Dragnet: The Big Locker 11/02/1954

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dragnet – "The Big Locker" (Original Air Date: 11/02/1954)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Hosted by: Choice Classic Radio
Episode Title: Dragnet: The Big Locker
Release Date: October 28, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Dragnet" presents a classic police procedural set in 1950s Los Angeles. Detectives Joe Friday and Frank Smith investigate a pawn shop transaction involving a suspicious emerald ring, leading to a larger case of burglary, false leads, and an eventual sting operation. The story is based on true police files, following the detectives step-by-step from suspicion to resolution, characteristic of the realistic, understated Dragnet style.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. Pawn Shop Encounter (02:42–06:28)

• Detectives Friday and Smith, assisting on a burglary detail, check pawn shops for stolen goods.
• At the Pacific Loan Company, they interact with their contact Herb and casually discuss guitars before pivoting to official business.
• A suspicious man, James Federer, attempts to sell an emerald ring well below market value.
  • Quote (05:53):
    Joe Friday: "Rings worth close to a thousand."
    Frank Smith: "He wanted to sell it for $20."
• Federer claims he found the ring at MacArthur Park and maintains it’s his, but is inconsistent during questioning.

2. Questioning and Investigative Dead End (06:28–07:59)

• Federer is brought in; background checks reveal a petty criminal record.
• He insists the ring was found, not stolen, and offers to show where in the park.
  • Detectives are unable to break his story, nor find direct evidence linking him to theft. He is released when nothing further surfaces and the ring is booked as found property.

3. The Mysterious Letter & The Greyhound Bus Depot (08:03–11:07)

• Friday receives an anonymous, typewritten letter:
  • Quote (08:06):
    Frank Smith: “You did me a favor. Now I’m gonna do you one. Go to the Greyhound bus depot, rental locker number 103.”
• Investigators find a box of jewelry in the depot’s abandoned items, matching those previously reported stolen.
• Mrs. Carlton Hendricks, the burglary victim, is summoned for identification.
  • Memorable Character (11:14):
    Mrs. Hendricks offers light comic relief with her personality and stories about each piece of jewelry.

4. Identifying the Stolen Goods (11:07–14:48)

• Mrs. Hendricks positively IDs most items, sharing anecdotes for each, but notes an important emerald ring is not present.
• Detectives realize the ring in question may be the one previously held by Federer.
  • Quote (14:29):
    Mrs. Hendricks: “There, you see? Nothing to worry about. I just knew when I saw you two men that everything was going to be all right. My friends are right. I can read character.”

5. Hunt for the Suspect(s) (15:08–17:10)

• With new evidence, a warrant is issued for Federer, but he's gone from his known addresses.
• Five days later, he's caught attempting auto theft and brought in for further questioning.

6. The True Story Emerges (17:10–19:32)

• Federer denies writing the anonymous letter and insists he received the ring from a woman, Jill Mason, to whom he was owed money.
  • Quote (18:20):
    James Federer: “I didn’t write that letter. I don’t know who did, but it wasn’t me.”
• Pressured by detectives, Federer gives Jill Mason’s details.

7. Jill Mason's Confession (19:53–23:34)

• Detectives find Mason, who’s nursing visible bruises. She reveals the ring came from her boyfriend, Steve Remsen.
• After a drunken, violent fight with Remsen, Mason gave the ring to Federer for repayment. Remsen warned her not to pawn it, fearing the cops would find out about the rest of the stolen goods.
  • Quote (21:24):
    Jill Mason: “I'm beat as it is. More than one way.”
  • She confesses to sending the letter tipping off police as revenge.

8. Setting the Trap and Apprehension (23:34–25:35)

• Mason assists police in setting a trap for Remsen. After hours of waiting at her apartment, Remsen arrives.
  • With police hiding inside, Mason buzzes him up and he’s arrested without incident.
  • Quote (25:11):
    Steve Remsen: “You and the cops. I should have finished what I started with you.”

9. Case Resolution (26:30–27:45)

• Trial outcome:
  Steve “Lynn” Remsen is convicted of second-degree burglary.
• The episode wraps up with Dragnet’s iconic summary of justice served.

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Mrs. Hendricks’ Charm Bracelet Description (12:42):
  “All those things have a special meaning. My husband gave them to me. The little stop and go light—oh, that was silly. I was just learning to drive...”
• Detective Banter (05:06):
  Joe Friday: “He couldn’t afford a spaceship.”
  Frank Smith: “Yeah, I don’t guess there are too many secondhand spaceships for sale, are there?”
• On Evidence Trail (09:41):
  Ralph Thomas: “You’d be surprised at how fast they accumulate.”
• On Morality (17:16):
  James Federer: “You take a chance, you get caught, it’s bad. But you ain’t getting credit for something you didn’t do.”
• On Friendship (14:48):
  Mrs. Hendricks: “I’m going to have to get in touch with Carlton. I’ll need another charm for my bracelet... Two little gold bloodhounds.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:42 — Start of investigation at the pawn shop
• 05:15 — First confrontation with James Federer
• 06:28 — Federer’s interrogation and story about the ring
• 08:06 — Receipt of the anonymous letter about the bus depot
• 09:41 — Inventory of abandoned locker items at Greyhound depot
• 11:07 — Mrs. Hendricks IDs stolen jewelry
• 14:29 — Mrs. Hendricks recognizes the importance of the ring
• 17:10 — Federer’s second interrogation and confession of new story
• 19:53 — Jill Mason’s confession and the tip-off letter revealed
• 23:34 — Stakeout for Remsen at Mason’s apartment
• 25:35 — Arrest of Steve Remsen
• 26:30 — Legal resolution/epilogue

