Dragnet: The Big Note 04/13/1954

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Summary: Dragnet: The Big Note 04/13/1954
Release Date: April 29, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of Dragnet, titled "The Big Note," host Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith delve into the murky world of juvenile drug addiction in Los Angeles. As quintessential figures of old-time radio's golden age, Friday and Smith showcase meticulous police work, community interaction, and the relentless pursuit of justice that define the Dragnet series.

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Case Assignment and Initial Investigation (02:24 - 06:20)

The episode kicks off with Detective Sergeant Joe Friday being briefed on a potentially serious case involving juvenile drug addiction. Assigned to the juvenile detail, Friday is tasked with verifying the authenticity of a claim regarding a group of teenagers grappling with drug abuse.

Notable Quote:

• Joe Friday [02:49]: "It was Wednesday, February 10th. It was cold in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of juvenile detail."

This sets the stage for a day in the life of the detectives, emphasizing the routine yet impactful nature of their work.

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Receiving and Analyzing the Informant's Letter (06:02 - 14:40)

Friday and Smith receive an anonymous letter hinting at a significant narcotics ring among the youth. The letter suggests a meeting at the streetcar stop at 7th and Broadway, offering details that indicate the sender's familiarity with police operations.

Upon investigation, the detectives meet Edna, a 15-year-old girl distressed about her friend Katherine's heroin addiction. Edna provides a comprehensive account of how Katherine was introduced to narcotics by Lewis Conklin and Vince Beale, both around 20 years old. Her testimony reveals the devastating impact of peer pressure and substance abuse on young lives.

Notable Quotes:

• Edna [09:15]: "I've got some information for you about a big dope ring. It's important I talk to you."
• Joe Friday [09:17]: "Maybe you better tell me what it's all about first, huh? We can decide the rest of it later."

Edna's collaboration underscores the complexity of juvenile delinquency and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing it.

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Surveillance and Initial Confrontations (14:40 - 24:09)

With Edna's information, Friday and Officer Irene Gardner initiate surveillance on Lewis Conklin’s apartment in Westlake. Concurrently, Vince Beale becomes a focal point as his involvement is scrutinized.

In a pivotal interrogation scene, Frank Smith confronts Vince, revealing inconsistencies in his story and implicating him in the theft connected to the drug ring.

Notable Quotes:

• Frank Smith [24:03]: "Maybe it is. What difference does it make?"
• Joe Friday [24:15]: "He wants no part of it. He lays it all on you."

These exchanges highlight the detectives' strategic interrogation techniques and the unraveling of deceit among the suspects.

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Resolution and Legal Proceedings (24:10 - 28:38)

The investigation culminates with the detection of stolen property linked to Vince Beale, leading to his admission of theft related to procuring heroin for Katherine Pilgrim. Lewis Conklin and Vince Beale are subsequently arrested and charged with burglary and narcotics violations.

Katherine Pilgrim is taken into protective custody, pending further examination and support, while the suspects face legal repercussions for their actions.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Friday [26:36]: "Your daughter's a drug addict. She's sick. She's gotta be straightened out."
• Captain Jack Donahoe: Summarizes the outcome, noting the convictions and the protective measures taken for Katherine.

The episode concludes with a realistic portrayal of law enforcement’s role in both prosecution and rehabilitation, reflecting the societal challenges of the era.

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Conclusion

"The Big Note" is a compelling episode that masterfully blends procedural accuracy with human elements, offering listeners a profound look into the complexities of juvenile drug addiction and the diligent efforts of law enforcement. Through authentic dialogue and intricate plot development, Dragnet not only entertains but also educates its audience on the pressing social issues of the 1950s.

Notable Closing Quote:

• Joe Friday [28:05]: "You've just heard Dragnet. A series of authentic cases from official files."

This reinforces the show's commitment to realism and its dedication to highlighting genuine police work.

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Key Takeaways

• Authentic Portrayal: The episode remains true to real-life police procedures, emphasizing thorough investigation and evidence-based conclusions.
• Social Commentary: Highlights the impact of drug addiction on youth and the societal responsibilities in addressing such issues.
• Character Development: Showcases the professional integrity of detectives Joe Friday and Frank Smith, as well as the vulnerabilities of youth entangled in drug abuse.

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"Dragnet: The Big Note" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of old-time radio, combining engaging storytelling with meaningful social discourse. Through its detailed narrative and memorable characters, it continues to resonate with audiences, offering both entertainment and valuable lessons on justice and community support.

Transcript

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[Choice Classic Radio Host]

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]

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

[Commercial Announcer]

Dragnet is brought to you by Chesterfield. Made by Lincoln first major tobacco company to bring you a complete line of quality cigarettes.

[Narrator]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a juvenile detail. You get a report of drug addiction within a group of teenagers. You don't know if the information is true. Your job, check it out. Meet Peter Lynn Hayes and Mary Healy, America's favorite husband and wife comedy team. They are typical of smokers everywhere who are saying, Chesterfield's for me.

[Edna]

Mary says I've smoked regular size Chesterfields for about seven years. Guess that ought to prove how I feel about Chesterfield's taste and mildness.

[Narrator]

Peter says Chesterfield's for me too. Far as I'm concerned, King is the only size. And like Mary says, Chesterfield is the only cigarette.

[Edna]

Either way you like them, I bet you'll find Chesterfield is best for you.

[Narrator]

Yes, Smoke America's most popular two way cigarette. Regular and king size Chesterfield. For the taste you want, the mildness you want. Join the thousands. Now changing to Chesterfield. Always say Chesterfield's for me.

