Dragnet: The Big Lift 04/27/1954

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Dragnet: The Big Lift"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
• Episode: Dragnet: The Big Lift (04/27/1954)
• Release Date: May 13, 2025

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Introduction

"Dragnet: The Big Lift" is a gripping episode from the renowned old-time radio series Dragnet, brought to listeners by Choice Classic Radio. This episode delves into the meticulous investigation led by Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Officer Frank Smith, as they work to dismantle a sophisticated shoplifting ring plaguing Los Angeles department stores.

Case Overview

The episode opens with Detective Friday and Officer Smith being assigned to the forgery division and shoplifting detail. An organized gang has been systematically stealing merchandise from various stores, evading detection despite increased security measures. The detectives are determined to put an end to the thieves' operations.

Investigation Begins

Initial Report and Witness Interview

• Timestamp [03:14]
  Detective Friday sets the scene:
  "It was Monday, September 20th. It was cold in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of forgery division shoplift detail."

• Timestamp [05:04]
  They meet Alice Evans, a stock clerk at the Whitefield Department Store, who discovered the thefts. Alice is visibly distressed:
  "I don't know why you want to see me. Mr. Dunlap told you I didn't know anything about them. I told you. Gotta believe me. I didn't have anything to do with them."

Establishing the Theft Pattern

• Timestamp [06:13]
  Alice provides critical information on the suspicious behavior of customers:
  "They didn't seem like the other customers. They really wanted to take something with them."

• Timestamp [08:15]
  Detailed description of a particular suspect woman:
  "She was about 35. It's hard to say for sure. She took real good care of herself, you know. Hair all nice and good. Makeup not cheap like nice hands and a manicure."

Delving Deeper

Consulting with Business Owner Toby

• Timestamp [10:51]
  Detective Friday and Officer Smith visit Toby, the owner of a secondhand clothing store, seeking more information about the gang. Toby reveals limited yet valuable insights:
  "There's four of them. Two men, two women. A man's a gun. He sets up the deals, makes a shipment."

Identifying a Suspect: Frank Smith

• Timestamp [13:00]
  During their investigation, Friday and Smith encounter Frank Smith, who becomes a person of interest.
  Detective Friday interrogates him:
  "Protection, Sergeant Max. Getting a little tired anyway. Just soon stop and have a cigarette."

• Timestamp [14:03]
  Frank's inconsistencies raise red flags:
  "Kenneth Elgin Norris is your right name? Yeah. You live here now, do you?"

• Timestamp [17:14]
  It's revealed that Frank, whose real name is Kenneth Elgin Norris, has a felony record and is wanted for a parole violation:
  "Is now wanted for parole violation."

Undercover Operations

Building the Case Against Arthur

• Timestamp [20:24]
  Detective Friday explains the strategy to apprehend Arthur, the gang leader:
  "We called a stenographer, and Kenneth Norris gave us a complete statement."

• Timestamp [22:43]
  The detectives finally identify Arthur at a bar:
  "That's him. Just going in the place."

Final Confrontation

• Timestamp [27:50]
  The climax occurs when Arthur attempts to flee:
  "You're under arrest."
  Frank Smith tries to resist:
  "A cop. A lousy cop. Should have known. I thought I could trust you."

Resolution

Convictions and Aftermath

• Timestamp [28:52]
  The episode concludes with the conviction of Arthur Nelson Thompson, Samuel Donald Hickok, Georgia Baxter Nielsen, and Dorothy Marie Simpson on multiple counts of burglary in the second degree.
  "They received sentence as prescribed by law. Burglary in the second degree is punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for a period not less than 1 nor more than 15 years."

Reflecting on the Investigation

Detective Friday underscores the importance of relentless police work:
"Dragnet is the story of your police force in action."

Notable Quotes

• Joe Friday [06:13]:
  "They didn't seem like the other customers. They really wanted to take something with them."

• Alice Evans [07:24]:
  "She was about 35. It's hard to say for sure. She took real good care of herself, you know."

• Frank Smith [19:00]:
  "You gotta leave town. I'm selling all my stuff."

• Joe Friday [19:25]:
  "Maybe you're wrong about the locker key."

• Frank Smith [22:54]:
  "He's a pretty rough guy. I hear he carries a gun."

• Joe Friday [27:50]:
  "You're under arrest."

Insights and Themes

• Deception and Identity: The episode highlights how criminals often use false identities to evade capture, exemplified by Frank Smith's alias, Kenneth Elgin Norris.

• Methodical Police Work: Detective Friday's methodical approach showcases the procedural aspect of policing, emphasizing patience, attention to detail, and persistence.

• Impact of Organized Crime: The sophisticated nature of the shoplifting ring demonstrates the challenges law enforcement faces with organized crime, affecting both businesses and community trust.

• Ethics in Policing: The interactions between the detectives and suspects raise questions about trust, manipulation, and moral dilemmas in undercover operations.

