Dragnet: The Big Missus 08/09/1955

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Dragnet: "The Big Missus" (08/09/1955)

Date Aired: May 12, 2026
Show: Choice Classic Radio Detectives
Episode: Dragnet – "The Big Missus" (Original airdate: August 9, 1955)
Duration: ~30 minutes (content timestamps referenced below)

---

Episode Overview

This classic episode of Dragnet follows detectives Joe Friday and Frank Smith as they're drawn into the troubled marriage of Dorothy Frazee (alias "Miss Flint") and her husband, Rodney Flint, whose real name is Ralph Frazee. Mrs. Frazee fears her husband is on the verge of committing a serious crime. Plagued by his criminal past and in fear of being sent back to prison, her husband has purchased a firearm, raising suspicions that he may be planning a robbery. The detectives must determine her husband's intentions, piecing together a situation torn between loyalty, fear, and the shadow of past crimes.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Morning Banter and the Call for Help (03:49–06:14)

• Wednesday, May 18, 7:49AM, LAPD Robbery Detail
  • Joe Friday and Frank Smith discuss Frank’s frustrating social evening, giving listeners a moment of comic relief and establishing their personalities.
  • They receive a phone call from a woman fearful of her husband's behavior.
  • She reports that her husband recently bought a gun and is afraid he may commit a hold-up.

2. Unreliable Meetings and Growing Concern (06:14–10:12)

• Meeting at Tomcat Bar

  • The detectives wait for the woman at a bar as she had instructed, but she is a no-show.
  • The atmosphere is painted with noir realism—interactions with the bartender and other regulars provide flavor.

• Second Attempt to Meet

  • The woman calls again the next day, this time revealing her name as "Miss Flint,” and insists she’s ready to talk.
  • The emotional strain is evident: “She said something about loving her husband. When the chips were down, she couldn't bring herself to turn him into us.” (Joe Friday, 10:06)

3. Mrs. Frazee’s Confession (10:27–17:52)

• Meeting with Mrs. (Dorothy) Frazee

  • In a tense dialogue, Mrs. Frazee explains her husband's background:

    • Past convictions: Car theft and supermarket robbery in Detroit
    • Five years out of jail, three in California, working at an oil refinery
    • Has been drinking heavily, suffering from paranoia about being discovered and returned to prison.
    • Recently bought a gun and in a drunken tirade spoke of making his return to prison “worth their while.”

  • Quote:
    “Suppose your wife got you in trouble. Suppose she squealed on you. What would you think of her?” – Mrs. Frazee questioning Frank Smith’s perspective (12:27)

  • She reveals the gun’s location–in a pan under the broiler—and relates the accidental firing of the weapon, escalating her fear.

4. Investigation and Confrontation at the Frazee House (19:58–25:39)

• Background Check and Stakeout

  • Friday and Smith verify Frazee’s employment and criminal record, confirming Michigan’s parole violation warrant.
  • Stakeout at Frazee’s house; Mrs. Frazee agrees to be absent to avoid confrontation.

• Interview and Search (21:00–25:39)

  • Frazee (as "Rodney Flint") is defensive and tries to stonewall the detectives, denying gun ownership and trying to prevent a search.

  • Quote:
    “Now, you listen to me and you listen good. This isn't skid row, mister. This is my home. And you're not messing around a Main street bum either.” – Ralph Frazee (23:15)

  • With subtle pressure, the detectives search the house, eventually finding the gun hidden in the kitchen stove, confirming Mrs. Frazee's account.

  • Frazee attempts to talk his way out:
    “I never saw that gun before in my whole life.” (25:33)

5. The Interrogation: Regret, Law, and Consequence (26:04–28:12)

• Police Interrogation

  • At headquarters, Frazee admits to jumping parole but insists he’s gone straight, kept clean, and only ran to escape criminal acquaintances.

  • He laments the seeming futility of his efforts to reform.

  • Quote:
    “I thought that was why they sent you to jail, so you'd learn something. So when you come out, you won't do it again.” – Ralph Frazee (27:17)

  • Friday reminds him of the law against ex-convicts owning firearms.

  • Frazee’s one acknowledged “break” in life, per Joe Friday’s closing remark, is his wife’s loyalty.

6. Resolution and Epilogue (28:20–29:56)

• Outcome

  • Charges for gun possession are dropped due to Frazee’s good conduct in Los Angeles.
  • He is extradited to Michigan to finish out his parole violation sentence.
  • Afterward, Frazee is released and returns to his former job, suggesting hope for true reform and the sustaining power of his wife’s support.

