Dragnet: The Big Match 07/27/1954

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Dragnet: The Big Match (07/27/1954)

Introduction

In the Dragnet episode titled "The Big Match," listeners are immersed in a riveting tale of crime and investigation set in 1950s Los Angeles. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, this episode showcases the meticulous work of Detectives Friday and Smith as they unravel a sophisticated robbery at the Charles Kane Auction Gallery. This summary delves into the key events, investigations, and outcomes of the case, providing an engaging overview for both long-time enthusiasts and new listeners.

---

1. The Robbery: Initial Incident at the Auction House

The episode opens on a rainy Tuesday morning, February 1st, setting a gritty backdrop for the unfolding crime.

• Detective Friday introduces the scenario:

  "[00:14] Detective Friday: It was Tuesday, February 1st. It was raining in Los Angeles. We were working the day..."

• Detective Smith emphasizes the procedural nature of their work:

  "[01:20] Detective Smith: Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime."

A robbery strikes the Charles Kane Auction Gallery on Wilshire Boulevard at 8:37 AM, targeting one of the larger auction houses in the city. The perpetrators manage to evade immediate detection, leaving behind minimal evidence.

---

2. Investigative Beginnings: Interviewing the Victims

Detectives Friday and Smith arrive promptly at the crime scene, initiating their investigation by interviewing the victims.

• Detective Friday greets the victims:

  "[01:45] Detective Friday: ...My name's Friday."

• Mr. Charles Kane, the shop owner, and Ms. Morgan, the store attendant, recount their experiences.

  • Mr. Kane describes the assault:

    "[05:24] Detective Friday: I'll tell you. All right, Sis. My partner, Frank Smith. My name's Friday."

  • Ms. Morgan provides additional details about the assailant, noting his physical presence despite the trauma:

    "[07:05] Detective Friday: Did you get a pretty good look at him?"

    "[07:07] Ms. Morgan: Yes, sir."

Key observations include the assailant's significant stature—approximately six foot two and heavily built—and his attire, a gray business suit. The detectives also note discrepancies in witness accounts regarding whether the robber was wearing glasses.

---

3. Clues and Forensic Evidence: The Matchbook Trail

The investigation takes a strategic turn as Friday and Smith discover burned matches at the scene, providing a crucial lead.

• Detective Friday discusses the significance of the matchbook:

  "[10:22] Detective Friday: Dirty sneak. What do you got, Joe?"

• The detectives analyze partially burned matchbooks, revealing important distances:

  "[10:43] Detective Friday: Oh, we don't know yet, sir. Here's another one, John. Can you read it?"

  "[10:44] Detective Friday: It says 14 miles to Santa Monica."

These clues suggest possible locations related to the matchbook's origin or the robber's movements, leading the detectives to focus their search on specific areas within Hollywood and surrounding regions.

---

4. The Stakeout: Surveillance and Suspicion

Following the forensic leads, Friday and Smith conduct a stakeout at a motel suggested by the matchbook evidence.

• Detective Friday narrates the coordinated effort to monitor potential suspects:

  "[17:04] Detective Friday: Wonder if you could give us the address of the places that used the type of book matches found at the scene of the robbery."

• After visiting multiple motels without success, their persistence pays off at cabin number 26, registered to John Keller.

• Detective Friday details the confrontation:

  "[21:54] Detective Friday: My place. Police officers. You're under arrest."

Keller initially resists arrest, leading to a tense exchange where his motives and background come under scrutiny. The detectives' thorough questioning reveals his criminal history and possession of illegal firearms, solidifying the case against him.

---

5. Arrest and Trial: Bringing the Culprit to Justice

Keller's arrest marks a pivotal moment in the investigation, followed by his subsequent trial.

• Detective Friday confronts Keller about his past:

  "[23:03] Detective Friday: You ever done any big time?"

• Upon refusal to cooperate and inconsistent accounts, Keller's situation deteriorates, culminating in his formal arrest.

• The episode concludes with Detective Smith providing closure on the case:

  "[24:47] Customer: The story you have just heard is true."

  "[24:53] Detective Smith: ...John Rudolph Keller was tried and convicted of robbery in the first degree, one count. And burglary in the first degree, six counts. And received punishment as prescribed by law."