Conclusion

"Dragnet: The Big Lift" offers a compelling narrative that blends suspense with procedural realism, characteristic of the Dragnet series. Through detailed storytelling and authentic dialogue, the episode not only entertains but also provides insight into the complexities of police investigations during the Golden Age of Radio. Detective Friday and Officer Smith's successful dismantling of the shoplifting gang underscores the efficacy of dedicated law enforcement in maintaining societal order.

Transcript

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[Announcer]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we.

[Joe Friday]

Bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe.

[Announcer]

To us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent. Dragnet is brought to you by Chesterfield. Made by Liggett and Myers. First major tobacco company to bring you a complete line of quality cigarettes. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a forgery division shoplifting detail. An organized gang of thieves has started operating in your city. In spite of the precautions taken, the thieves are still working your job. Stop them. Today's Chesterfield is the best cigarette ever made. It's the cigarette tested and approved by 30 years of scientific tobacco research. The cigarette proved highest in quality, low in nicotine. Best for you. Chesterfield gives you the taste you want, the mildness you want. A really refreshing smoke every time. It all adds up to Chesterfield's world famous slogan. They satisfy. Buy Chesterfield today. Regular or king size. Just light up, relax and enjoy. America's most popular two way cigarette, Chesterfield. They satisfy millions. 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.

[Joe Friday]

It was Monday, September 20th. It was cold in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of forgery division shoplift detail. My partner's Frank Smith, the boss of chief of detective Stad Brown. My name's Friday. We were on our way out from the office and it was 9:45am when we got to the eighth floor of the Whitefield Department Store. Security office. Yes, sir.

[Frank Smith]

Can I help you?

[Joe Friday]

We'd like to see Mr. Dunlop. I believe he's expecting us. Your name? Joe Friday.

[Alice Evans]

Oh, yes. You want to go right in?

[Joe Friday]

Thank you. Thanks, man. This door here?

[Alice Evans]

Yes, go right in.

[Frank Smith]

Come on in.

[Joe Friday]

Hi, Jerry. You know Frank, don't you?

[Frank Smith]

Sure. How's it going?

[Joe Friday]

Hi, Jerry.

[Frank Smith]

You boys want to sit down?

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Frank Smith]

I'll have the girls sent up.

[Joe Friday]

Okay. Yes, sir.

[Frank Smith]

You want to have Miss Evans sent up, please?

[Alice Evans]

Miss Evans?

[Frank Smith]

Yes, sir. I'd like to ask you guys a favor.

[Joe Friday]

What's that, Jerry?

[Frank Smith]

Poor kid thinks this whole thing is her fault. I'd appreciate it if you could take it easy on her.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we'll do our best. Sure. What'd they get away with this time?

[Frank Smith]

Oh, here's a list.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Frank Smith]

Here's a copy for you, Frank.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks. You got any idea when they were in?

[Frank Smith]

It's hard to tell for sure. We're open Friday night and then Saturday's a pretty rough day. It wasn't until after closing we found it. I figured they either moved in late Friday night or early Saturday morning.

[Joe Friday]

Ms. Evans Girl discovered the theft. Did you?

[Frank Smith]

No, no, she didn't know anything about it. The stock clerk found it. He was running through the inventory to replace the coats and suits. Noticed there were several that couldn't be accounted for. He called me. Evans girl's in the department. I talked to her this morning. It looks like she waited on a pair.

[Joe Friday]

She able to come up with any kind of description?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, I think she'll be able to help us. Oh, excuse me. Yes?

[Joe Friday]

Ms. Evans is here.

[Frank Smith]

Well, send her in, please. Yes, sir. Come in.

[Alice Evans]

You wanted to see me, Mr. Dunliff?

[Frank Smith]

Yes. Would you come in, please?

[Alice Evans]

Yes, sir.

[Frank Smith]

Oh, Ms. Evans, this is Sergeant Friday and Officer Smith.

[Joe Friday]

They're from the police department. How you doing, miss? Hello.

[Alice Evans]

I don't know why you want to see me. Mr. Dunlap told you I didn't know anything about them. I told you Gotta believe me. I didn't have anything to do with them. I never saw him before.

[Frank Smith]

You just sit down, Miss Evans.

[Alice Evans]

Thank you.

[Frank Smith]

Now, the officers are here to just talk to you. They want to ask you a couple of questions. There's nothing wrong.

[Alice Evans]

You mean I'm not gonna lose my job?

[Frank Smith]

No.

[Joe Friday]

Really?

[Alice Evans]

You're not going to fire me?

[Frank Smith]

We never even considered it.

[Alice Evans]

I don't know how to thank you. My first job and to have a thing like this Happen. Sure appreciate it. Anything you want to know, I'll tell you. You just ask, I'll tell you.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Ms. Evans, have you any idea who might have stolen the merchandise?

[Alice Evans]

Well, didn't you tell them what I said, Mr. Dunlop?

[Frank Smith]

I thought it would be better if they heard it from you.

[Alice Evans]

Oh, I see. Well, I think I know who they were. I've tried to remember all the people I waited on. Everyone. There's only two that stand out. Like they were different.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean different, miss?