• Quote:
  “Well, you must have had one good break then, huh? When you married her.” – Joe Friday (28:11)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Loyalty vs. Duty:
  “Oh, I've got a reason. Best reason in the world. I'm in love with him.” – Mrs. Frazee (12:35)

• On Fear and Change:
  “He's just driving him crazy. So he bought a gun.” – Mrs. Frazee, summarizing her husband’s descent (14:56)

• Joe Friday’s Stoic Insight:
  “Maybe you didn't learn enough, huh? There's a law against the next convict having a gun.” (27:26)

---

Timestamps for Key Scenes

• 03:49 – Opening narration, assignment, and dialog between Friday and Smith
• 06:14 – Arrival and interactions at Tomcat Bar
• 10:12 – Second call from Mrs. Frazee, decision to meet again
• 11:00–17:52 – Mrs. Frazee’s confession and the story of her husband’s troubles
• 19:58 – Background check concludes; set up for the arrest
• 21:00–25:39 – Frazee confronted in his home; search and discovery of the gun
• 26:04–28:12 – Interrogation scene, Frazee’s confession and reflections
• 28:20–29:56 – Epilogue, legal resolution, and closing narration

---

Tone & Style

True to Dragnet’s classic, no-nonsense style, the episode maintains a cool, procedural tone punctuated by real human anguish and moral ambiguity. Dialogue is terse, realistic, and at times emotionally charged, especially as Mrs. Frazee struggles with her decision and Frazee expresses the despair of a man caught between past and future.

---

Summary for New Listeners

"The Big Missus" is an archetypal Dragnet story, weaving in themes of love, redemption, and the inescapability of the law. The detectives’ restrained compassion highlights the show’s era-defining realism. What stands out most is the tragic sympathy for a couple burdened by past mistakes, and the complexity of doing what’s right—both for society and for those we love.

---

For the full Dragnet experience, listen to the authentic performances, period dialogue, and atmospheric details captured in this classic episode.

Transcript

[Mood.com Advertiser]

Let's be honest, buying cannabis shouldn't be complicated, sketchy or low quality. That's why I want to tell you about Mood.com that's M-O-Ood.com Mood ships federally legal cannabis straight to your door. No medical card, no hassle. And here's the kicker. The quality is better than anything you'll find at your local dispensary. Yeah, I said it. Whether you're into edibles, concentrates, flour or just looking to explore, you'll find it all at Mood. And it's not just the variety that makes them stand out. Every product is sourced from small American owned family farms that care deeply about what they grow. It's cannabis you can trust, delivered discreetly and ready to elevate your mood. And because you're a listener, you get 20% off your first order. Just head to mood.com, that's M-O-Ood.com to get started.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we

[Frank Smith]

bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you

[Narrator/Announcer]

for [e-mail] Chesterfield brings you Dragnet. Put a smile in your smoking by Chesterfield. Smoother, cooler, best for you. Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a robbery detail. You get a telephone call from a woman who wants to see you. She says it's about her husband. She's afraid he's going to pull a hold up your job. Check it out.

[Joe Friday]

Listen.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Listen to news of an electronic miracle. The greatest improvement in cigarette making in 30 years. It's the Accuray and it's a Chesterfield exclusive

[Narrator/Intro Voice]

to you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It means cooler smoking, smoother smoking than was ever possible before. The Accuray electronically checks and controls the making of your Chesterfield. So for the first time, you get a perfect smoke column from end to end. You'll marvel at the extra flavor that comes through. Yet, because this measurably better cigarette smokes more slowly, you enjoy a cool mildness never possible before. Yes, from the first puff to the last, your Chesterfield smokes smoother. Your Chesterfield smokes cooler. Chesterfield is best for you today. Discover what modern science can do to increase your cigarette enjoyment. Change to Chesterfield and put a smile in your smoking. Look for the new Chesterfield carton. It tells you only Chesterfield is made the modern way. With Accuray.

[Narrator/Intro Voice]

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 Wednesday, May 18. It was cool in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of robbery detail. My partner is Frank Smith. The boss is chief of Detective Stad Brown. My name's Friday. I was on my way into the office and it was 7:49am when I got to room 27. A robbery.

[Bartender]

Morning, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Hi, Bob. Well?

[Frank Smith]

Well, what?

[Joe Friday]

Good morning, Frank.

[Frank Smith]

Oh, hi.

[Joe Friday]

What's eating you? Nothing. Are you mad about something?

[Frank Smith]

What would I be mad about?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know. But you didn't say good morning.

[Frank Smith]

I'm just not going over there anymore, that's all. Over where? The Talbots.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Who?