Keller is sentenced to substantial prison terms, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the effective investigative work of Detectives Friday and Smith.

---

Notable Quotes and Moments

• Detective Smith emphasizes the authenticity of their work:

  "[01:20] Detective Smith: Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime."

• Detective Friday highlights the procedural steps taken:

  "[08:45] Detective Friday: You'd be able to see it. A real whack. Yes, sir, we understand."

• The meticulous analysis of evidence underscores the show's dedication to realism:

  "[12:16] Customer: Come on in."

• The culmination of the investigation demonstrates the triumph of law enforcement:

  "[24:53] Detective Smith: ...received punishment as prescribed by law."

---

Conclusion

"The Big Match" episode of Dragnet masterfully portrays the intricate process of solving a high-stakes robbery through diligent investigation and forensic analysis. Detectives Friday and Smith exemplify the perseverance and professionalism characteristic of the Golden Age of Radio's portrayal of law enforcement. This episode not only entertains but also educates listeners on the meticulous nature of criminal investigations, making it a standout installment in the Dragnet series.

---

Final Note

For fans of classic detective dramas, Dragnet: The Big Match offers a compelling narrative filled with suspense, meticulous detail, and authentic dialogue. Choice Classic Radio continues to honor the legacy of old-time radio by bringing such timeless stories to modern audiences.

Transcript

[Podbean Announcer]

Your message amplified.

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

Podbean.

Podbean.

Podbean. Podbean. The AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Customer]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Podbean Announcer]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Customer]

My school uses Podbean.

[Podbean Announcer]

My church too.

I love it. I really do.

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

[Detective Smith]

Dragnet.

[Detective Friday]

You'Re a detective sergeant. You're assigned a robbery detail. You get a call that a holdup man has hit one of the larger auction houses in your city. You have a good description of him? Your job? Find him.

[Detective Smith]

Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case. Transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Detective Friday]

It was Tuesday, February 1st. It was raining in Los Angeles. We were working the day. Watch out. A robbery detail. My partner's Frank Smith, the boss of Chief of Detective Stad Brown. My name's Friday. I was on my way into the office and it was 8:07am when I got to room 27, a robbery squadroom. Morning, Joe. Hi. The rain let up? No, still coming down. Doesn't look like it's going to stop either. Sure. Got it out in the valley. Well, anything in the book for us? No. Talk to Skipper. He's got a couple of things for us to check out. What do we got? Do you know? A bank job. Last week that's office came up the list of possible. We're supposed to help check them out. All right, here's the list. Couple on there we know too. Mm. When'd Rocky get out? A couple of months ago. Can't stay out of trouble, can he? I called the adult authority. They say he's got a job working 9 to 6. He'd still find a way to get out. Yeah. Let's get on it. Okay. You think I'll need my rubbers? What? My rubbers. You think I'll need them? I don't know. They're your feet. It's raining pretty hard. Well, I guess I better take them. Fayl gets sore if she finds out I'm not wearing them. I didn't hear you, I say. Fay will get sore if she finds out I'm not wearing them. Oh. I get home, she looks at the soles of my shoes. If they're wet, she knows I left the over shoes in the locker. She gets real hacked. Joe? Yeah? You gonna put them on now? Yeah, I walked outside. Oh, yeah? Oh, shoot. Hard to get on. Are you about finished there? Yeah. I want to see Danny before he leaves. What is it, something special? No. I heard that he had a set of golf clubs for sale. I thought maybe I'd look at them. You gonna start playing golf? No. I thought maybe I'd take a look at him. You know, I've been thinking. Maybe I ought to do something like that. Some kind of hobby. Golf isn't too expensive, is it? Fishing, Joe? What? You ought to take up fishing. That's for you. It is? Sure. Fishing out in the boats, fighting the unknown. With golf, you hit a ball and you know where it's going. No, not me. You know what I mean. With golf, you kind of know what's going to happen. But. But fishing, there's always that mystery of what's going on at the other end of your line. You never know. Yeah. No, you don't, Joe. You never know what's gonna take the bait. Might be a big school of white sea bass or yellowtail down there. Might even be a school Albaco. Now, fishing's for you, Joe. You think so, do you? Well, it's a little early yet, but you just hang on, old buddy. And tell you what. I'll take you out with me this year, show you how it's done. No, I don't think so. I heard about your fishing. What do you mean? Oh, Gene Patrick was telling me about how you robbed the bait tank, strung up the horse sardines and took them home. He's jealous, Joe. He is? Yeah. He wanted them hot shot. I get it. You better hurry up. We got one to roll on. Yeah. Auction house out on Wilshire Boulevard. Huh? They were just hit. 8:37am we arrived at the Charles Kane Auction Gallery. It was a large Spanish type building located on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Gregory Drive. A radio card answered the call and the officers from the unit were taking reports. The policeman at the door told us that his partner was making a check of the neighborhood to see if he could come up with any information for us. An ambulance had arrived and the man at the door told us that the attendant Was in the store taking care of one of the victims. We went in and talked to him. Hey, Watky. Dad.