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains the signature Dragnet style—concise, witty, and deeply procedural. Dialogue is realistic, sometimes dryly humorous, and the characters’ personalities (notably Mrs. Hendricks and Jill Mason) inject both levity and authenticity.

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Conclusion

This “Dragnet” episode exemplifies the genre's strengths: methodical police work, human flaws, and understated surprises. The case unravels via misdirection, clever investigation, the spite of bruised relationships, and ultimately the intersection of crime and character. For classic radio fans or newcomers, it’s a tight, engaging piece of detective drama.

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. Dragnet brought to you by Chesterfield. This is the best Chesterfield and the time to change. Today you're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a burglary detail. A man walks into a pawn shop and wants to sell a ring. Indications are that the ring is stolen. Your job, find out. This is the best chesterfield and the time to change. Today, in choosing your cigarette, be sure to remember this. You will like Chesterfield best because only Chesterfield has the right combination of the world's best tobaccos. Tobaccos that are highest in quality, low in nicotine. Best for you. All of us smoke for relaxation, for comfort, for satisfaction. And in the whole wide world, no cigarette satisfies like a Chesterfield. Get a carton of Chesterfields today. Chesterfield, regular, Chesterfield, king size. Both at the same price in most.

[Herb Ellis]

Places in regular or king size. You can get them either way.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The best smoke ever made's the Chesterfield you buy today. Smokers coast to coast are changing. It's a cinch to do.

[Herb Ellis]

Here's all you have to say to.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Get the one that's best for you. Chesterfield's for me. Chesterfield's for me. You just say it's Chesterfield's for me. This is the best Chesterfield and the time to change.

[Joe Friday]

Today.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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.

[Frank Smith]

It was Tuesday, June 17th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of burglary. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Bernard. My name is Friday. We were assisting another team in checking out pawn shops. And it was 9:27am when we got to 552 South Main Street Pacific Loan Company.

[Herb Ellis]

Hi, Joe. Frank.

[Joe Friday]

Herb. How you doing?

[Herb Ellis]

What is it? Business or pleasure?

[Joe Friday]

A little of both.

[Frank Smith]

Like check the buy book can, Herb.

[Herb Ellis]

Sure thing. I'll get it for you. Where's your partner? Took the day off.

[James Federer]

Gonna get some sunshine.

[Joe Friday]

He picked a good day for it. Yeah.

[Herb Ellis]

Here you are, Jim. Thank you.

[Frank Smith]

Herb. Are these all the tickets for yesterday?

[Herb Ellis]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

It was kind of slow.

[Frank Smith]

Monday.

[Joe Friday]

You Find anything?

[Frank Smith]

No, not what we want.

[Joe Friday]

Okay.

[Frank Smith]

Thanks, Herb.

[Herb Ellis]

Oh, it's okay. You know, Joe, anytime we can help you fellas.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Herb Ellis]

Say, Joe, while we're here, I'd like to look at a guitar. What?

[Joe Friday]

It's not for me. You know me better than that. The only piece I know is it ain't gonna rain no more.

[Herb Ellis]

What's wrong with how dry I am?

[Joe Friday]

It's funny. What do you got in a good guitar, Herb?

[Herb Ellis]

Well, come on down here.

[Joe Friday]

I'll show you some goodbyes. One of my neighbors asked me to check if I had a chance. Wants to buy his kid one.

[Herb Ellis]

What do you got? You see how much you want to spend?

[Joe Friday]

No, but I don't guess he wants to lay out too much. How about that one hanging up there? The one with the knobs on it?

[Herb Ellis]

Oh, that's an electric.

[Joe Friday]

What's with the knobs? For value.

[Herb Ellis]

Oh.

[Joe Friday]

How much?

[Herb Ellis]

That one let you out for $30.

[Joe Friday]

I don't think you'll go that much. You got something cheaper? The kid can make his own volume. That's nice looking though, don't you think, Joe?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Herb Ellis]

Hey, here's a good one. A Spanish.

[Joe Friday]

That the regular kind? That's right. How much is it? $12. Well, that sounds more like his speed. Can I see it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure thing.

[Herb Ellis]

It isn't tuned, but go ahead and strum it. Uh huh. But what should I be listening for, Tone?

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah, it's nice.

[Herb Ellis]

Oh, excuse me, fellas.

[Frank Smith]

Sure, go ahead, Herb.