[Alice Evans]

Well, they didn't seem like the other customers. You know, like they really wanted to buy something. They just wanted to look around. I could tell they didn't really want to take anything with them. We had a course on that in school. How to tell if a customer really wanted to buy. That was one of the class problems. To sell a customer who didn't really want to buy anything.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma' am. About these people, what was it they did that makes you think they might have been the shoplifters?

[Alice Evans]

First, the way they talked, I was trying to wait on other people at the same time. And they kept me showing them all kinds of things. Took me almost a half an hour to clean up.

[Frank Smith]

After they left, there were two people, is that right?

[Alice Evans]

Yeah. Man and a woman.

[Joe Friday]

Can you give us a description of them?

[Alice Evans]

I told Mr. Dunlop all about it. You want me to go over it again?

[Frank Smith]

I've got it, Joe. I'm having it typed for you now.

[Joe Friday]

All right, fine.

[Alice Evans]

You want me to talk again?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we'll check it with you. Yes, ma' am. What kind of things these people want to see, ma' am?

[Alice Evans]

Just about everything at the counter. They had me so mixed up, I didn't know what to do. Told you I was trying to wait on another customer. Woman who wanted to buy a suit. I kept trying to take care of her. She finally left. These two were causing so much trouble. Every time I left them, I couldn't even take care of the woman. She got mad and left. I don't really blame her. You know, Mr. Dunlop, there really should be more people up there. Only three girls. And when we get busy, there just aren't enough to go around. Lots of customers walk out.

[Frank Smith]

Well, we'll see what we can do.

[Alice Evans]

Lots of times they walk out without buying something because there isn't anybody.

[Joe Friday]

This woman who walked out, could you describe her for us?

[Alice Evans]

You bet. She was real nice. Had a lot of patience. Kept waiting for me to go back and take care of the troublemakers. Never said a word.

[Joe Friday]

When can you tell us what she looked like.

[Alice Evans]

Well, I'd say she's about 35. It's hard to say for sure. She took real good care of herself, you know. Hair all nice and good. Makeup not cheap like nice hands and a manicure.

[Joe Friday]

Was she carrying any packages when she came in? Do you remember?

[Alice Evans]

Gee, I gotta think about that. I don't think so. Oh, you know, a couple of paper bags like from the notions department, maybe. Face cream or cologne, things like that.

[Joe Friday]

No. Large boxes?

[Alice Evans]

No. I don't see why you're so interested in her. The other two were the ones who caused the trouble. They're the ones who must have taken things. Why are you asking about the lady?

[Joe Friday]

How was she dressed? You remember?

[Alice Evans]

Oh, just beautiful. He had on a gray suit with large lapels. Kind of peplum that came out like this. Rhinestone buttons beautifully. Good taste.

[Joe Friday]

She wearing a coat?

[Alice Evans]

Mm, long. Had a stand up collar, real full skirt, tight bodice.

[Joe Friday]

Where was she looking at the suits?

[Alice Evans]

Over by the counter. She'd hold them up, you know, in front of the mirror. She knew what she wanted. Looked at the material, the way they were made. She had bought. If I could have spent a little time with her. She liked the merchandise, liked everything. I showed her.

[Joe Friday]

How many things did you take off the racks for?

[Alice Evans]

I guess she looked at a dozen styles, you know, a dozen real high style suits. That seemed to be all she was interested in. You don't think she had anything to do with it stealing though, do you?

[Joe Friday]

Well, looks like she was the one who did the actual taking of the merchandise. The other two were there to keep you busy.

[Alice Evans]

I can't believe that. She was so nice. Never seemed to get upset, even when I couldn't spend more time with her. Real nice. Didn't get upset at all when she couldn't find what she wanted.

[Joe Friday]

I'm afraid you're wrong there. She found it. We continued to interrogate the witness. We got complete descriptions of the trio. Their physical appearance and their method of operation matched those of the gang Frank and I had been looking for for the past six weeks. Alice Evans was shown mugshots of known shoplifters, but she was not able to give us an identification. We made arrangements for her to come down to the office and check additional mug files. The average citizen looks at shoplifting as a petty nuisance which businessmen are expected to endure. It's not entirely true. Shoplifting is big business. Last year, hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise was stolen from stores in the Los Angeles area alone. Most of the goods stolen by organized gangs is sold to fences for final disposal. During the course of our investigation, we've been working with Stores Protective association incorporating all of the security officers in the larger businesses. MO bulletins had been gotten out on the gang's activities. From what we'd been able to find out, there were three people working as a unit. Two women and a man. The three suspects would enter a store and split up. One of the women would pretend to be looking at merchandise while the other two suspects would engage the clerk in conversation in that way, keeping her away from the first member of the trio. The articles stolen were almost always either coats or suits. And we noticed that one line of merchandise seemed to attract the criminals more than others. Monday, 3:46pm Frank and I went down to a secondhand clothing store on fifth street to talk to the owner. Be right with you, Toby. Yeah.

[Announcer]

Hi, fellas.

[Frank Smith]

What's going on?