[Customer]

Seems like he stole my head in. Oh, sorry. Mr. Kane. Do you fell as officers?

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, that's right. Friday and Smith, Central Robbery. All right if we talk to him? Sure. I'm almost finished here.

[Customer]

Sure, you can talk to me. Go ahead.

[Detective Friday]

I'll tell you. All right, Sis. My partner, Frank Smith. My name's Friday.

[Customer]

Charles Kane. This is my place. I'm the one that was robbed.

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir, we understand.

[Customer]

This is Ms. Morgan, Heiner's lead. Your policeman.

[Ms. Morgan]

How do you do?

[Detective Friday]

How are you?

[Customer]

Where'd you other cops, sir? Other fellas. The ones in the police car.

[Detective Friday]

Where'd they go? Well, they're outside, Mr. Kane.

[Customer]

Oh, you fellas with the guns, eh?

[Detective Friday]

What's that?

[Customer]

The guns.

[Detective Friday]

The big ones.

[Customer]

You know, the ones. Who's going to handle it?

[Detective Friday]

Well, I guess you could say that, yeah.

[Customer]

Well, suppose you want me to tell you all about it, huh?

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir, if you would, please.

[Customer]

Yeah. Been in the auctioning business a long time. This is the first time a thing like this has ever happened. First time? Came in this morning early. Came in to check your consignment from Santa Barbara loading new stuff.

[Detective Friday]

Only it's old. We bought it up. Supposed to be here this morning.

[Customer]

I came in the office.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah? Yeah, right in here.

[Customer]

Fellow was standing back at the door. As soon as I came in, he cloud me on the head. Whacked me a good one.

[Detective Friday]

Hey, wait. He. Take it easy with advantage, will you? Yes. I'm sorry.

[Customer]

You like that fellow Ichabod?

[Detective Friday]

Who's that? Ichabod.

[Customer]

You know, from Washington. Urban. Ichabod Crane. Fella rode around carrying his head under his arm. Not sure if he like I could do that. Grand writer, Irving.

[Detective Friday]

Read almost all his stuff.

[Customer]

Grand.

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir. What time did you come in? Yeah, grand.

[Customer]

Oh, it must have been about 7:45.

[Detective Friday]

Wonder if you can give us a description of the man. Sure.

[Customer]

Don't you want me to tell you.

[Detective Friday]

The rest of the story first? If we can get a description of the man, Mr. Kane, we can get a broadcast out on him.

[Customer]

Yeah, he robbed the safe too, you know.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, sure, we understand. Cleaned it right out. How tall was the man, sir?

[Customer]

About six foot two. Big fella, or might even been bigger.

[Detective Friday]

How about his weight?

[Customer]

Big there too. Maybe a couple hundred pounds.

[Detective Friday]

Did you see the man, Ms. Morgan?

[Ms. Morgan]

Yes, he was here when I came in.

[Customer]

Yeah, but I'm the one he hit.

[Ms. Morgan]

Well, he was back here with Mr. Kane when I came in, the man must have just hit him.

[Detective Friday]

Did you get a pretty good look at him?

[Ms. Morgan]

Yes, sir.

[Customer]

Yeah, he hit me and gave me a real whack right on the head, sir. This, fellas, covered it all up with bandages.