[Frank Smith]

The Talbots, you know. Live down the street, sells real estate. We bought our house from it.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[Frank Smith]

We got to be friends. At least his wife and Faye are friends. I never cared for him much myself.

[Joe Friday]

Mm. What happened?

[Frank Smith]

Hm?

[Joe Friday]

Between you and him? Did you have a fight?

[Frank Smith]

I don't fight with people, Joe. You know that.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, that's right. I forgot.

[Frank Smith]

I just found him out, that's all. Just found him out. The kind of a guy he really is.

[Joe Friday]

Is that right?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, they use signals. What signals?

[Joe Friday]

Him and his wife.

[Frank Smith]

Can you imagine that? They use them.

[Joe Friday]

What kind of signals?

[Frank Smith]

Different ones for different words.

[Joe Friday]

What do you mean?

[Frank Smith]

Well, they play charades.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, I see.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Well, that's too bad.

[Frank Smith]

Had us over their place last night. Some other couples, too. About eight or ten of us in all. Yeah, ten. Five on each side.

[Joe Friday]

Each side, huh?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, for the charade games. You played it, haven't you?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, when I was about 10 years old, we used to play it.

[Frank Smith]

Well, now, look, buddy, it's no kids game, not the way they play.

[Joe Friday]

Is that right?

[Frank Smith]

They give you stuff to act out. Titles and quotations. You've never even heard of half of them. And to top it off, they got signals.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Noun, verb, little word, big word, person's name, letters, the Alphabet. They got signals for all of them. You can spell something out. What's the point of the game? Well.

[Joe Friday]

Beat you pretty bad, didn't they?

[Frank Smith]

Huh?

[Joe Friday]

Last night in the game, you lost.

[Frank Smith]

That hasn't got anything to do with the joke.

[Joe Friday]

No, I don't.

[Frank Smith]

Doesn't matter who wins or loses. It's the principle of the thing. That's all it is, signals.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I get it.

[Frank Smith]

And they Use them.

[Joe Friday]

Robbery. Friday? Yes, ma'. Am. Well, I don't know. What seems to be the trouble. I see. Yes, I guess we could. Where is that? Are they open this early? All right. Yes, ma'. Am. We'll be there. Goodbye. Lady wants to talk to us. Says she'll meet us at a bar out on Melrose.

[Frank Smith]

What's it all about?

[Joe Friday]

Her husband? Yeah, he bought a gun. Frank and I drove over to a small bar on the corner of Melrose and 8th. It was 8:23am when we got there.

[Bartender]

Morning, gents.

[Frank Smith]

Morning. Hello.

[Joe Friday]

What'll it be?

[Bartender]

Little eye opener?

[Joe Friday]

Just coffee.

[Bartender]

How about you?

[Frank Smith]

I'll have a cup too, please.

[Bartender]

The plate isn't ready yet. I just finished putting it on.

[Joe Friday]

That's all right. We're in no hurry.

[Bartender]

There's a cafe right around the corner. They're open now.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we'll wait.

[Bartender]

Suit yourself. I guess you guys aren't like me.

[Joe Friday]

How's that?

[Bartender]

When I want my morning coffee, I want it right now. I don't even know I'm awake until after I've had a couple of cups.

[Joe Friday]

Jon, if we take a booth?

[Bartender]

Sure. First one's all cleaned up. I haven't had time to get to the others yet. All right.

[Frank Smith]

Thank you. Looks like we got here first, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Did she give you a name?

[Joe Friday]

Hmm?

[Frank Smith]

Did she tell you her name?

[Joe Friday]

No, I said she didn't want to talk over the phone. Oh.

[Frank Smith]

Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Bill.

[Bartender]

Hi, Sally.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Hi. Give me a shot, will you?

[Joe Friday]

Sure.

[Bartender]

Scotch?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Water back okay.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Go ahead, mister. Take a good look.

[Joe Friday]

I was waiting for somebody. I guess I made a mistake.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Yeah, you sure did.

[Joe Friday]

I'm sorry.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Little later on I might be interested. But not at 8:30am getting worse all the time, ain't it, Gal? Can't even have a morning pick me up without some guy starting to move in on her. Well, he's looking at you, Mike.

[Bartender]

Donna Hatch.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Put on the tab?

[Bartender]

Yeah, sure.

[Mrs. Frazee]

See you around.

[Bartender]

Hey, your coffee's about ready.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Thank you.

[Bartender]

Want cream and sugar?

[Frank Smith]

No, black.

[Bartender]

How about you?

[Frank Smith]

Same.

[Bartender]

Coming up. Don't pay no attention to Sally. Yeah, she must have got out on the wrong side of the bed today.

[Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Bartender]

Usually she's real friendly. You know what I mean?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Bartender]

So just don't take it personal, huh?