[James Federer]

Is there something I can help you with, sir?

[Herb Ellis]

Yeah, maybe.

[Ralph Thomas]

I guess so.

[Joe Friday]

How's it sound to you, Joe?

[Herb Ellis]

You want to step to the back? I don't know.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm with you.

[Joe Friday]

What do we listen, Tone, you know.

[Frank Smith]

Oh, yeah.

[Joe Friday]

This neighbor told me he was pretty lucky.

[Frank Smith]

How's that?

[Joe Friday]

Well, his kid's been watching those singing cowboys on tv, so now he wants to be one with a guitar.

[Herb Ellis]

Mm.

[Joe Friday]

This guy next door says he's glad his kid hasn't got all wrapped up in space shows. Well, says he couldn't afford a spaceship.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, I don't guess there are too many secondhand spaceships for sale, are there?

[Herb Ellis]

Joe, I think he's trying to push your hot ring. I'd turn it down.

[Frank Smith]

Let's go.

[Herb Ellis]

All right.

[Frank Smith]

Hey, you fella, hold it up.

[James Federer]

You mean me?

[Frank Smith]

That's right. Police officers.

[James Federer]

What's the matter?

[Frank Smith]

Let's go over the doorway. Right over here.

[Jill Mason]

Well, why?

[Frank Smith]

Come on, move. Hands over your head.

[Herb Ellis]

Come on, turn around. All right, he's clean.

[Frank Smith]

See your identification? Like what you got? A driver's license?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Get it out.

[Herb Ellis]

All right.

[Frank Smith]

Here. Take it out of the wallet.

[Herb Ellis]

Sure.

[Frank Smith]

Give it to me. James Federer. This your true name? Yeah. You live at this address? 1201 South Gratton Street?

[James Federer]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Right. Here you are. What were you doing in that shop?

[James Federer]

I went in to sell a ring.

[Frank Smith]

Let's see it.

[Herb Ellis]

All right here.

[Frank Smith]

The ring belong to you?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Wanna wait here, Frank? I'll check.

[Herb Ellis]

Herb.

[Joe Friday]

Right.

[Frank Smith]

Herb, you wanna come out here a minute?

[Herb Ellis]

Sure.

[Frank Smith]

Take a look here. Is that the man who tried to sell you the ring down there?

[Herb Ellis]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

All right. Now look at this. Is this the ring?

[Herb Ellis]

Mm. That's an emerald.

[Frank Smith]

Real good stone. Why'd you turn it down?

[Herb Ellis]

I thought there was something wrong, like I said. Yeah. Well, he wanted to sell it for $20.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Rings worth close to a thousand.

[Frank Smith]

We took James Federer to the office for questioning. Frank checked with R and I and found that he had a previous record. He'd been picked up on suspicion of burglary and had served one term for auto theft. The ring was examined and found to be genuine. Federer maintained the ring belonged to him. After an hour of interrogation, he began to change his story.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right.

[James Federer]

I didn't know what it was worth.

[Frank Smith]

You mean the ring wasn't yours then?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[James Federer]

If I'd known it was worth that much, I wouldn't have tried to sell it so cheap.

[Frank Smith]

Where'd you get it?

[Herb Ellis]

I found it.

[Frank Smith]

Where?

[Herb Ellis]

MacArthur Park. When?

[James Federer]

Last night. I go over there all the time in the evening.

[Frank Smith]

Did you do anything about trying to find out who lost the ring?

[Herb Ellis]

Yeah.

[James Federer]

I checked in the papers. And the lost and found? I guess I looked in all of them. I didn't see any ads, though.

[Herb Ellis]

For a green ring. Uh huh.

[James Federer]

Well, I looked at the ring real close and didn't seem like a good stone. So I decided maybe it wasn't worth anything advertising.

[Frank Smith]

No, but it was worth trying to sell, wasn't it?

[James Federer]

Well, like I said, I ain't working. A few bucks would come in handy.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, sure.

[James Federer]

You don't believe me, do you?

[Frank Smith]

Well, you haven't given us much reason, have you? You started out in line. Why should we think different now?

[James Federer]

Yeah, I guess I told you it was mine. I was afraid maybe you think I stole it. But I told you the truth. Now you have. I can prove it. You take me out there. You take me that part right now.

[Frank Smith]

What'll that prove?

[James Federer]

Well, I'll show you just where I picked it up.

[Frank Smith]

Well, now, if we wait until Sunday, the trip won't be wasted. Will it? We can listen to the band concert, too. We continued to question James Fetter, but we were unable to change his story. He was booked in on suspicion of violation of section 459pc and held for investigation. We made a check of his residence, his friends, and the places he was known to frequent. We could find nothing to hold him on. He came up on the overtime sheet, and he was released. The ring was booked as found property. Friday, June 20th.

[Joe Friday]

Morning, Joe.

[Herb Ellis]

Hi.

[Frank Smith]

Did you check the book?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Nothing in.

[Frank Smith]

Mm.

[Herb Ellis]

Joe, letter for you.