[Joe Friday]

Oh, we got some things we wanted to talk to you about, Toby.

[Frank Smith]

Sure. Just having a cup of coffee in the back. Come on, I'll pull you a cup.

[Joe Friday]

Fine. Thank you. In here?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. Sit down. Get your together.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks.

[Frank Smith]

Anything special?

[Joe Friday]

No, we're just fishing. Toby thought you might be able to come up with a little something for us. Maybe.

[Frank Smith]

Here you go. Either of you want sugar?

[Joe Friday]

No. No, thanks. Don't use it.

[Frank Smith]

Just doing part of your work here.

[Joe Friday]

Is that right?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. Buy sheets. Want to get in the mail tonight.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we don't want to keep you, Toby.

[Frank Smith]

No trouble, Sergeant Max. Getting a little tired anyway. Just soon stop and have a cigarette. How's business? Pretty good. Keeping up. Now, what can I do for you?

[Joe Friday]

You got anything on a boosting gang working around?

[Frank Smith]

Nothing more than usual. Why?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we got a bunch that's giving us a little trouble. We're trying to come up with something that'll hang together on them.

[Frank Smith]

Two men and a woman? Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

You got anything on them?

[Frank Smith]

Oh, nothing worth repeating. Rumbled around about the three of them.

[Joe Friday]

That's about it.

[Frank Smith]

If I had any more, I'd have called you sooner.

[Joe Friday]

Where's the information coming from?

[Frank Smith]

You know how it is, Sergeant. You hear something here, something else there. You put them together, you come up with a story, but no way to trace it.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I know. You got any idea where the stuff is being sold?

[Frank Smith]

Same answer. Rumble's got it that all the loot's being shipped out of town. Some, but back east. Some goes up north. I got a piece the other day that some of it's going to Mexico.

[Joe Friday]

Mexico, huh?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, most of it's ending up in.

[Joe Friday]

The east, though, you know any reason they'd be hitting one brand more than the others?

[Frank Smith]

Got a word that's about all.

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Frank Smith]

A gang laying it out around town that they'll pay up to 25 bucks for a suit. You know, going price is around five, maybe six and a half figures that if you can do better with one line, that's what you're going to boost, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Why? Is the price gone up?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. The only way I can figure it that they're worth more on the market.

[Joe Friday]

Anybody approached you?

[Frank Smith]

If they had, you'd have been called right away. You know that.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. You got any idea we might be able to pick up anything on the trio?

[Frank Smith]

Not right out, but I'll tell you one thing.

[Announcer]

What's that?

[Frank Smith]

Oh, yeah, I got it. There's four of them.

[Announcer]

Yeah?

[Frank Smith]

Two men, two women. A man's a gun. He sets up the deals, makes a shipment.

[Joe Friday]

How are they getting the stuff out, Toby? Do you know?

[Frank Smith]

Pick up a kid and offer him a trip. Ask him to deliver a suitcase. Works out good for him. Carrier doesn't know who he's working for. Can't lead the cops back to the operation. About the only way I can figure it. You say none of the stolen stuff showing up down here?

[Joe Friday]

Nothing so far. Well, thanks a lot, Toby. If you hear anything, we'd sure appreciate a call.

[Frank Smith]

Sure thing.

[Joe Friday]

Real good coffee, Toby. Instant.

[Frank Smith]

I make it in the percolator.

[Announcer]

Well, you mean that powdered stuff?

[Joe Friday]

You don't have to make that in a coffee pot.

[Frank Smith]

Habit, I guess.

[Joe Friday]

Well, thanks again. We won't keep you, Toby.

[Frank Smith]

Oh, hang on a minute.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Frank Smith]

Yes, sir. What can I do for you? Buy used clothes. Yes, sir. What have you got to sell that's in the car? Just want to be sure you're buying stuff. Bring it in. We'll take a look at it.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, Toby. We'll see you later, huh?

[Frank Smith]

Right, Sergeant. Give me a call.

[Joe Friday]

Right.

[Announcer]

I'll be right back.

[Joe Friday]

Excuse me. Yes?

[Frank Smith]

Well, what do you think of that, Sergeant? Sure in a hurry, isn't he?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, let's see. Why? Come on.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, right up there.

[Joe Friday]

Hey, hold it up there, huh?

[Frank Smith]

What do you want?

[Joe Friday]

What's the matter? Didn't you hear me? I asked you to wait back there.

[Frank Smith]

Well, sure I heard you. I didn't know you were talking to me. What do you want?

[Joe Friday]

Police officer. Want to step over the car? I want to ask you a couple questions.

[Frank Smith]

Well, I haven't done anything you didn't say you did. Well, why do you want to talk to me? What do you want me to.

[Joe Friday]

Come on, let's go.

[Frank Smith]

All right, making a mistake. I haven't done anything. Got the wrong man. You got no reason to talk to me.

[Joe Friday]

All right, get in. All right, sit still.

[Frank Smith]

What are you doing? You won't find anything. I don't know what you guys are after. I haven't done anything.