[Joe Friday]

That's all right. Forget it.

[Bartender]

Too bad you guys came in so early. Long toward evening, we get a lot of action here.

[Joe Friday]

We're meeting somebody.

[Bartender]

Okay. Just telling you, that's all.

[Frank Smith]

Mm.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Phew.

[Joe Friday]

Gosh.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Whew.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Boy, that's hot.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

All Right.

[Frank Smith]

I think I burnt my tongue.

[Joe Friday]

That's too bad.

[Bartender]

Tomcat Bar, Mike speaking.

[Frank Smith]

Who?

[Bartender]

Well, I don't know. Yeah, yeah, okay, sure. Hey, one of you guys got a name? Sounds unlike Friday.

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Bartender]

While you're being stood up.

[Frank Smith]

Huh?

[Bartender]

She said to tell you not to wait.

[Joe Friday]

Frank and I left the Tomcat Bar and we went back to the office. 10:17am an informant called with a tip about a grocery store holdup that had taken place the previous Monday. We interrogated a possible suspect, but his alibi checked out the next day. Thursday, May 18, 9:43am Again.

[Frank Smith]

Property.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Smith.

[Frank Smith]

Who? Oh, yeah, Smith. Josh for you.

[Joe Friday]

Okay.

[Frank Smith]

Friday.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, yeah, I remember. Well, we were there. Why don't you give me your name this time? No, I'm sorry. We'll have to have your name. Flint. F L I N T. All right. Now look, Ms. Flint, if this some kind of a gang, all right, if you're sure this time. Right. All right. Goodbye. The woman again? Woman who called yesterday morning.

[Frank Smith]

Oh, yeah. What you want now?

[Joe Friday]

Same thing. Meet us at the bar. And then.

[Frank Smith]

She's on the level?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know. It sounds like it this time.

[Frank Smith]

Why didn't she show up yesterday then?

[Joe Friday]

Says she tried, but she just couldn't.

[Frank Smith]

Why not?

[Joe Friday]

Said something about loving her husband.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

When the chips were down, she couldn't bring herself to turn him into us.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, but she will now, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Says she has to. She can't wait any longer.

[Frank Smith]

Why?

[Joe Friday]

Says it might be too late. 10:16am Frank and I left the office and drove out to the bar. When we got there, there was only one customer in the place. A small dark haired woman sitting in the corner booth.

[Bartender]

Hi.

[Joe Friday]

How are you today?

[Bartender]

Well, the big off again.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

You okay?

[Bartender]

What do you want?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we'll let you know. Hmm. That woman over there in the corner.

[Bartender]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

Do you know who she is?

[Bartender]

Uh, don't think she'd been in before.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Thank you.

[Bartender]

Say, that reminds me.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Bartender]

Sally was around last night, asked about you.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Bartender]

Guess she had a change of heart. She's a pretty good kid.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Miss Flint? Are you Miss Flint?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Yes.

[Joe Friday]

Well, my name's Friday. This is my partner, Frank Smith.

[Frank Smith]

Can we sit down, ma'?

[Joe Friday]

Am?

[Mrs. Frazee]

I guess so.

[Bartender]

You guys want your coffee over there?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, it'll be fine.

[Bartender]

How about the lady?

[Joe Friday]

Would you like something, ma'? Am?

[Mrs. Frazee]

I'd like a drink.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Mrs. Frazee]

I'm gonna need it.

[Joe Friday]

What'll it be?

[Mrs. Frazee]

I don't care. Bourbon, I guess. Bourbon and ginger ale.

[Joe Friday]

Lady wants a bourbon and Ginger ale.

[Bartender]

All right.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Does he know?

[Joe Friday]

Ma'?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Am? The bartender. Does he know your cops?

[Joe Friday]

No, I don't think so. We haven't told him.

[Mrs. Frazee]

If anybody finds out, I talk to you. If Rod ever finds out. I guess that just about washes up.

[Joe Friday]

Rod's your husband, is that right?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Rodney Flint. Well, is that his name?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Not really. Not his real name.

[Joe Friday]

What is it then?

[Mrs. Frazee]

I don't know if I'm doing the right thing. I just don't know.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Mm.

[Mrs. Frazee]

He'd never understand. He'd say I was double crossing him. Maybe I am. Maybe I.

[Bartender]

Here you are. Two coffees and bourbon and ginger.

[Joe Friday]

What do we owe you?

[Bartender]

That's a buck even.

[Joe Friday]

There you go.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Okay. Thank you.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Four years I've been thinking about it. Living with it. Four years I've been trying to make up my mind whether I should go to the police or not.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Am.