[Detective Friday]

You'd be able to see it. A real whack. Yes, sir, we understand.

[Customer]

Think that'll take care of it, Mr. Kane will, huh?

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Customer]

I suggest you see your doctor, though.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah. Why, we usually recommend it, sir. Oh, yeah.

[Customer]

Well, thanks, young fellow.

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir. About the man's coloring, Mr. Kane.

[Customer]

That ambulance fellow been real nice.

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir. Can you tell us about the man who held you up?

[Customer]

Light. Light. Conflicted.

[Detective Friday]

Did he wear glasses?

[Customer]

No, didn't have glasses.

[Ms. Morgan]

Well, he had them on when I saw him.

[Customer]

Yeah, well, he didn't when you asked me.

[Detective Friday]

What kind of glasses were they, ma'? Am?

[Ms. Morgan]

Well, they're the ones with the plastic rim, sort of a light color.

[Customer]

Must have taken him off when he hit me.

[Detective Friday]

What was he wearing?

[Customer]

Gray suit.

[Detective Friday]

Business suit.

[Customer]

Gray.

[Detective Friday]

Was he clean shaven, do you remember?

[Ms. Morgan]

Yes. He had a dark beard, though, real heavy, but he was clean shaven.

[Detective Friday]

I'll get this out, Joe. Right. Did he have any accent when he talked, Mr. Kane?

[Customer]

No. Just hauled off and hit me as soon as I came in the door. Didn't say a word, just whacked me on the head.

[Detective Friday]

Did he speak to you, Ms. Morgan?

[Ms. Morgan]

Yes, he did. He told me to keep quiet and nothing would happen.

[Detective Friday]

Did you notice anything in his speech?

[Ms. Morgan]

No, he talked just like anybody else.

[Detective Friday]

Okay. You called him, Frank? Yeah. Ms. Morgan?

[Ms. Morgan]

Yes, sir?

[Detective Friday]

What time did you get in this morning?

[Ms. Morgan]

Oh, it must have been about eight, maybe a couple of minutes after.

[Detective Friday]

Did you see the hold up man when you came in?

[Ms. Morgan]

No, not right away. He wasn't out in the gallery. I came into the office here. This is where I work most of the time. That's when I saw him. He was standing right over there. Mr. Kane was on the floor and the robber was standing next to him. I guess he just hit Mr. Kane.

[Detective Friday]

What'd he say to you?

[Ms. Morgan]

Oh, I told you. He said for me to keep quiet and nothing would happen to me.

[Detective Friday]

He say anything else?

[Ms. Morgan]

No. No, he didn't.

[Customer]

Didn't say much to me either.

[Detective Friday]

Guess.

[Customer]

Whacked me.

[Detective Friday]

Would you know the man if you saw him again, Ms. Morgan?

[Ms. Morgan]

Yes. Yes, I would.

[Customer]

Sure die all right, sir.

[Detective Friday]

We'd like both of you to come downtown and look at some pictures, if you would.

[Customer]

Oh, got him, man. Fast word?

[Detective Friday]

Well, no, sir. Now, we haven't got him in custody yet, but we may have a picture of him downtown. Yeah?

[Customer]

How'd that be?

[Detective Friday]

Well, if he's done this kind of thing before and he's been arrested, we'd have a record on him. Oh, yeah. Mr. Kane?

[Customer]

Yeah?

[Detective Friday]

What kind of a burglar alarm system do you have here in the store?

[Customer]

Oh, it's right there on the window.

[Detective Friday]

Mm.

[Customer]

Hey, you see those little strips of foil? Electricity runs through them. They get broke and it rings the bell out in front of the store.

[Detective Friday]

You're not on a system, though, are you? Huh? Oh, no, no.

[Customer]

Always figured that if the bell went off, the cops would be here soon enough.

[Detective Friday]

I see.

[Customer]

He must have found out some way to turn the thing off, though. Didn't ring at all. I'd hurt it if it had. I'd have heard it.

[Detective Friday]

Sure do.

[Customer]

Either you people smoke? Yeah, both of us got out the broadcast, Joe.