[Joe Friday]

Take your wallet out.

[Announcer]

Why?

[Joe Friday]

Take it out. Here, take the money out of it. You always carry that much money, do you?

[Frank Smith]

No, not always.

[Joe Friday]

I know you keep the money in your hand. Give me the wallet.

[Frank Smith]

Here you are.

[Joe Friday]

This your true name?

[Frank Smith]

Hmm.

[Joe Friday]

Kenneth Elgin Norris is your right name? Yeah. You live here now, do you?

[Frank Smith]

No, not now.

[Joe Friday]

Where do you live?

[Frank Smith]

I got a room over on 7th.

[Joe Friday]

You want me to run a make on him? Yeah, will you? Here, there's his ID. Thanks.

[Announcer]

1K80 to Control 1.

[Joe Friday]

1K80 to Control 1.

[Alice Evans]

Control 1 to 1K8 0. Go ahead.

[Joe Friday]

Check for one Kenneth Elgin Norris. That's N O R R, I S, male, white American, 26 years, 5ft 10 and 3 quarters, 168 pounds, black hair, brown eyes, KMA 367.

[Alice Evans]

1K80 0 Rogers.

[Joe Friday]

Stand by. What's all that about checking to see if you're wanted any place? Oh. You ever been in trouble?

[Frank Smith]

Me? With the cops?

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Frank Smith]

No, never.

[Announcer]

Why'd you leave the clothing store in such a hurry?

[Frank Smith]

I remembered I had to meet a guy.

[Joe Friday]

I remembered I was late. Who's the guy?

[Frank Smith]

Friend of mine. You wouldn't know him.

[Joe Friday]

Well, try us.

[Frank Smith]

It's a guy named Arthur. I don't know his last name.

[Joe Friday]

Where were you going to meet him?

[Frank Smith]

Bar down the street.

[Joe Friday]

What about the clothes you wanted to sell?

[Frank Smith]

What about it?

[Joe Friday]

Where are they?

[Frank Smith]

I don't know.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you went in to sell something that you didn't have, is that it?

[Frank Smith]

Well, I was going to pick them up from Arthur.

[Joe Friday]

You don't know his last name?

[Frank Smith]

No.

[Announcer]

How come you were going to sell the clothes?

[Frank Smith]

Huh?

[Joe Friday]

Why were you going to sell the clothes?

[Frank Smith]

Well, that's a silly question. Why does anybody sell anything? Because they needed the money.

[Joe Friday]

You look like you're sitting pretty good.

[Frank Smith]

Well, I gotta leave town. I'm selling all my stuff.

[Joe Friday]

I thought, sid, the clothes belong to this Arker guy.

[Frank Smith]

Well, they do, but I'm gonna sell them for him. He said he'd give me a piece of the property.

[Joe Friday]

Why doesn't he sell them himself?

[Frank Smith]

Well, I don't know. You better ask him.

[Joe Friday]

We'll try to. Now get the rest of Stuff out of your pocket. Come on. Everything.

[Frank Smith]

You guys are making a big mistake. You know that, don't you? Real big mistake.

[Joe Friday]

Well, if we're wrong, we'll tell you.

[Announcer]

Yeah, here it is.

[Frank Smith]

Comb, change, cigarettes and a lighter.

[Joe Friday]

That's all there is. You sure?

[Frank Smith]

Well, why would I lie?

[Joe Friday]

Turn your pockets inside out.

[Frank Smith]

What?

[Joe Friday]

Turn them inside out. All right, all of them. The other one, too.

[Frank Smith]

Told you I gave everything I had. There isn't anything else.

[Joe Friday]

Well, what's that?

[Frank Smith]

Huh?

[Joe Friday]

Move your foot. What's this?

[Frank Smith]

Looks like a key.

[Joe Friday]

What's it for?

[Frank Smith]

Well, I don't know. It isn't mine.

[Joe Friday]

Well, maybe it belongs to Arthur.

[Frank Smith]

Could be. It isn't mine.

[Joe Friday]

Looks like a check locker key, doesn't it?

[Frank Smith]

Might be. I never saw it before.

[Joe Friday]

Came out of your pocket, didn't it?

[Frank Smith]

No, it didn't. Must have been on the floor all the time. It isn't mine.

[Narrator]

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[Joe Friday]

Has a felony record, including burglary, and.

[Alice Evans]

Is now wanted for parole violation.

[Joe Friday]

One KO. Roger KMA367. Thought you said you'd never been in trouble.

[Frank Smith]

I made a mistake.

[Joe Friday]

Looks like you made more than one, doesn't it?

[Frank Smith]

What?

[Joe Friday]

Maybe you're wrong about the locker key.

[Frank Smith]

I told you, I never saw it before.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, sure. You want to sit with them, Frank?

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

I'll get to a phone. Right.

