, huh?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Fine. Let's go.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Take your hands off me or I'll.

[Detective Joe Friday]

I said, let's go. Thanks, Sparky.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Detective Frank Smith]

You bet.

[Rita Baines]

Yeah. Thanks a lot. I suppose you let me in on it.

[Edna Landy]

What's the beef?

[Detective Joe Friday]

We're talking over at the office, huh?

[Edna Landy]

About what?

[Detective Joe Friday]

This clip.

[Rita Baines]

You mean it's hot? Is that what you're getting at?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Once you tell us.

[Rita Baines]

Well, wouldn't you know it? Lucky Rita sure walked into it this time, didn't it?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Looks like it.

[Rita Baines]

New cons about your mind's all made up. You think I stole that pen, don't you?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Somebody did. 2:42pm we contacted Control One and notified them we were bringing in a female suspect. They took down our mileage and location and made a note of the time. Eight minutes later, we pulled into the City hall and we again checked with Control One. While the suspect was being searched by a police woman, we talked to one of the victims. The victim positively identified the diamond Cliff as belonging to her. 3:41pm we interrogated the suspect in the squadron.

[Detective Frank Smith]

All right. Sit down a minute.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You want a cigarette?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Yeah.

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right. Now, suppose you tell us about it. Come on, Rita. Let's get it over with.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

What's there to tell?

[Rita Baines]

You guys know all the answers.

[Detective Joe Friday]

We know some of them. Your name's Rita Baines. You've fallen three times. Forgery, grand theft, burglary. You made two trips to the hatchby and one to Corona.

[Rita Baines]

You looked up my record. Big deal.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Let's talk about this diamond clip, huh?

[Rita Baines]

Okay.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Pretty, ain't it?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Where'd you get it, Rita?

[Rita Baines]

Didn't I steal it? Isn't that why you brought me up here?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

It's a difference.

[Rita Baines]

You wouldn't believe me no matter what I told you.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Why don't you try the truth?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Okay.

[Edna Landy]

It was a gift.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Edna Landy]

Yeah.

[Rita Baines]

Lady gave it to me.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Who was she?

[Edna Landy]

I don't know.

[Rita Baines]

Never saw her before in my life.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Sure?

[Rita Baines]

I was riding the bus yesterday afternoon. She was sitting next to me. Had that pin on. Asked me if I liked it.

[Detective Frank Smith]

You bet.

[Edna Landy]

I said, sure.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

She took it off, said I could have it.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Just handed it right over. Just like that?

[Rita Baines]

Yeah.

[Detective Frank Smith]

What'd she look like, Rita?

[Rita Baines]

I don't know.

[Edna Landy]

40, maybe 45.

[Rita Baines]

Little on the hefty side.

[Detective Joe Friday]

And you've never seen her before?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

First time.

[Rita Baines]

You know, when I was a little girl, my folks always told me not to take things from strangers.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Sure they did.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Yeah.

[Rita Baines]

Guess they were right.

[Detective Frank Smith]

All right, Rita what do you do for a living?

[Rita Baines]

Wait table.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Where?

[Rita Baines]

Borrowed on Pico.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You work days or nights?

[Rita Baines]

Nights mostly. Don't open before 4 o'.

[Edna Landy]

Clock.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Have your morning spree then, huh?

[Rita Baines]

Law against it.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Ever do any housework?

[Rita Baines]

Straighten up my room once in a while.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Never do housework for somebody else. What do you mean, like a cleaning woman?

[Rita Baines]

I ain't that hard up for a job, even with a record.

[Detective Frank Smith]

All right.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Let's talk about this pin some more.

[Rita Baines]

You didn't believe me, did you?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Pretty hard to swallow, isn't it? Yeah, lady, it belongs. Who says? Worth over a hundred dollars.

[Rita Baines]

Palm Broker didn't think so.

[Detective Joe Friday]

People don't go around giving away $100 clips, now, do they? Where'd you get it?

[Rita Baines]

Dame on the bus asked me if I liked it. I said yes, she gave it to me.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Rita Baines]

You guys don't mind if I stick

[Edna Landy]

to that story, do you?

[Rita Baines]

See as how it's the truth.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Which bus were you riding?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Wilshire.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Where'd your friend get off?

[Rita Baines]

She wasn't my friend.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Where'd she get off?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

I don't know.

[Edna Landy]

I got off first.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

You know, if it was somebody else

[Rita Baines]

telling you this, you might go along with her.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure, we would.

[Rita Baines]

But not me. Not Rita Baines.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

You cops give a gala record, from

[Rita Baines]

then on, she might as well be dead.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Sure.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Anytime there's trouble, pick her up.

[Rita Baines]

She probably did it. She tells you different, she's probably lost.

[Detective Joe Friday]

You know, you got one thing wrong, Rita.

[Rita Baines]

I ought to know. It's happened to me often enough. I'm the gal with the record.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yeah, but we didn't give it to you. Frank and I continued to question the suspect, but she refused to change her story. 8:42pm A special show up was held for several of the burglary victims. None of them identified Rita Baines. 9:06pm she was released from custody and we went back to the office.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Well, if she didn't take that clip, she knows who did. Maybe. Stands to reason, Joe, nobody's going to go to all the trouble of stealing this stuff and then give it away.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Burglary Friday. Yes, ma'. Am.

[Detective Frank Smith]

What's that?