[Detective Friday]

Good. Call the crime lab. They're on the way. All right, fine. I took another look at the front door. Whoever broke in sure knew his job. Real clean. You got anything? Well, we don't know yet. Either of you two people smoked this morning here in the office?

[Customer]

Not me. Sure could use a cigarette, though. Calm me down.

[Detective Friday]

There you are, Ms. Kane. How about you, miss?

[Ms. Morgan]

Thank you.

[Customer]

Why all these questions about smoking? I want to know if you're going to catch that man. It was over $1,200 in that shape. And I had a couple of hundred on me.

[Detective Friday]

He took all that.

[Customer]

What you asking all these silly questions for?

[Detective Friday]

Well, there's some cigarettes here on the floor. Looks like the hold up man must have waited for you two to get here.

[Customer]

Yeah, probably did. Broke into the safe and then waited for me to come in.

[Detective Friday]

Dirty sneak. What do you got, Joe? Paper, matches. Here. Might be something. Yeah, take a look at them. Yeah, huh. Up there. Some printing on that one. You read what it says. 23 miles to Wilming. The rest of it's burned off. Probably Wilmington. Huh?

[Customer]

You got something? A clue?

[Detective Friday]

Oh, we don't know yet, sir. Here's another one, John. Can you read it? Yeah. This one's almost whole. Only the tip's been burned. What's it say? It says 14 miles to Santa Monica. What was that? 14 miles to Santa Monica. Looked like matches from a motel, maybe a hotel, something like that. Might be a restaurant.

[Customer]

See, you guys won't have any trouble at all getting fella, I mean, sir.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah, simple.

[Customer]

Just find a place that's 23 miles from Wilmington, 14 miles from Santa Monica. Don't you get it find that place and your man will be waiting for you.

[Detective Friday]

You get it? Yeah. Simple.

[Customer]

Find that place, your man will be there.

[Detective Friday]

9:20Am the crime lab arrived and went over the place. The burned matches and the cigarette butts were retained for evidence. Pictures were taken of their position relative to the safe. We continued to question the two victims. From their stories we were able to piece together what had happened. They were both asked to go with us to the robbery division to check through the mug books for an identification of the hold up man. From their descriptions of the man, we were able to come up with an accurate idea of what he looked like. We contacted the artist up in the crime analysis division and asked him to start a composite drawing of the thief. The crime lab called and gave us additional information on the matches. From the distances printed on them. We were able to get an idea where the original matchbook might have come from. The intersection of the lines was in the Hollywood area. 3:15pm we drove over to talk to the manager of the company who had made the matches. A Mr. Tom Holger.

[Customer]

Come on in.

[Detective Friday]

Thank you, sir. Thank you very much.

[Customer]

Sit down.

[Detective Friday]

That's your fine.

[Customer]

Now what can I do for you?

[Detective Friday]

We're police officers, Mr. Holger. My name's Friday. This is my partner, Frank Smith.

[Customer]

How do you do? Well, what can I do for you? I hope it's nothing I've done wrong.

[Detective Friday]

No, sir, nothing like that. We'd like some help if you can give it to us. Sure.

[Customer]

Always glad to cooperate with the police. I never know when I'm going to need them.

[Detective Friday]

All right, sir. We have some matches here. Mr. Holger. We understand that they were made by your firm.

[Customer]

Our matches, huh?

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir. We'd like to know who they were made for. If you could tell us.

[Customer]

Yeah, we made them. Sort of an exclusive design.

[Detective Friday]

Can you tell us who you made them for?

[Customer]

I'll check the book. Probably have them in there. Let me see. I think that's model 4 XY892. Yes. Yes. Here's the book. It's probably in here.

[Podbean Announcer]

Podbean, your message amplified.

Ready to share your message with the world. Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Customer]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Podbean Announcer]

Use Podbean to record your podcast.

Use Podbean AI to optimize your your podcast.

Use Podbean AI to turn your blog into a podcast.

Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere.

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Detective Friday]

Huh? A lot of matches.

[Customer]

Oh, yes. We make quite a few.

[Detective Friday]

They all differ.