[Frank Smith]

It's just a key. What does that prove?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know. Let's find out what it opens. We got the location of the locker. And with the suspect. Frank and I drove over and removed a large black suitcase. The locks on the case had been broken. And inside we found 11 women's suits of the same type that had been stolen from the Los Angeles Stores. All identifying labels had been removed. But we were able to find the tag issued by the National Recovery Board inside the seams of the suits. We got in touch with their Los Angeles office and they told us that the serial number had been issued to a San Francisco company. On the way back to the city hall, we stopped and searched the suspect's room thoroughly. But we found nothing. When we got to the squadroom, Frank went to the business office to arrange a phone call to San Francisco. And I took the suspect to the interrogation room. 6:20pm you guys gotta believe me.

[Frank Smith]

That stuff's not in mine. I don't know where it came from.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you get the key?

[Frank Smith]

It's not in mine. I never saw it before.

[Joe Friday]

That's kind of hard to buy.

[Frank Smith]

I don't care if you want it or not. That's the way it is.

[Joe Friday]

Tell us a little more about this Arthur, will you?

[Frank Smith]

I told you everything I know.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you meet him?

[Frank Smith]

In a bar down on Maine. I told you that before. Now, what's the matter? Don't you believe me?

[Joe Friday]

You're making it tough to believe I'm.

[Frank Smith]

Telling you the truth.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd the suits come from?

[Frank Smith]

I don't know.

[Joe Friday]

Right here. Take another look at them. Might help you remember, huh?

[Frank Smith]

They were in the suitcase when Arthur gave them to me. That's all I know.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd he get them?

[Frank Smith]

I don't know.

[Joe Friday]

Did he steal them?

[Frank Smith]

Well, I don't know.

[Joe Friday]

Why'd he give them to you?

[Frank Smith]

He just said he wanted me to take care of him.

[Joe Friday]

He told us before he wanted you to sell them, didn't you?

[Frank Smith]

Well, he did.

[Joe Friday]

Where were you gonna make the payoff? After they were sold, he said he'd.

[Frank Smith]

Get in touch with me. Where? Around. He said he'd find me.

[Joe Friday]

He gave you over $500 worth of suits and he said he'd get in touch with you, huh?

[Frank Smith]

That's right.

[Joe Friday]

When?

[Frank Smith]

Sometime.

[Joe Friday]

He didn't name a date?

[Frank Smith]

No, he just said he'd look me up.

[Joe Friday]

How many times you been arrested?

[Frank Smith]

You got the record? Why? Asking me?

[Joe Friday]

He wants you to tell us.

[Frank Smith]

I don't know. I forget.

[Joe Friday]

We'll take a guess.

[Frank Smith]

A few times.

[Joe Friday]

5.

[Frank Smith]

You got the record?

[Joe Friday]

When's the last time you checked with your parole officer?

[Frank Smith]

I forget.

[Joe Friday]

You know your package is tabbed?

[Frank Smith]

No, I didn't know until I heard it on the radio.

[Joe Friday]

You had no idea? No one up for burglary. Is that right? Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

They sent me up to the joint.

[Joe Friday]

You know you're going back don't you?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, I guess it's not gonna look.

[Joe Friday]

Good to have another charge marked on you.

[Frank Smith]

What do you mean?

[Joe Friday]

Burglary?

[Frank Smith]

How'd you dig that one up?

[Joe Friday]

These suits, if you can't explain them, it isn't gonna look too good, is it?

[Frank Smith]

Look, I told you. Arthur gave them to me.

[Joe Friday]

And he said he'd get in touch with you.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, that's right.

[Joe Friday]

Sure. Come up with the answers yet? Says he doesn't know them.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Maybe we can help. Just got through talking with a Georgia writer up north.

[Frank Smith]

He checked the records.

[Joe Friday]

Code numbers from the shipment to the Whitfield department Store. Looks like the bunch were after. Now, who's Arthur?

[Frank Smith]

You mean the suits were stolen?

[Joe Friday]

You called it. Who's Arthur?

[Frank Smith]

Look, I don't want to go back to the joint on a beef like this.

[Joe Friday]

We don't decide that.

[Frank Smith]

But if I help you guys, you'll take care of me. You'll talk to my parole officer.

[Joe Friday]

I can't make any deals with you.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, but I don't want to fall this way.

[Joe Friday]

That's up to you, mister. You're sitting in the middle. Now, which way do you want to go? Nobody can help you but yourself. Miss Arthur must be a fine friend. Leaving you with a bunch of stolen merchandise. Might be the way you figured it. What's the matter? Doesn't Arthur like you?

[Frank Smith]

Okay, I'll go the route. Now I'll tell you where to find him.

[Announcer]

You are listening to Dragnet. The authentic story of your police force in action. You hear it everywhere. Chesterfield's for me. Here's how lovely New York model and television star Roxanne puts it.

[Joe Friday]

I started smoking Chesterfields about the time.

[Frank Smith]

I got into show business.

[Announcer]

Yes, it's Chesterfield's for me.

[Joe Friday]

I like the regular size.

[Announcer]

Now let's hear from the man who owns and runs the Stork Club. Sherman Billingsley.

