Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Summary: Dragnet – "The Big Kid" (11/10/1953)

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dragnet, host Sergeant Joe Friday delves into a tense investigation surrounding a juvenile gang war in Los Angeles. Set against the backdrop of the early 1950s, the story meticulously unfolds, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing youth delinquency and gang violence.

Case Overview

At the outset, Sergeant Joe Friday introduces his assignment to the juvenile detail, tasked with investigating rumors of a teenage gang conflict brewing in the city. The uncertainty surrounding the war's onset—its time and location—sets the stage for a complex case.

Sergeant Joe Friday [02:14]: "For the past two weeks, there have been rumors of a teenage gang war taking place in your city. You don't know when it's going to start. You don't know where."

Initial Investigation: The Burglary Connection

Friday's first lead involves Angelo Marcal, known as "Angie," who is apprehended for burglary. Despite thorough questioning, Angie remains evasive, claiming he already informed his peers about the incident.

Sergeant Joe Friday [02:35]: "Why'd you tell the officers who arrested you that you were 18?"

Angelo Marcal [02:39]: "I don't make any difference. Some of them say 16, some say 17. They're all different."

Angie admits to belonging to the Little Wall Street Gang but denies involvement in any larger gang wars, hinting at minor street fights.

Sergeant Joe Friday [05:38]: "You belong to a gang, Angie?"

Angelo Marcal [05:39]: "Little Wall Street Gang. We don't get mixed up in no wars."

Unraveling the Gang War

As Friday delves deeper, connections emerge between two rival gangs: the Pink Rats and the Orchids. Tensions escalate when a member of the Orchids steals firearms, arming them for potential conflict.

Sergeant Joe Friday [05:52]: "If it wasn't, the Orchid Gang was armed with three guns and 225 rounds of ammunition. Enough to start and sustain a small war."

Efforts to reach Pinky Eggers, leader of the Pink Rats, are met with hostility. Eggers dismisses the impending conflict, refusing to cooperate with the police.

Pinky Eggers [12:56]: "I’m telling you, you ain't laying a hand on Pink. You try it and I'll haul you in every court in the country."

The Tragic Climax: Tony Herman's Death

Despite preventive measures, the gang war erupts unexpectedly. During a party at Tony Herman's house, a confrontation leads to the tragic death of the 11-year-old boy.

Sergeant Joe Friday [18:26]: "The first victim of the juvenile gang War was 11-year-old Tony Herman... a 12 gauge shotgun had been fired."

Tony, witnessing the disturbance, intervenes and is fatally shot. The community reels from the senseless loss, underscoring the severe consequences of youth gang activities.

Confrontation and Confession: Gene Graff's Arrest

The investigation zeroes in on Gene Graff, identified as the shooter. Captured with stolen firearms and incriminating evidence, Graff remains defiant during interrogation, embodying the strained relations between youth and law enforcement.

Sergeant Joe Friday [23:35]: "Yeah, while you read me off, make a big speech... But you'd be treated like a rotten little killer."

Gene Graff [23:49]: "I was born that way... Any kid that does belong to it, it's a bum in my book."

Despite his resistance, Graff's involvement is undeniable, leading to his eventual conviction.

Emotional Resolution: Confronting the Victim’s Family

In a poignant scene, Friday meets Mrs. Herman, Tony's mother, delivering the heartbreaking news of her son's death. Her anguish and quest for answers highlight the personal toll of gang violence.

Mrs. Herman [20:07]: "My boy's dead. Tony. What? Thought he'd fallen off the bicycle."

Sergeant Joe Friday [20:46]: "We’re sorry about it, Ms. Herman."

Conclusion and Aftermath

The episode culminates with Gene Graff being tried and convicted of second-degree murder, highlighting the legal system's role in addressing juvenile delinquency. The narrative serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within youth communities and the pressing need for effective law enforcement strategies.

Commercial Announcer [28:10]: "Gene Norton Graff was tried and convicted of murder in the second degree... You have just heard Dragnet, a series of authentic cases from official files."

Key Takeaways

• Youth Gangs and Violence: The episode underscores the perilous path of youth involvement in gangs, illustrating how minor disputes can escalate into tragic outcomes.

• Law Enforcement Challenges: Sergeant Friday's relentless pursuit of the truth amidst evasive and defiant youths highlights the complexities faced by police in juvenile cases.

• Community Impact: Tony Herman's death serves as a catalyst for reflecting on the broader societal issues contributing to youth delinquency and the importance of community intervention.

This episode of Dragnet masterfully blends dramatic storytelling with social commentary, offering listeners a compelling exploration of juvenile justice and the far-reaching effects of gang violence.