[Customer]

Most of them some of the same. You know, a customer sees a sample he likes and orders the same thing for his business. We make a few changes so that it fits the line he's in, you know, neither one of you fellas is collectors, are you? Big, fine collectors. Either one of you guys save matchbooks?

[Detective Friday]

Oh, no, sir.

[Customer]

Neither one of you?

[Detective Friday]

No, sir.

[Customer]

Well, it's a good hobby. I've got quite a collection. Guess maybe six, maybe 7,000.

[Detective Friday]

That many?

[Customer]

Oh, yes, yes. Some of the collectors have more. I've only been saving for about five years.

[Detective Friday]

Working in a place like this makes collecting easier, huh?

[Customer]

Oh, no, you can't do that, huh? Well, I can't take them out of these samples.

[Detective Friday]

I can't.

[Customer]

Oh, no, no. That wouldn't do at all. You have to find them. Wouldn't be fair to take advantage of my position to get the books. Oh, no, not fair at all.

[Detective Friday]

Wouldn't.

[Customer]

Oh, no, no. I take trips. Drive all over to get one. Last summer I went back to the Smithsonian Institute. Now they've really got a collection. Oh, it's just beautiful.

[Detective Friday]

That right?

[Customer]

Oh, my, yes, beautiful. Had a wonderful trip. Got a lot of new books. My wife did very good too. Came back with two shopping bags full of sugar. How's that sugar? She saves sugar cubes. You know, where the wrappings that tell where the cubes came from.

[Detective Friday]

Oh. Oh, yeah. Yes, sir, I've seen them. I know.

[Customer]

She saves them. Two shopping bags full. Wonderful trip.

[Detective Friday]

About the matches, sir, I wonder if you could tell me.

[Customer]

Oh, yes, yes. Well, here you are. I think this is it. Now, let me see the ones you have. Now, let me see. Same one? Yes, that's it. You know, we have guys coming in here all the time to see if they can't get some books for their collection. I won't go for it, though. The Dodgers, they use some of the stories would really make you laugh if you didn't know what they were trying to do.

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir. How about these matchbooks here?

[Customer]

Oh, well, I try to tell them. I go out and get the matches fair. Don't come around here and try to do things the easy way. Go out and get them fair. That's what I tell them.

[Detective Friday]

Can you tell us where these matches came from?

[Customer]

Oh, all over the world. They come from all over.

[Detective Friday]

No, sir. The matches we brought in. Oh, my.

[Customer]

No, no. These came from Hollywood. I meant the others. The ones for collecting.

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir. Can you Tell us where in Hollywood.

[Customer]

Let me see here.

[Detective Friday]

There's.

[Customer]

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Oh, six places that use these matches have a different cover on them, of course.

[Detective Friday]

Well, any way you can tell us where these particular matches came from?

[Customer]

Well, not when they're burned. I can see the color of the head. I might be able to tell the big part. Well, we put a different color head on the matches.

[Detective Friday]

Oh, I see.

[Customer]

Different place, different color.

[Detective Friday]

Any way you could tell from these, though?

[Customer]

Well, could be done. Take some time. Analyze the burned portion. Tell what the chemical content is in the head, tell that way. Take some time, though.

[Detective Friday]

About how long?

[Customer]

Well, a couple of hours. Maybe a little longer.

[Detective Friday]

Well, how much would knowing the color help?

[Customer]

Well, you can see here in the book there are two with redheads, two with green and two with white. Be able to narrow it down to two for you.

[Detective Friday]

Well, that's not necessary, Mr. Holder.

[Customer]

Be glad to do it.

[Detective Friday]

Well, we'll drop the matches by our crime lab. They can run the test, and then we'll call you back.

[Customer]

All right, That'll be fine.

[Detective Friday]

Wonder if you could give us the address of the places that used the matchbooks. Oh, sure.

[Customer]

Got them right here. I'll make a copy for you.

[Detective Friday]

Sure appreciate it.

[Customer]

No trouble at all. Say, I was just thinking.

[Detective Friday]

What's that, sir?

[Customer]

You fellas wouldn't like to start a collection, would you? I could let you have a few books to get you started. Well, sir, wouldn't be cheating just a few?

[Detective Friday]

No, sir. Thanks just the same.