[Joe Friday]

You know, it's my privilege to be host. Over 4,000 very nice people every day. And most all of them smoke Chesterfield. As a matter of fact, our records show that Chesterfield is our largest seller. 3 to 1, and it's Chesterfield for me. I like them king size.

[Announcer]

Either way, you like them Chesterfield. Regular Chesterfield, king size. For the taste, you want the mildness, you want a really refreshing smoke Every time, always say, Chesterfield's for me.

[Joe Friday]

We called a stenographer, and Kenneth Norris gave us a complete statement. He said that he'd been approached by a man that he knew only as Arthur. And asked to carry a suitcase to St. Louis. Once there, a man would have impaged at the airport and take the valise from him. In return for this service, the suspect was to be paid $100 and his expenses. Norris explained that he decided he could do better by selling the contents of the suitcase himself. This information was forwarded to the St. Louis Police Department. We got a complete description of the man he knew was Arthur and had the suspect check through the mug books, but he was unable to make an identification. We got in touch with his parole officer and told him that we had Norris in custody. We asked that we be allowed to detain him for a few days. The following morning, we met with Chief Detective Stad Brown and Captain Welsh. It was decided that Norris would take us to the bar where he'd met the thief and he'd point him out. Norris would then be brought back to the main jail and booked. And I would try to establish myself with this Arthur. In that way, we'd have a better chance of building a case that we could take to court and apprehending the entire shoplifting game. On Wednesday morning, September 22, Norris, Frank and I drove over to Main Street. We checked the bar, but the suspect wasn't there. We waited in our car, which was parked down the street. Arthur failed to arrive. He didn't show up at the bar on Thursday or Friday. Saturday, 12:40pm Norris pointed down the street. There.

[Frank Smith]

That's him. Just going in the place.

[Joe Friday]

Fell in the gray suit there.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, that's him.

[Joe Friday]

You sure?

[Frank Smith]

I got no reason to lie, have I?

[Joe Friday]

All right. Frank? Yeah? You want to take Norris back to the office? I'll go on in. Okay. I'll be right back. All right.

[Frank Smith]

Sergeant?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Frank Smith]

I'll give you something for free.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah? What's that?

[Frank Smith]

Take it easy with Arthur. Don't press.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean that?

[Frank Smith]

He's a pretty rough guy.

[Joe Friday]

That so?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. I hear he carries a gun. Be a lot of trouble if he's got it with him.

[Joe Friday]

Not unless he tries to use it. I left Frank at the curb and walked into the bar. I saw the man that we knew was Arthur sitting at the rear of the place. I took a seat near the front door and ordered a cup of coffee. In a few minutes, I walked back toward Arthur.

[Frank Smith]

Something you want?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. I wondered if I could have one of your cigarettes there.

[Frank Smith]

There's a machine up front.

[Joe Friday]

If I had the price, I'd have bought a pack. Coming in.

[Frank Smith]

All right. Here.

[Joe Friday]

Got a match?

[Frank Smith]

How you fix for Brett?

[Joe Friday]

Look, I just asked you for a cigarette. If you don't want to give me One say so and I'll shove off.

[Frank Smith]

Never mind. Here's your match.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Frank Smith]

Hey, you.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

You're broke, huh?

[Joe Friday]

All the way.

[Frank Smith]

Just getting town this morning. Where from?

[Joe Friday]

Up north.

[Frank Smith]

Narrow it down.

[Joe Friday]

Look, mister, here's your cigarette bag. Give me one of these. Doesn't entitle my life story.

[Frank Smith]

You hungry?

[Joe Friday]

I haven't eaten for two days.

[Frank Smith]

Here.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks. Appreciate this.

[Frank Smith]

How long you gonna be in town?

[Joe Friday]

Well, it depends on how things work out.

[Frank Smith]

You got a job?

[Joe Friday]

I'm gonna look.

[Frank Smith]

What do you do?

[Joe Friday]

Whatever pays.

[Frank Smith]

Tell you what. Well, I got some friends around town might be able to use you. Check with me in a couple of days. Might be able to do something for you.

[Joe Friday]

How do I get in touch with you?

[Frank Smith]

Meet me here. I tag the place a couple times a week. Just ask if Arthur's around.

[Joe Friday]

That's your name?

[Frank Smith]

That's what I'm using this season. You look me up, kid. We'll work something out.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I'm sure we will. I sat and talked to Arthur for another half hour. During that time, he wouldn't tell me his last name and I had no way of finding out anything more about him. At 12:10, I saw Frank drive by the front door. That was the signal that the crew of detectives were standing by to follow the suspect. I left the bar and walked down Main street up to Seventh. Frank was waiting for me. We drove back to the City hall and discussed what had happened with Chief Brown and Captain Welsh. During the next three days, Arthur was kept under constant surveillance. He didn't drive an automobile. He contacted no one. We were able to learn a considerable amount about the man. Although he didn't try to make contact with any other members of the gang. It was obvious that he was the prime fence, that he was directing the operation. Wednesday afternoon, I walked into the bar on Main Street. Arthur wasn't there, but the bartender said that he was expecting him. I waited. At 6:47pm the suspect entered the place. He took a seat at the rear of the bar and motioned me back. Hi. I've been looking for you.