[Mrs. Frazee]

But things seem to be working out. He was doing so well. Making good money. He's changed too. Honest he has.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I suppose you give us the whole story.

[Mrs. Frazee]

You married, Sergeant?

[Joe Friday]

No, ma'.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Am.

[Mrs. Frazee]

What about you?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, I'm married.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Tell me something, mister. And you tell me the truth.

[Frank Smith]

What's that?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Suppose your wife got you in trouble. Suppose she squealed on you. What would you think of her?

[Frank Smith]

Well, I guess it would depend on why she did it.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Oh, I've got a reason. Best reason in the world. I'm in love with him.

[Frank Smith]

Yes, ma'.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Am.

[Mrs. Frazee]

If I wasn't, I'd just walk out. If I didn't love him, I'd have walked out years ago.

[Joe Friday]

Now, when you called us yesterday, you said your husband had bought a gun.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Yeah, that's right.

[Frank Smith]

Do you know what he wants with it?

[Mrs. Frazee]

No, not for sure.

[Frank Smith]

You got a pretty good idea though, haven't you?

[Joe Friday]

Has your husband ever done any time, Ms. Flynn?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Yes.

[Joe Friday]

What for?

[Mrs. Frazee]

He stole a car.

[Joe Friday]

Anything else?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Robbery. Supermarket back east.

[Frank Smith]

Whereabouts?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Michigan. Used to live in Detroit.

[Joe Friday]

How much time did he do?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Seven years.

[Joe Friday]

Did he come out free?

[Mrs. Frazee]

I don't know what you mean.

[Joe Friday]

I'm sorry. Afterwards. Was he on parole? Did he have to report to a parole officer?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Oh, yes.

[Joe Friday]

For how long?

[Mrs. Frazee]

It was supposed to be 10 years.

[Joe Friday]

When did he get out of prison?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Five years ago.

[Joe Friday]

When did you come to California?

[Mrs. Frazee]

About a year later.

[Joe Friday]

Did he have permission to leave the State of Michigan?

[Mrs. Frazee]

No.

[Joe Friday]

What made him leave then?

[Mrs. Frazee]

He just came home one day. Said he couldn't take it any longer. Said he was going to LA and that it was up to me whether I came with him. Or not.

[Frank Smith]

Do you know if he's wanted for anything else beside violation of parole?

[Mrs. Frazee]

I don't think so.

[Joe Friday]

You know, you still haven't told us his real name.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Frazee. Ralph Frazee.

[Joe Friday]

All right, then, it's Mrs. Frazee, huh? What about the gun?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Well, like I said, everything was going along pretty well. He's got a good job and he's had three or four raises.

[Joe Friday]

Where does he work?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Oil refinery. Pacific Crest Oil Company.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[Mrs. Frazee]

He likes the work. They like him. But the longer we live out here, the better things are. Well, that just makes him more scared.

[Frank Smith]

What's he scared of?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Oh, that somebody will find out who he really is. And then he'll have to go back to prison. If he just sees a cop, he goes all to pieces. He's sure they've finally caught up with him. Just a traffic cop even. It gets worse all the time. Jumpy and nervous and. Well, scared that's the only word for it. He's been drinking a lot more, too. Nearly every night. Then just last week, he ran into a guy that used to be a

[Joe Friday]

friend of his back in Detroit.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Yeah, this fellow knows all about him. That he's been in prison. And Rod's afraid. I mean Ralph. I've called him Rod so long, I keep forgetting that it isn't his real name.

[Joe Friday]

Sure.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Anyway, he's afraid this guy will say something to somebody that'll all come out. It's just driving him crazy. So he bought a gun.

[Joe Friday]

They say. Why?

[Mrs. Frazee]

He was pretty drunk night before last. That's when he brought it home. He mumbled something. If he was gonna go back to prison anyway, might as well make it worth their while.

[Mood.com Advertiser]

Let's be honest. Buying cannabis shouldn't be complicated, sketchy or low quality. That's why I want to tell you about Mood.com. that's M-O-Ood.com Mood ships federally legal cannabis straight to your door. No medical card, no hassle. And here's the kicker. The quality is better than anything you'll find at your local dispensary. Yeah, I said it. Whether you're into edibles, concentrates, flour, or just looking to explore, you'll find it all at Mood. And it's not just the variety that makes them stand out. Every product is sourced from small American owned family farms that care deeply about what they grow. It's cannabis you can trust. Delivered discreetly and ready to elevate your mood. And because you're a listener, you get 20% off your first order. Just head to mood.com that's mood.com to get started.

[Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Maybe he's planning another robbery. I don't know. I don't really think he would. But with all this drinking and being so darned upset, well, I don't know what he might do.

[Frank Smith]

Where's the gun now, Ms. Frazee?

[Mrs. Frazee]

At home. He hid it in the stove, in the pan, under the broiler. At least that's where he put it last night after.

[Joe Friday]

After what?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Well, you see, he was carrying on, doing a lot of talking. And he was holding the gun at the same time, waving it around, telling me how easy it'd be to go out and rob somebody. Said that way he could get enough money for us to leave the country and go to Mexico, maybe where they'd never find us. Right in the middle of everything, the pistol went off.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[Mrs. Frazee]

It was just an accident. He wasn't pointing at anything. The bullet only went into the ceiling. I'm sure he didn't mean to pull the trigger.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Am.

[Mrs. Frazee]

But when he heard the shot, he acted like he was going out of his mind. He was sure the neighbors had heard it too, and that they'd report it to the police.

[Joe Friday]

What'd he do then?

[Mrs. Frazee]

He dug the bullet out of the ceiling, got rid of it. After that, he just waited. Now, that proves he's changed, doesn't it? That he really isn't a criminal anymore.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean that?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Well, he didn't run away.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Frazee]

He stayed there all night long, waiting. And he didn't keep the gun. He put it in the oven. He didn't have it on him. So there wouldn't have been any trouble, even if the police did come. See, I kept praying that they would. Over and over. I prayed you'd come, find out who he is. He's gotta go back to prison and finish out his sentence. I'm sure of that now. If he doesn't, I just don't know what'll happen to him.

[Joe Friday]

What about you, Ms. Frazee?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Me?

[Joe Friday]

While he's in prison, What'll you do?

[Mrs. Frazee]

Oh, I can work. I did before. I'll manage.

[Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Frank Smith]

Ms. Frazee, what time does your husband come home from work?

[Mrs. Frazee]

It's later and later since he started drinking. Nine o', clock, maybe even 10. He's never there for supper anymore.

[Joe Friday]

Is there someplace else you can go this evening? Over to a neighbor's, maybe?

[Mrs. Frazee]

I suppose so. Why?

[Joe Friday]

Well, it might be better if you weren't there when we pick him up.

[Mrs. Frazee]

But you can't. I mean, well, not so soon. Not tonight. Does it have to be tonight?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma', am, it does.

[Mrs. Frazee]

You know it was me that had something to do with it. He's bound to know.

[Joe Friday]

We'll keep you out of it if we can.

[Mrs. Frazee]

What are you gonna tell him? What kind of an excuse will you use?

[Joe Friday]

Let's see what kind he has.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Stopped. Start smoking with a smile. With Chesterfield, smoother, cooler, milder Chesterfield. Put a smile in your smoking, Just give em a try. Chester feels best for you. They satisfy. When you shop stop, Remember, vacation time is carton time. The cigarette to take with you is Chesterfield made the modern way with accuray. Take along a couple of cartons and put a smile in your smoking. Chesterfield smoother, cooler. Best for you. Remember, in the whole wide world no cigarette satisfies like Chesterfield. Put a smile in your smoking, Just give em a try. Chesterfield's best for you. They satisfy.

[Joe Friday]

Frank and I continued to talk to Mrs. Frazee. She agreed to be out of the house during the evening. She also gave us a description of her husband. She said he was WMA, 38 years old, 5 11, and he weighed about 170. She told us he had black hair, brown eyes and a dark complexion. 11:27am we went back to the office. We ran the names Rodney Flint and Ralph Frazee through R and I. They had nothing on Flint. Under Frazee we found a want from the State of Michigan for a violation of parole. The dates given on the want checked with what Mrs. Frazee had told us. We contacted the Pacific Crest Oil Refinery. And without stating that we were from the police department, we learned that a man named Rodney Flint had been employed there for the last three years. They said he was a steady, dependable worker. 6:32pm we drove out to the address Mrs. Frazee had given us. It was a modest one story home just off Santa Monica Boulevard. We parked across the street and waited for Frazee to return from work. 7:05pm we saw Mrs. Frazee go into a neighbor's home three doors west. Frank and I continued to wait. 8:46pm Joe.

[Frank Smith]

Across the street.

[Joe Friday]

He's turned into the driveway. Just give him a minute. Let him get inside. All right, now. The lights are on now. Let's go.

[Frank Smith]

All right. See the bell over there?

[Joe Friday]

Oh,

[Frank Smith]

He's coming. Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

We'd like to talk to you for a minute.

[Frank Smith]

What about?

[Joe Friday]

We're police officers.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

Police. This is Frank Smith. My name's Friday.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Hi. I. I didn't send for no cops.