[Frank Smith]

Thank you. Right. Listen to this. You did me a favor. Now I'm gonna do you one. Go to the Greyhound bus depot, rental locker number 103.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. That all?

[Frank Smith]

Take a look at it here.

[Joe Friday]

Type written, no greeting, no signature.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Herb Ellis]

What do you think?

[Frank Smith]

Let's check it out. Frank and I took the letter over to Layton Prince, and then we drove over to 6th of Los Angeles street, the Greyhound bus depot. We went to the office of Ralph Thomas, the regional manager. We told him about the letter. And in his company, we went to check on locker number 103.

[Ralph Thomas]

Well, the locker's empty now.

[Herb Ellis]

We'll have to see if anything's been.

[Ralph Thomas]

Removed from it recently. Want to come with me, gentlemen? We'll take the elevator to the basement.

[Frank Smith]

All right, fine.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you very much.

[Frank Smith]

How are the lockers checked, Mr. Thomas?

[Ralph Thomas]

The 10 cents pays for 24 hours. All lockers are checked at midnight.

[Frank Smith]

I see.

[Ralph Thomas]

When the time limits up, the articles are removed and a new lock's put on the locker.

[Frank Smith]

I see.

[Ralph Thomas]

Of course, as long as the fee's paid, we don't bother it.

[Herb Ellis]

Mm.

[Ralph Thomas]

All the things removed are ticketed and held for 90 days.

[Frank Smith]

I see.

[Ralph Thomas]

We hold them here at the depot for 30 days and then remove them to a warehouse. You'd be surprised at how fast they accumulate.

[Herb Ellis]

Yes, sir.

[Frank Smith]

Here we are.

[Joe Friday]

You mean all these things here have been left in lockers? People checked them, didn't come back for them?

[Ralph Thomas]

That's right. We get quite a variety of things.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, you sure do.

[Ralph Thomas]

Of course, not all of them are of much value. For instance, sometimes a person will go out, buy a new shirt, change it in the station, check the old one, and forget about it.

[Frank Smith]

Mm.

[Joe Friday]

Look at that, Joe. See that stuffed yellow poodle dog up there?

[Herb Ellis]

Yeah. Over there.

[Joe Friday]

Half a radio. That's not much good unless you know the guy with the other half.

[Herb Ellis]

Huh?

[Joe Friday]

Flatiron. Sure.

[Herb Ellis]

A lot of stuff.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. What about locker 103?

[Ralph Thomas]

Well, let's see now. If there was anything taken from us. Should Be right over here.

[Herb Ellis]

Mm.

[Joe Friday]

Hey, there's some nice looking luggage. Don't see how a guy would forget something like that.

[Ralph Thomas]

Here we are.

[Jill Mason]

Feet.

[Ralph Thomas]

Feels like a small box.

[Frank Smith]

That's from number 103.

[Ralph Thomas]

That's what the ticket says. See?

[Frank Smith]

What about the date that this was removed?

[Ralph Thomas]

Well, let's see. Midnight, June 17th. That was three days ago.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. Okay if we open it?

[Ralph Thomas]

Not at all. Here you are.

[Joe Friday]

Here, give me the paper towel.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Looks like a Christmas card box, huh?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. Take a look, Frank.

[Herb Ellis]

Huh?

[Ralph Thomas]

What's in it, Sergeant Friday?

[Frank Smith]

Jewelry. We signed a release form for the jewelry, and then we went back to the office. A check of pawn shop records was made, and we found that all the pieces had been reported stolen in the recent burglary. Leighton Prince had called to say no prints were found. The owner, Mrs. Carlton Hendricks, was notified, and she came down to the office.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

1107Am Are you Mr. Friday, the gentleman that I talked to on the phone?

[Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Am.

[Frank Smith]

It's my partner, Frank Smith.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Oh, how do you do, Mr. Smith?

[Joe Friday]

How do you do?

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Smith. Oh, that's a nice, uncomplicated name. If you don't mind my saying so, Mr. Smith, I think you look like a very competent officer.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you, ma'.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Am. And you, Mr. Friday, you look, well, as though you might be more complicated, but very efficient.

[Frank Smith]

That's very nice of you. Thank you.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

You see, that's one of my hobbies, reading character from faces. My friends say that I most always write.

[Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'.

[James Federer]

Am.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Oh, when you called, I was so thrilled. You can understand what it means to recover possessions that you'd given up for lost.

[Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'. Am. Would you like to check the pieces now?

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Yes. You know, I had to call off a bridge party this afternoon, but then there'll be others, and this will be such an experience to tell them about.

[Ralph Thomas]

Yes, ma'.

[Joe Friday]

Am.

[Frank Smith]

Now, if you'll just look at these pieces and tell us if they're yours.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Oh, all right. Mr. Riley, whenever you're ready.

[Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Am.

[Frank Smith]

Well, this is the box they were found in. Here.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Well, it's a Christmas card box. How clever of them. I must remember that, you know, tell my friends.

[Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'. Am. You do that. Frank, would you hand me that newspaper, please?