[Frank Smith]

All right?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Wonder if you've been able to come up with that job you were talking about. I could sure use a touch.

[Frank Smith]

You like to travel?

[Joe Friday]

What?

[Frank Smith]

I think I might have something for you. You gotta go out of town, though.

[Joe Friday]

Bordeaux.

[Frank Smith]

I wouldn't ask you any other way.

[Joe Friday]

Well, what do I have to do?

[Frank Smith]

A friend of mine has a suitcase he wants delivered to a party in Chicago.

[Joe Friday]

Why doesn't he send it by mail?

[Frank Smith]

Doesn't want it to Go that way. He wants it delivered personally.

[Joe Friday]

What's it pay?

[Frank Smith]

All your expenses and 100 bucks.

[Joe Friday]

What's in the suitcase?

[Frank Smith]

That isn't any of your business.

[Joe Friday]

What happens if I get picked up? I don't know. I'm not carrying anything hot.

[Frank Smith]

You gotta take my word for it, Gene.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Who do I deliver the suitcase to?

[Frank Smith]

I'll meet you in the morning. I'll give you the bag then catch a ten o' clock plane. When you land at Chicago, go to the coffee shop. You'll be paged. Meet the man and give him the suitcase.

[Joe Friday]

Well, how do I know if it's the right guy?

[Frank Smith]

We'll give you the name. He's the only one who knows what the name is and when you're coming in.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Where do I meet you?

[Frank Smith]

Be out in front of this place at 8 in the morning. I'll pick you up.

[Joe Friday]

Just one more thing. How about the money?

[Frank Smith]

You won't need any going back. When you turn over the suitcase to my friend, he'll give you the hundred you already have. Your ticket.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Sounds okay. Not as permanent as I'd like.

[Frank Smith]

Carry this off, we'll be able to do more business.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I'll meet you here then at 8 in the morning. Is that right?

[Frank Smith]

Right. Be on time. I don't want you to miss that plane. That depends on this deal. I don't want anything to go wrong.

[Joe Friday]

No. Don't worry. What? Neither do I. I left the bar and met Frank. We stood to the front of the place and at 9:56pm the suspect came out. He called a cab and we followed him. He went out to the apartment where we knew he lived. Frank and I waited out front. At 11:20, a car pulled up in front of the place and three people got out. They matched the description of the thieves in our shoplifting operation. They were carrying a large suitcase. We waited for 10 minutes and then Frank and I went up to Arthur's. Apartment number 408. Huh. Down this way. Uh huh. I get the door. Wait a minute. All right.

[Frank Smith]

Who is it? A minute. What are you doing here? What's this all about?

[Joe Friday]

Aren't police officers? You're under arrest.

[Announcer]

Stand still.

[Frank Smith]

A cop. A lousy cop. Should have known. I thought I could trust you. I thought you were honest. You sure pick him a cop for a messenger boy. You're real smart. I thought I could depend on him. I thought he was honest. You don't know what the word means.

[Joe Friday]

How about it, mister?

[Frank Smith]

Huh?

[Joe Friday]

Do you.

[Announcer]

The story you have Just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent. On January 18, trial was held in Department 97, Superior Court of the State of California in and for the county of Los Angeles. In a moment, the results of that trial. Now here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you, George Feniman. You know, the Chesterfield you smoked today is the best cigarette ever made and best for you. Now that's a fact. And to my way of thinking, it's the very reason for you to change to Chesterfield. Try them either way, regular or king size. If you try him, I think you'll say with all of us, chesterfield's for me.

[Announcer]

Arthur Nelson Thompson, Samuel Donald Hickok, Georgia Baxter Nielsen and Dorothy Marie Simpson were tried and convicted of burglary in the second degree, 14 counts. They received sentence as prescribed by law. Burglary in the second degree is punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for a period not less than 1 nor more than 15 years. Ladies and gentlemen, we'd like to thank the editors of Cosmopolitan magazine for this month's pictorial feature on Jack Webb and Dragnet. Cosmopolitan, the may issue on your newsstands tomorrow. 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 Technical Advisors, Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Van Spracher. Heard tonight were Ben Alexander, Jack Grushen, Alice Bacchus, Ralph Moody, Herb Ellis. Script by John Robinson. Music by Walter Schumann. Hal Gibney speaking. Watch an entirely different Dragnet case history each week on your local NBC television station. Please check your newspapers for the day and time Chesterfield has brought you Dragnet. Transcribed from Los Angeles filter cigarette smokers. Here is headline news. Nationwide demand for L and M filters drops price. Now you save up to 4 cents a pack, 40 cents a carton. Now everyone can afford America's highest quality and best filter tip cigarette. Remember, only L&M's have the miracle filter tip containing alpha cellulose. You get much more flavor, much less nicotine. Buy L and M filters, the distinctive monogram cigarette at the new low price L and M filters here crime and Peter Chambers following John Cameron Swayze on the NBC radio network.

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