[Detective Joe Friday]

I see.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Mm.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes, we would. What's your address? All right, thank you very much. Just a few minutes.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Goodbye.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Well, here we go again.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Another burglary.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Another piece of free jewelry. Frank and I drove out to an address on South Ridgely Drive. 9:32pm we talked to Mrs. Lucy Heflin. She showed us a pearl choker that had been given to her by a woman she met At a bus stop earlier in the evening.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

I didn't want to take it. I told her so, but she wouldn't listen.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

And then afterwards, when I got home and thought about it, well, I started wondering if maybe there was some reason why she was so anxious to get rid of those pearls. So I called you.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Just where was it you saw this woman, Ms. Evelyn?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Corner of Wilshire and Barstow. That's where I was waiting for my bus. I take the Wilshire express home. She went on a load call.

[Detective Frank Smith]

I see.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

And when it pulled up, she got out. I guess she must have turned her ankle or something. Anyway, she dropped her pocketbook, but. Well, I helped her pick up her things and that's when she gave me this choker.

[Detective Frank Smith]

I see.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Said she didn't have any use for it herself and for me to keep it. Tried to give it back, but you wouldn't wait. I tried to follow her, but just then my bus came along and I knew there wouldn't be another one for maybe an hour.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Edna Landy]

Am.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

They don't run very regular after 8 o'. Clock.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yes.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Anyway, I figured I could always return the choker if that seemed like the best thing.

[Detective Joe Friday]

How are you going to do that, Ms. Heflin? Do you know the woman?

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Oh, no. No. But I watched her from the bus. We had to wait for the light to change.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Saw her go into a building. Apartment house. Oh, I suppose that's where she lives.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Miss Heflin told us that the woman had entered an apartment house on Barstow street, two doors from the Wilshire corner. We asked her to describe the suspect, and her description tallied with what we already had. 10:15pm we drove over to the Barstow Avenue address and talked to the manager of the apartment. He told us that a woman answering the suspect's description lived on the second floor, apartment 7. He said that her name was Edna Landy. Frank and I went upstairs to talk to her.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Well, this must be it.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Somebody's coming.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Ms. Landy?

[Edna Landy]

Yes, sir?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Police officers.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

Oh.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Like you to come downtown with us, Ms. Landy.

[Rita Baines]

All right.

[Edna Landy]

I'll get my coat.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Never mind. I'll get it for you.

[Edna Landy]

It's in the closet over there.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Okay. I'll look around while I'm at it. Joe.

[Edna Landy]

Yeah. He won't find anything.

[Detective Joe Friday]

That so?

[Edna Landy]

I gave the last of it away just this evening. Lady I met at the bus stop gave the last piece to her.

[Detective Joe Friday]

I see.

[Edna Landy]

She was very kind to me. Helped me when I dropped my purse. I'm Glad I had something nice for her. Pearl choker. That's what it was.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Yeah, it was clean, Joe. Nice.

[Edna Landy]

I said you wouldn't find anything.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Why'd you do it, Ms. Landy? Why'd you steal those things?

[Edna Landy]

Oh, I wasn't stealing.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Oh, you weren't, huh?

[Edna Landy]

Of course not. I'm just teaching them a lesson. Yeah, they needed it. Needed it bad. Never trust anybody. Always say you're stealing from them.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Who are you talking about, Ms.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Landing?

[Edna Landy]

People that hired me to work for them, do their cleaning.

[Detective Joe Friday]

These people didn't hire you.

[Edna Landy]

They're all the same folks out here back east, all the same.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Where's back east?

[Edna Landy]

Chicago. Chicago, Illinois. Doesn't matter how much you do, how hard you try, ma'.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Am.

[Edna Landy]

Sooner or later something's missing. They say you took it work for him. Ten years. Doesn't matter. Least little thing gets lost. They say you're a thief.

[Detective Joe Friday]

I see.

[Edna Landy]

Made up my mind to show them. As long as they're gonna blame me anyway, might as well do something to deserve it. Good lesson. That's what they need.

[Detective Joe Friday]

All right, let's go.

[Edna Landy]

I'm an honest woman. I've always been honest.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Sure.

[Edna Landy]

I never took that money from Mrs. Dresser. She was wrong to say I did. Never took nothing that didn't belong to me.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Until you came out here.

[Edna Landy]

That's different. Even then, I wasn't taken for myself.

[Rita Baines]

I gave all the jewelry away.

[Edna Landy]

It wasn't for me.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Oh, it was more than jewelry, Ms. Landing. A lot of money missing too.

[Edna Landy]

I didn't keep it.

[Detective Frank Smith]

Oh?

[Edna Landy]

I sent it off. Every penny. Sent it to charity. Different charities all over. I wouldn't keep something that wasn't mine.

[Detective Frank Smith]

I see.

[Edna Landy]

Maybe next time they'll be a little more careful. Who they say is a thief?

[Detective Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Edna Landy]

Isn't right to cue somebody when she hasn't done it. Just because you're the cleaning woman, that doesn't mean you're not honest. Well, I showed them. Showed them If I really wanted to be a crook, how easy it was. You mustn't think I was doing anything wrong.

[Detective Joe Friday]

No.

[Edna Landy]

Just trying to make them understand, that's all. Cleaning woman's like everybody else.

[Mrs. Sarah Vesper]

She's got feelings too. And pride, like everybody else.

[Edna Landy]

Maybe now they'll see where they made their mistake. Yeah, well, they better. I won't stand for being called a liar and a thief. Not anymore. Folks better treat me a whole lot different from here on in.

[Detective Joe Friday]

Well, that's right, Ms. Landy.

[Edna Landy]

What?

[Detective Frank Smith]

They will.

[Narrator]

The story you've just heard is true.

[Detective Frank Smith]

The names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Narrator]

On December 14, the hearing was held in Department 96, Superior Court of the State of California. In and for the county of Los Angeles. In a moment, the results of that hearing. Edna Foster Landy was examined by three psychiatrists appointed by the court. And was found to be mentally incompetent. She was committed to a state medical hospital for an indefinite period of treatment. You have just heard Dragnet a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department.