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Thank you. I'll just spread these on the table here and you can see them better.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Oh, Maurice would just die if he saw this.

[Joe Friday]

Is that your husband?

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Oh, gracious, no. I don't have one. I mean, at present I'm divorced, you see, but we're still very good friends. I meant Maurice the jeweler. Just the way Mr. Friday spread my jewels on the newspaper. You see, when Maurice showed me these things, he had them all displayed on a wonderful piece of velvet.

[Frank Smith]

Then you recognize these pieces being yours, Ms. Hendricks?

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Oh, yes. Well, there's my wedding ring and my gold charm bracelet. Have you looked at that close, gentlemen?

[Joe Friday]

No, I missed it.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Oh, you should. Here, now, look. Now, you see, all those things have a special meaning. My husband gave them to me. The little stop and go light. Oh, that was silly. I was just learning to drive. Yeah, it was a good thing we had insurance. Oh, and this little wheelbarrow. The first time we went to the races and I won so much money. He said I'd need this to carry it in.

[Frank Smith]

That's ma'.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Am.

[Frank Smith]

Well, then I guess we can report that the jewels have been identified by the owner, huh?

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

You see this little cell phone, Mr. Briding?

[Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Am. It's got a number on it. But my husband didn't give me this.

[Frank Smith]

He didn't?

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

No, no, no. It was all innocent enough. But poor Carlton, that was my husband got furious. I even caught him with a magnifying glass one day. Number the dear jealous man. Is everything out of the box, Mr. Friday?

[Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Am.

[Frank Smith]

It's all right there in the paper.

[Herb Ellis]

Why?

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Well, I don't see my ring.

[Frank Smith]

You mean this one right here?

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

No, no, no, no, that's not it. It was an emerald in platinum setting.

[Frank Smith]

Well, when we checked the burglary report, I don't remember seeing any listing for that Ms. Hendrix.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Yes, I know. The time I made the report, I hadn't missed it. These trinkets were stolen from my jewelry box. I thought the emerald was in the safety deposit box.

[Frank Smith]

I see. But why didn't you make a report when you discovered that it was gone?

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Oh, well, it happened at a bad time. I'd made plans to go to Reno for a vacation. You know, what a lovely place that is. Well, I thought if the rest of the things were recovered, the ring would be too.

[Frank Smith]

Well, nevertheless, you should have taken the time to report it, ma'.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Am. Oh, yes, I know. But at the time, I was more concerned with my plans for this trip. Have you ever been to Reno?

[Frank Smith]

Oh, man.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Oh, you should go sometime. It's really wonderful. I'm going back this winter for the winter sports. The you gentleman's key?

[Joe Friday]

No, ma'.

[Jill Mason]

Am.

[Frank Smith]

Ms. Hendricks, how much was your ring valued for?

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Well, I'm not quite sure, but I think Carlton paid something like A thousand dollars for it.

[Frank Smith]

Well, three days ago we recovered an emerald ring that was supposed to have been found. It may possibly be yours.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

There, you see? Nothing to worry about. I just knew when I saw you two men that everything was going to be all right. My friends are right. I can read character.

[Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Am.

[Frank Smith]

We'll have to go over to the property department to identify the ring, Ms. Hendricks.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Oh, good, good. That'll be another experience. I'm going to have to get in touch with Carlton. I'll need another charm for my bracelet.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma', am, you will.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

And I know now just what I want. Something that symbolizes this occasion. And especially you two officers. Can you guess what it'll be?

[Frank Smith]

I can't. Can you, Frank?

[Joe Friday]

No, Joe, I can't.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Two little gold bloodhounds.

[Frank Smith]

We took Ms. Hendricks over to the property department in the Central jail. We signed out for the ring and she identified it as being hers. All the jewelry was booked as evidence. We went to the district Attorney's office and got a warrant for the arrest of James Fetter. We got out of local and APB on the suspect. Frank and I checked his residence. We were told the suspect had moved several days previously. The landlady had no forwarding address. She couldn't tell us about any visitors or any mail he'd received. She was unable to tell us if he drove a car. We rechecked his known associates and friends. Several leads were obtained, but none of them turned up anything. Five days went by. Thursday, June 25th. Morning, Frank.

[Joe Friday]

Hi, John. You been here long?

[Frank Smith]

About five minutes.

[Joe Friday]

I just couldn't hit the lights this morning.

[Herb Ellis]

What's new?

[Frank Smith]

Well, we got a call from Auto Theft. Yeah, they picked up a man early this morning trying to steal a car.

[Joe Friday]

Somebody we want?

[Frank Smith]

I think so. James Federer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You are listening to Dragnet. The authentic story of your police force in action. All of us smoke for relaxation, for comfort, for satisfaction. And in the whole wide world, no cigarette satisfies like a Chesterfield. You smoke with the greatest possible pleasure when your cigarette is Chesterfield only. Chesterfield gives you the right combination of the world's best tobaccos. Tobaccos that are highest in quality, low in nicotine. Best for you. Get a carton of Chesterfield's Chesterfield, regular, Chesterfield, King size. Both at the same price in most places. It's America's most popular two way cigarette. This is the best Chesterfield and the time to change today.