[Customer]

Well, take some of these along anyway. Loads of fun, huh? Sugar cubes all the way from Des Moines.

[Detective Friday]

We got the list of places using the type of book matches found at the scene of the robbery. We told Tom Holder that we'd be back if we needed any more help. Then we left. 5:30pm we called the office and talked to Sergeants Murphy and Rafferty. We gave them the addresses of the three motels and asked them to check them out. 6:46pm we started to check out the three motels on our list. The rain continued to fall. The Weather Bureau's report indicated that it would keep up for another 12 hours at the first two places. We got no new information on the holdups. Man, 7:29pm we checked at the last place on our list. Yeah? Police officers would like to talk to you, sir.

[Customer]

Oh, sure.

[Detective Friday]

Come on in. Thank you. Boy, it's sure coming down, isn't it? Yes, sir.

[Customer]

Now, what's all this about? Something wrong?

[Detective Friday]

No, we just like your help. Nothing I can do say, you guys.

[Customer]

Like a cup of hot coffee?

[Detective Friday]

Take the chill out of your bones? No, sir. No, thanks.

[Customer]

Got it all ready. Won't be no trouble.

[Detective Friday]

No, sir. Thanks just the same.

[Customer]

Well, how about your partner?

[Detective Friday]

No, thanks.

[Customer]

All right. Now, what can I do for you?

[Detective Friday]

I'd like for you to take a look at a picture here and tell us if you've seen the man. Sure. Frank, you got the sketch there? Oh, yeah. Got it right here. A little wet. Get some water you got in the pocket.

[Customer]

Yeah.

[Detective Friday]

What do you want this guy for? Something special. We like to talk to him. Yeah, sure.

[Customer]

I didn't mean to pry.

[Detective Friday]

Just wonder if it was a big job or maybe a bad check. Something like that. There you are. Seen him before? This his description down here at the bottom? That's right.

[Customer]

Robbery, huh?

[Detective Friday]

Yes, sir. Big deal. You seen him?

[Customer]

I'm not sure. Description fit a lot of people.

[Detective Friday]

Does it fit anyone registered here? Yeah, at least four guys. 7:36pm we continued to talk to the manager of the motel. He went through the registration cards of the four men who answered the description of the hold up man that we were after. We were able to eliminate two of them in the manager's company. We left to check out the other two occupants. Cabin number 26 was registered to a John Keller. He had given his address at 1624 Shannon Street, San Francisco.

[Customer]

There's nobody here. Want me to open the door?

[Detective Friday]

Better let us do it, huh?

[Customer]

Figure he might give you some trouble.

[Detective Friday]

We don't know, sir. I hope not. I run a quiet place here. I like to keep it that way. All right. Would you just stand over there, sir? Sure. Not here. When did you see him last? Well, I didn't see him at all today.

[Customer]

Last time was yesterday evening. Came by to see if there's any phone messages for him.

[Detective Friday]

He say who was going to call him?

[Customer]

No.

[Detective Friday]

Kind of impressed me like it was just asking to kill time. Better check the closet, huh? Yeah. I didn't check it good at first. I will now for this. How long has this Keller been here?

[Customer]

A couple of days, that's all. Just a couple of days.

[Detective Friday]

I didn't know he'd cause any trouble. I wouldn't let him in if I'd have known that. Sorry, sir. Joe. Yeah. See, man? Sure. You got something? Yeah. Well, I'll do his laundry here. Take a look. Yeah. Burglar tools. The burglar tools were not disturbed until they could be checked for fingerprints. We asked the manager of the motel to go back to the office and act as if nothing had happened. When the suspect came in, he told us the motel had a switchboard telephone and we asked him to ring us in the event the office called. I called the City hall and told him where we were. I also asked that another team of men be sent out to help us with a stakeout. Then Frank and I settled down to wait for John Keller. The rain kept up. We waited. Eight, 8:30. No sign of the suspect. The office called to say that they were sending Stewart and Creasy out to relieve us at midnight. 9:30, 10:15pm Well, I sure wish we could smoke. Yeah. Wonder what he's doing out in a night like this. Sure coming down, isn't it? Yeah. Hope Faye and the kids are all right. Is there anything wrong? No. But once in a while, when it rains real heavy like this, the storm drain across the street gets clogged. Water backs up, fills the street, you know? Yeah. We only got another half hour to go here. Yeah. Be glad to get some dry socks on. Hold him, huh? Somebody coming out there. All right, Keller, stand still.