[Joe Friday]

It's all right if we come in?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

What do you Want?

[Joe Friday]

Just want to talk to you, that's all.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

You can do your talking out here.

[Frank Smith]

Be easier if we were inside.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

I ain't got all night.

[Joe Friday]

Neither have we. This won't take very long.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Okay, come on.

[Frank Smith]

All right, stand right there.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Hey.

[Mrs. Frazee]

What?

[Frank Smith]

Stand still.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

What is all this?

[Frank Smith]

He's clean, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

What's your name? Come on, give us your name.

[Frank Smith]

Flint.

[Joe Friday]

First name, too.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Rod. Rodney.

[Frank Smith]

You alone?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

You live alone?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

My wife saw it. She left me a note. Said she's going over the neighbors babysit for.

[Joe Friday]

Were you home last night? Yeah, I was home all night.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

From about 10 o' clock on, did

[Joe Friday]

you hear a gun go off?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

What?

[Joe Friday]

A gun. Did you hear one go off?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Of course not.

[Joe Friday]

Well, somebody did. And they reported it. Said it sounded like it came from this house.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Last night, you said?

[Frank Smith]

That's right, Flynn.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Boy, what a police force. You cops ought to be real proud of yourself.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Is this all you gotta do? Check up on some characters? Been hearing things.

[Joe Friday]

There wasn't any shot, huh?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

I didn't hear.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Kind of late to be asking, ain't it?

[Joe Friday]

We just got around to it.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Took a whole day, huh? Suppose you need a cop. What are you supposed to do? Make an appointment ahead of time?

[Frank Smith]

Are you sure about this, huh, Flynn?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

About what?

[Frank Smith]

You didn't hear any gunfire?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

I didn't hear nothing. There's a lot of traffic down the boulevard. Maybe a car was backfiring. Maybe that's what it was.

[Joe Friday]

Do you own a gun? You're sure about that?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Well, I'd know if I had a gun, wouldn't I?

[Joe Friday]

Sorry. If we look around?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

What for?

[Joe Friday]

Want to give your place the once over?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

No, it's not okay. Oh, I ain't gonna have you busting in here. Now, come on. Go on, beat it, huh?

[Joe Friday]

We can get a search warrant and come back.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Now, you listen to me and you listen good, huh? This isn't skid row, mister. This is my home.

[Bartender]

I own it.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

And you're not messing around a Main street bum either. I got a good job for a big company. They pay a lot of taxes. And this, they pay a lot of your salary?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

My boss, a pretty important guy. He's got friends. So now you just take your little badges and move on.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Flint, if that's the way you want it.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

That's the way I want it.

[Joe Friday]

Just give us one more thing. What are you afraid of?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

I'm not afraid of anything. You guys especially.

[Joe Friday]

You're not very anxious for us to look around. There must be a reason for that.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Well, okay, okay, go ahead and search. It's no skin off of my nose.

[Joe Friday]

All right, thanks.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Bad chance. You'd have a fine and something even if it was here. Dumb cops. It took you a whole day to get here. A whole day to answer one lousy crackpot call.

[Joe Friday]

Well, don't forget it got answered. Frank and I began a routine search of the house. While Frank went through the two bedrooms, I took the living room and dining area. We found nothing suspicious. 9:42pm we'd finished with the front part of the home and we went into the kitchen. The suspect followed us.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Okay if I fix myself a drink while you're messing the joint up?

[Joe Friday]

That's up to you.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

You guys want one?

[Bartender]

What a blast.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

You want one?

[Joe Friday]

No, thanks.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

What about you?

[Frank Smith]

No, thanks.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

You don't drink, huh? Not hurting my feelings.

[Frank Smith]

I'll check the service ports, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

You know, my wife's going to raise Kane when she sees what you guys have done to the house.

[Joe Friday]

Well, being as careful as we can, Flint.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Yeah, sure. Well, now, come on. How about winding it up, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Just a couple of minutes.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Oh, you boys really believe in wasting time, don't you? What do they do, pay you by the hour?

[Frank Smith]

There's nothing out there, John.

[Joe Friday]

I guess that takes care of it. Yeah.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

All right, come on. I'll be glad to show you to the door.

[Joe Friday]

We'll find our way. Just a minute. Did you check the stove? Huh? The stove?

[Frank Smith]

No, I thought you did.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

All right, now what?

[Joe Friday]

We forgot something.

[Bartender]

Yeah,

[Frank Smith]

it looks empty.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

What's with you? You think I'm cooking a gun?

[Bartender]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

It's okay, Joe. All right, as soon as I get this pan back.