[Frank Smith]

Before Frank and I checked out of the office, we contacted all of Theft detail and told them we wanted to talk to Federer. We drove over to the main jail. The suspect was brought to the interview room.

[James Federer]

I heard you guys were looking for him.

[Frank Smith]

That's right.

[James Federer]

I could have come in, but I didn't think it was important.

[Frank Smith]

So you do it the hard way, huh?

[James Federer]

This is a bad beef.

[Joe Friday]

I guess you figure them all that way, huh?

[James Federer]

No, not always. You take a chance, you get caught, it's bad. But you ain't getting credit for something you didn't do.

[Frank Smith]

That so? Yeah.

[James Federer]

What do you want to see me about?

[Frank Smith]

You don't know, huh?

[Jill Mason]

No.

[James Federer]

Just that some of the boys said.

[Herb Ellis]

You were asking for me.

[Frank Smith]

Thought maybe you'd like to tell us more about where you found that ring.

[James Federer]

Well, that again.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, that again.

[James Federer]

You got my story, now what more do you want?

[Frank Smith]

We got an alibi. Now we'd like the truth.

[James Federer]

I found it.

[Frank Smith]

Sure you did.

[James Federer]

I don't know where I fit in what you're trying to build, but I want no part of it.

[Frank Smith]

It's not that simple.

[James Federer]

All right, you tell me.

[Frank Smith]

That ring wasn't lost. It was stolen and you know it.

[James Federer]

You figure I'm your pigeon, is that it?

[Frank Smith]

Let's try it for size, huh?

[James Federer]

Not this time. You can leave it with somebody else.

[Frank Smith]

Might take a little time, but we're gonna make you on it.

[James Federer]

No, not from where I sit.

[Frank Smith]

You'll need a better story than you got right now.

[James Federer]

Well, not until you can prove I didn't find it.

[Herb Ellis]

We got the other stuff you took.

[James Federer]

Oh, come on now you're really reaching.

[Frank Smith]

No, I don't think so. You did us a favor, but that doesn't put us on your side.

[James Federer]

Look, maybe you better fill me in.

[Herb Ellis]

We got your letter. You did?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's great.

[James Federer]

Now tell me what I said.

[Frank Smith]

I'll do even better. Here, you read it.

[James Federer]

This is the letter I wrote?

[Frank Smith]

That's right.

[Jill Mason]

Uh huh.

[James Federer]

I get it now. You found some stuff down at the Greyhound depot.

[Frank Smith]

You called it.

[James Federer]

Well, I'll give you something else.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah?

[James Federer]

I didn't write that letter. I don't know who did, but it wasn't me.

[Frank Smith]

The ring you had has been identified by the owner. A lot of other stuff we recovered.

[James Federer]

Look, I'll tell you something. It's like I said, you take your chances, but I ain't gonna front for this deal. Yeah, looks like someone was trying to nail me in. But I don't want it. You said I did you a favor.

[Frank Smith]

I didn't.

[James Federer]

But I'm gonna now.

[Frank Smith]

All right, why don't you?

[James Federer]

I got that ring from a girl I know.

[Frank Smith]

What's her name?

[James Federer]

Jill Mason.

[Frank Smith]

Go ahead.

[James Federer]

Well, I ran into her the other night. I told her I could use a couple of bucks. She's owed me 15 for a long time. She said she didn't have any cash, but she gave me the ring. I didn't know what it was worth. That's the truth. I don't think she did either. She was carrying a pretty fair package at the time.

[Joe Friday]

Go ahead.

[James Federer]

She told me she got the ring from her boyfriend. That's all I knew about it.

[Frank Smith]

Why'd you give us the story about the park?

[James Federer]

Well, I figured maybe it'd keep her out of trouble. Long as you had the ring, I thought that was enough.

[Joe Friday]

What's this girl mean to you?

[James Federer]

You mean how well do I know her? Yeah, I talk to her, that's all. But the only reason I give this to you is I don't want to pay somebody else's bill.

[Frank Smith]

She ever done any big time?

[James Federer]

I don't know. I never had any serious talks with her.

[Frank Smith]

Want to tell us where she lives? Yeah.

[James Federer]

You know, I don't understand that letter. Maybe you still think I wrote it, but I didn't.

[Frank Smith]

We only got your word for that? No.

[James Federer]

Doesn't make sense I'd send a letter if I'd taken the stuff and wanted to keep it.

[Frank Smith]

You might have.

[Joe Friday]

Why?

[Frank Smith]

You made a lot of other mistakes. After further questioning, the suspect gave us a description of Jill Mason and her address. Frank and I went back to the office and checked her name through R and I. But we found no previous record for anybody answering her description. We drove over to 943 Wright street and we found the apartment house Federer had told us about. Jill Mason's name was listed on a mailbox near the front entrance. We went up to the third floor, apartment 316. We rang the bell and the door was opened by a woman of about 35 years of age. Her face showed signs of having recently been bruised.