[Customer]

Who are you? What are you doing?

[Detective Friday]

My place. Police officers. You're under arrest. All right. Look out, Frank. Get up. Come on, get up. Come on, get on your feet.

[Customer]

What do you want me for? I haven't done anything.

[Detective Friday]

Those your tools in the closet?

[Customer]

You guys been snooping around?

[Detective Friday]

Better shake them, Frank. Yeah.

[Customer]

I got a gun. You'll find it anyway.

[Detective Friday]

I got a gun. All right, give it over. 38. I got him.

[Customer]

Let's get out of here, huh? You got nothing on me. We call a lawyer, he'll be turning me loose in a couple hours.

[Detective Friday]

Old still killer. Yeah. What do you got here?

[Customer]

Pretty wise. You guys don't miss a trick.

[Detective Friday]

32 strapped to his leg. Joe, what are you doing with that fella?

[Customer]

Saying nothing until I see a lawyer.

[Detective Friday]

Where's your wallet? In my coat. Is that where you keep your money? You know a better place? All right, take it out.

[Customer]

Lousy cops think they own you.

[Detective Friday]

You ever done any big time?

[Customer]

I know what you're talking about.

[Detective Friday]

All right, come on, Keller. You know what's going on. You ever done any big time? Yeah. Where?

[Customer]

Back East.

[Detective Friday]

For what? Armed robbery. You on parole now?

[Customer]

None of your business.

[Detective Friday]

Look, we're gonna find out anyway. Save yourself some time and us some trouble. Answer the question.

[Customer]

So I'm parole.

[Detective Friday]

What's that? Proof. Your parole officer know you're out here? Yeah. Didn't he tell you it's against the law for an ex con to have a gun? He told me and how come you got two of them?

[Customer]

I drove out here. You need protection on a trip like that.

[Detective Friday]

How much money you got in your wallet there? I don't know. About how much?

[Customer]

I haven't got the slightest idea.

[Detective Friday]

I always know how much I got.

[Customer]

Maybe it makes a difference to you.

[Detective Friday]

Count it. What for? Count it.

[Customer]

50 hundred. 150.

[Detective Friday]

Put it out on the table. We can both count it. Now. Let's try it again. 4, 7.

[Customer]

It comes out $3,053. You want me to count the change in my pocket, too?

[Detective Friday]

Where'd you get the money?

[Customer]

I worked for it.

[Detective Friday]

Where?

[Customer]

None of your business.

[Detective Friday]

All right, Keller, let's go downtown. Frank, you want to get the tools? Yeah. Pick up the money, Keller. Put it back in your wallet.

[Customer]

Suppose I just leave it there and walk out of here? Wouldn't I make it all right?

[Detective Friday]

You know better than that. And I'll put it back in your wallet.

[Customer]

It doesn't make any difference anyway. You guys got nothing on me. Nothing you can hold me on.

[Detective Friday]

Yeah. Come on, Kelly. Just a hand, Barney. I'll get the tools, Joe. Right.

[Customer]

Hey, how about my coat?

[Detective Friday]

Your what?

[Customer]

A coat.

[Detective Friday]

All right. Here. Now, let's go, guys.

[Customer]

You're sure gonna feel pretty silly.

[Detective Friday]

Is that right? Sure.

[Customer]

You got nothing on me? My lawyer will have me out in no time. He's a good lawyer.

[Detective Friday]

You're always gonna have to be, huh, to get you out of this one.

[Customer]

The story you have just heard is true.

[Detective Friday]

The names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Detective Smith]

On June 14, trial was held in Department 97, Superior Court of the State of California. In and for the county of Los Angeles. John Rudolph Keller was tried and convicted of robbery in the first degree, one count. And burglary in the first degree, six counts. And received punishment as prescribed by law. Robbery in the first degree is punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary. For a period of not less than five years. Burglary in the first degree is punishable by imprisonment. For a period of not less than five years in the state penitentiary.