[Joe Friday]

Hey, watch it there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Grab him, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Wait a minute, Quint. You're not going anywhere.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

What? I don't know what this is all about. I. I never saw that gun before in my whole life. Yeah, I don't even know how it got.

[Joe Friday]

Well, let's talk about it downtown, huh? Come on.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Look, wait a minute now. You can't haul me in like this. What have I done? You gotta have a charge. I. I know the law. You gotta charge me with something. You won't find any.

[Joe Friday]

We found a gun. We drove the suspect down to the city hall, rolled his prints and booked him in on suspicion of robbery. 1106pm we brought him into the squadron for questioning.

[Frank Smith]

All right, sit down over there.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

What kind of a frame is this? Come on. How about let me in on it, huh? Who'd I rob?

[Joe Friday]

Forget about our robbery charge. I Guess we made a mistake.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Well, that's what I've been telling you.

[Joe Friday]

Eh? We had to check the gun. We had to be sure.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

All right. So now you know.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Okay. No hard feelings.

[Joe Friday]

Sit down, Frazier.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

What?

[Joe Friday]

You heard me. Sit down. Maybe we were wrong about the robbery charge, but we came up with something else. A want from Michigan. Violation of parole.

[Frank Smith]

What about it, Frazee?

[Joe Friday]

Well,

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

what do you want to know? You've got it. The whole story.

[Joe Friday]

Why'd you leave Michigan? Why'd you jump parole?

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Oh, what difference does it make?

[Joe Friday]

Suppose you tell us about it.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

I didn't have no choice. Yeah, I used to play around with some pretty rough boys. I got out of the joint. They're still in Detroit. Look me up. Ah, you guys will think I'm con on you, but. Well, look, I wanted to go straight. They had different ideas.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

So we came out here, Dorothy and me. She's my wife.

[Frank Smith]

I see.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

You can check on me. I've been clean ever since. Ask the company. Talk to anybody about me, they'll tell you I'm clean.

[Joe Friday]

Ma'.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Am. That gonna help back in Michigan?

[Joe Friday]

No, that's not up to us.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Sure. I thought that was why they sent you to jail, so you'd learn something. So when you come out, you won't do it again.

[Joe Friday]

That's part of it.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Well, I learned. What good did it do me?

[Joe Friday]

Maybe you didn't learn enough, huh? There's a law against the next convict having a gun.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Are you gonna stick me with that one, too, huh?

[Joe Friday]

That's not up to us either.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

I was the gunman, the headman to that gun. You'd never found me.

[Joe Friday]

It might have taken a little longer, that's all.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Sure, that's what did it. I don't know why it went off the other night. I thought the safety was on. Just my luck. I never had a decent break in my whole life. Not one.

[Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Well, is there any more you guys want?

[Joe Friday]

No, I guess not. Not now, anyway.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

It's all right if I call my wife?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, we'll fix it for you.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

Wonder how she's gonna take it.

[Joe Friday]

I don't know.

[Rodney Flint / Ralph Frazee]

I guess she'll stick by me. She always has. Through all the rotten breaks, no matter what. Yeah, she'll stick.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you must have had one good break then, huh?

[Frank Smith]

Huh?

[Joe Friday]

When you married her.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The story you've just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Narrator/Intro Voice]

On Thursday, May 25, the meeting was held in the district attorney's office in and for the county of Los Angeles. State of California. In a moment, the results of that meeting.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you, George Veniman. Friends, discover for yourself what modern science can do to increase your cigarette enjoyment. Remember accurate puts a smile in your smoking. Enjoy a smoothness and coolness never possible before. Chesterfield, best for you.

[Narrator/Intro Voice]

In the interest of justice and because of the suspect's good behavior record in Los Angeles, it was decided not to press charges against him for possessing a gun. Ralph Putnam Frazee, alias Rodney Flint, was turned over to Michigan authorities to serve out his previous sentence. He has since been released and has returned to his former employment in Los Angeles. 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 Wynne, Sergeant Van Spreicher. Heard tonight were Ben Alexander, Stacy Harris, Herb Ellis, Vivi Janis. Script by Frank Burt, Music by Walter Schumann. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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.

[Mrs. Frazee]

L M filters.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It stands out from all the rest.

[Mrs. Frazee]

Miracle tip. Much more flavor. L M's got everything.

[Joe Friday]

It's the best.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, L and M's got everything. Superior taste, superior tobaccos, superior filter. It's the. The Miracle tip, pure and white by L and M. America's best filter tip cigarette. Hear Dragnet next week, same time, same station. Tonight hear a special broadcast the Atom Menace and Promise on most NBC radio stations.