[Jill Mason]

Yeah, what is it?

[Frank Smith]

You Jill Mason?

[Jill Mason]

That's right.

[Frank Smith]

Police officers would like to talk to you.

[Jill Mason]

Oh, well, I was just going to the beauty part. I am late now.

[Frank Smith]

We'd appreciate it if you can wait, ma'.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Am.

[Jill Mason]

All right.

[Frank Smith]

Art, if we come in?

[Jill Mason]

Guess so.

[Frank Smith]

Thank you. Live alone here?

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Yep.

[Frank Smith]

All right if we look around?

[Jill Mason]

Go ahead.

[Frank Smith]

Ready?

[Herb Ellis]

Yeah.

[Jill Mason]

Look, what's this all about? I don't think I like it. That slob Whitey put you up to this?

[Frank Smith]

Beg pardon?

[Jill Mason]

Whitey, the bartender of the one Stop that chisel. Make a fuss over the couple of 10 cent glasses. I broke last night.

[Frank Smith]

We haven't talked to him.

[Joe Friday]

It's okay.

[Jill Mason]

Joe wouldn't have surprised me if he had. Imagine him telling me I wasn't an old lady. His shins are gonna be sore for a couple of days.

[Frank Smith]

You know a person named James Fetter?

[Jill Mason]

That's the last name.

[Herb Ellis]

Federer.

[Jill Mason]

F E D E R. You say you knew me.

[Frank Smith]

Will you tell us that, please? You know.

[Jill Mason]

Yeah. Say, is this gonna take long?

[Joe Friday]

Does it make a difference?

[Jill Mason]

Yeah. I'd like to call and cancel my appointment. All right.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Thank you.

[Jill Mason]

Hi, Helen. Joe Mason. Gonna have to cancel my appointment. Okay. I'll call you. Yeah. Sorry, honey. Yeah. Goodbye. No sense keeping her waiting. I didn't have to ask you if you'd be here alone. It wasn't about last night. I knew. Mm. Mind if I sit down?

[Frank Smith]

Go ahead.

[Jill Mason]

I could lie to you, but if you talked to Fedder, it'd only be wasted breath. I'm beat as it is. More than one way.

[Frank Smith]

Did you give Federer a ring?

[Jill Mason]

That's what kicked the whole business off.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Jill Mason]

You see my face? Doesn't look too bad now, but you should have seen it a week ago. If I had had a gun, I think I'd have shot him.

[Frank Smith]

Fetter, you mean?

[Jill Mason]

No, he didn't have anything to do with it. I mean Steve Remsen.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who's he?

[Jill Mason]

Guy that gave me the ring. The one I gave to Federer for the money I owed him. I was pretty stupid about it, but there wasn't any reason for me to take the beating.

[Frank Smith]

Where did this Remsen get the ring?

[Jill Mason]

Did you get my letter? So I got even with him.

[Frank Smith]

Did you know the ring was stolen when you gave it to Fetter?

[Jill Mason]

No, Steve just gave it to me. He didn't say anything about where he'd got it or how much it was worth. Nothing. Just before I saw Fedor, I had a fight with Steve. Got a little loaded, and Federer asked me for the money. I gave him the ring.

[Frank Smith]

Remsen told you it was stolen, did he?

[Jill Mason]

Later. If he'd found out what I'd done with it. He got real sore. Said if Federer tried to pawn the ring, they'd find out about the other stuff.

[Frank Smith]

Uh huh.

[Jill Mason]

Said he couldn't go back to the bus station for it. Cops might pick him up.

[Frank Smith]

I see.

[Jill Mason]

We were up here. He was drinking, got madder all the time, and finally worked me over that I got in touch with me after you let him go. Told me what had happened. I didn't let on that I knew about the Ring. But that's when I figured how to get even with Steve. I mailed you the letter.

[Frank Smith]

Know where Remsen is now?

[Jill Mason]

No. He'll probably call today. I haven't seen him since he beat up on me, but he'll call. Trying to make up? I told him we were through. I can get him up here for you.

[Frank Smith]

You know where he lives?

[Jill Mason]

Not now. He's moved.

[Frank Smith]

Can you give us the address?

[Jill Mason]

Sure. But don't you believe me? I wouldn't lie to you, not after what he done to me. I want to get even with him, that's all. I don't know why you don't buy it.

[Frank Smith]

Well, maybe we will. Yeah, if he shows up. We called the office and another team of men was sent out to check the address Jill Mason had given us for Steve Remsen. We had the name checked through R and I, but without result. Frank went out and moved the car away from the building in case Remsen might show up. We went back to the apartment and waited for him to call. Ten hours went by. She received several calls, but none of them from Remsen. Manuel Pina, one of the detectives checking Remsen's address, called and said that they'd found that he moved away on June 18th. He said they'd make a follow up investigation.

[Jill Mason]

11:30Pm what if he doesn't call me?

[Frank Smith]

You said he might, didn't he?

[Jill Mason]

I know, but it's never at any particular time. I just said he'd been calling. Maybe he won't. What happens then?

[Frank Smith]

We'll wait and see. Remember, hold it so we can hear it now.

[Jill Mason]

I know. Hello? Oh, hi. I don't know if I can make it. Well, I know I'd like to, but I'll have to call you. Uh huh. Sure. Sure, honey. Thanks for calling. Bye. Girlfriend wanted me to go bowling tomorrow night.

[Herb Ellis]

Mm.

[Jill Mason]

You heard what I told her. Guess it's better not to try to plan anything, huh?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Jill Mason]

It's a front door buzzer. Someone's calling from down below. Door's locked at 10.

[Frank Smith]

All right, answer it and hold the receiver so we can hear.

[Jill Mason]

You still don't trust me.

[Frank Smith]

That's not the point.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

Oh, it's him.

[Frank Smith]

Get him up here.

[Jill Mason]

What's that? Steve? Uh huh. I know, honey. I guess I was wrong too, huh? Come on up. Hurry, honey.

[Frank Smith]

There.

[Jill Mason]

That'll open the front door for him. He'll be right up.

[Frank Smith]

Frank, you want to unlock this door?

[Herb Ellis]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Does he carry a gun?

[Jill Mason]

I know he's got one.

[Frank Smith]

All set? Yeah.

[Herb Ellis]

Hiya. Doll.

[Frank Smith]

Police officers. Remsen. Get your hands up.

[James Federer]

What's going on?

[Jill Mason]

Come on.

[James Federer]

Over your head.

[Frank Smith]

Hold it right there. Frank. Yeah, what is this?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Jill.

[Frank Smith]

All right, he's clean.

[Herb Ellis]

Get your hands behind your back.

[Jill Mason]

Come on, you heard him. These are police officers, honey.

[Frank Smith]

All right, hold it right there.

[James Federer]

You and the cops. I should have finished what I started with you.

[Jill Mason]

You tried.

[James Federer]

You wouldn't have got your Layla. If you'd used your head. We wouldn't be in this mess now. My fault for tying it with a knothead like you.

[Jill Mason]

Oh, you.

[Frank Smith]

Now stop it, both of you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure.

[James Federer]

It's just that you guys never come close. If it wasn't for this dumb broad you tell us.

[Herb Ellis]

Had it all worked out.

[James Federer]

Things were going just the way I planned.

[Frank Smith]

All right.

[James Federer]

Sure, I'd be sitting pretty except for her.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, sure you would, dumb bruh.

[James Federer]

The biggest mistake she ever made.

[Frank Smith]

No, there was one other.

[Jill Mason]

What?

[Frank Smith]

The first time she talked to you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The story you have just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent. On October 5, trial was held in Department 98, 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.

[Frank Smith]

Thank you, George Feniman. You know, any King size cigarette can give you more length. But only Chesterfield gives you premium quality tobacco to go along with it. That's the big difference in king size cigarettes. For my money. Chesterfield has the quality you want, but don't take my word for it. See for yourself. King size Chesterfield or regular. I think you'll find they're best for.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Steve. Lynn Remsen was tried and convicted on one count of burglary in the second degree and received sentence as prescribed by law. Burglary in the second degree is punishable by imprisonment for a period of not more than one year in the county jail or by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for a period of not less than 1 nor more than 15 years. 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, Herb Ellis, Harry Bartel, Georgia Ellis. Script by John Robinson, Earl Schley. 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 this is it.

[Herb Ellis]

L M Filters this is it. Light, mild, much more flavor.

[Mrs. Carlton Hendricks]

L and M filters, much less nicotine.

[Herb Ellis]

Light and mild.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Remember, it's the filter that counts. And no filter compares with L M's miracle tip for quality or effectiveness. You get much more flavor, much less nicotine by L and M. King size or regular? Both at the same low price. L and M, light and mild. Now to NBC election headquarters in New York.

[Herb Ellis]

This is Merrill Mueller.

[Merrill Mueller]

Here are the latest returns in a surprising election in which voter apathy disappeared during the last two days of the campaign, millions of voters unexpectedly turned out to vote in freezing weather in the west and rainy mixed weather with snow along the East Coast. As of this time, the Republicans have elected one member to the Senate. She's Margaret Chase Smith. In Maine last month, the Democrats have elected 11 senators, all shoo in in the South. In other Senate contests, Republicans are leading in five races, the Democrats in seven. In the House, the Republicans have elected 10 members. The Democrats have elected 120, mostly in the South. In other contests, Republicans are leading in 25 House districts. Democrats lead in 10.

[Joe Friday]

No net gain.

[Merrill Mueller]

We'll be back on the air at 10pm Eastern Standard Time with a full all night roundup across the nation. Keep tuned to your NBC station for the later election news. Here's a late bulletin on the Democratic governor contest in New York. The Democratic state chairman says that Avery Harriman is ahead and the Democrats claim Harriman will win New York by 300,000. This is Merrill Mullery at NBC election headquarters.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is the NBC radio.