[Commercial 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.

[Joe Friday]

It was Wednesday, February 10th. It was cold in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of juvenile detail. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Powers. My name's Friday. I was on my way into the office and it was 8:01am when I got to Georgia Street Juvenile Squadron. Hi, Frank.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Well, well, what do you think?

[Joe Friday]

About what?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Bruce, what do you think?

[Joe Friday]

Well, she's nice. Sure.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Was that all you got to say?

[Joe Friday]

Well, what do you want me to say?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Did you like her?

[Joe Friday]

She's A nice girl. Yeah.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You got another date with her?

[Joe Friday]

No, I told her I'd call her sometime.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You said you'd call her, huh? Mm. Did you say when?

[Joe Friday]

No, I just said sometime.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Sometime. Well, Faye's not gonna like it.

[Joe Friday]

Why?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

She's just not. Joe. He's not sure. We had it this time.

[Joe Friday]

Look, Frank, I think it's real nice of you and Faye to be concerned. I don't think that. I don't appreciate it, but when you asked me over last night, I figured we're just gonna have dinner and sit around and talk. I. I didn't know anything about this girl gonna be there. Don't you think you should have told me? Let me know.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Joe. You like girls, don't you?

[Joe Friday]

Well, of course I like girls.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Well, we couldn't have done that, you know. Would louse the whole thing up if we told you ahead of time. We just wanted you to meet her, get the full effect. Bang. Like that.

[Joe Friday]

I got the full effect.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

We tried to set it all up for you. She is pretty, don't you think?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Blue eyes, red hair. I think she's real pretty. You know, Faye and me had the whole evening planned right from the time you two met.

[Joe Friday]

I kind of got that idea.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

What do you mean?

[Joe Friday]

When? You're about as subtle as a water buffalo.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Now you tell me where we were. Obvious. Go ahead, tell me.

[Joe Friday]

Well, all right. First off, the music. That album or records of yours there. What's it called? Love music or whatever it was.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Mood for Lovers.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I bought them special. Yeah. And the flowers on the table.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Well, you gotta have flowers. You gotta have something for the center of the table.

[Joe Friday]

You must have gone a long way for those orange blossoms.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You had to have those, huh? Well, Faye's not gonna like it.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I'm very sorry about that, Frank.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Oh, we're just trying to show you the advantages of getting married.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, well, I appreciate you and Faye trying, but let me do it my way, huh? Any mail this morning?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Huh?

[Joe Friday]

Any mail?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah. Skipper put a note in your box.

[Joe Friday]

Tickets for the police show.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You gotta sell tickets, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. So do you. Here's your book.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You're not mad, are you, Joe?

[Narrator]

No.

[Joe Friday]

Mad. It's just that all the time people are trying to be helpful, you know?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Well, I kinda hate to say it behind her back.

[Joe Friday]

Hmm?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I say I hate to say it behind her back, but it was Faye's idea. I didn't have any part in it.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Fay's idea.

[Joe Friday]

Fay's idea.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You sure you're not Sorry.

[Joe Friday]

No, I told you, man. Sure, I'm sure. Frank. Yeah? Old Ruth. What?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Look, it wasn't the fact that she was a redhead. Was it?

[Frank Smith]

Friday?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Skipper says to run this down. Thanks.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

What do you got?

[Joe Friday]

Take a look at this.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Dear sir, I have some information for you about a big dope ring. It's important I talk to you. I'll meet you at the streetcar stop at 7th and Broadway on the east side after 3:45pm tomorrow afternoon.

[Joe Friday]

Wednesday.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

That's today, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Read the rest of it.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I can't tell you my name now, but I'll be wearing a green skirt and a plaid sweater. I'll be standing right by the streetcar stop.

[Joe Friday]

What do you think?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I don't know. No signature. You got anything in the envelope?

[Joe Friday]

Well, it's postmarked la, addressed to Juvenile Division. No way of telling where it came from.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Think it's from McCrack?

[Joe Friday]

Well, there's one place we can find out. Yeah, 7th and Broadway. The fact that the note had been addressed to Juvenile Division instead of Narcotics. Details indicated that the person who wrote it had some knowledge of the workings of the police department. It also led us to believe that the writer was a juvenile. We checked again with Captain Powers on the letter and it was decided that we'd make them meet that afternoon. Frank and I spent the rest of the morning going over reports on a case that we just finished, and at 3:15pm we left the office. Frank stopped the car at 8th and Broadway for a traffic signal and I got out and walked the remaining block. There was no one at the streetcar stop dressed in a green skirt and a plaid sweater. While Frank circled the block, I waited. 3:40pm still no sign. At 3:52, a woman of about 23 got off a streetcar and waited on the corner. She was wearing a dark green suit with a plaid blouse. I waited for some indication that she might be the person we were waiting for, but she gave none. Finally, she turned, walked across the street and disappeared into the crowd. 4:00, 4:15. Still no sign of a letter writer. 4:30, quarter to five, Frank pulled into a loading zone near the corner and I went over to talk to him.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

What do you think?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I don't know. She's an hour late now.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Uh huh. Well, that note must have been from a crank.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Come on, get in. We better go back to the office now. Hey, wait a minute, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

What?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Right there, crossing the street.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah. Matches the description.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Must be her.

[Joe Friday]

Well, she's looking this way. I'LL check it. She looked about 15, brown hair and a thin, young face. She was carrying an armful of school books. She paused in the corner and watched me. I walked up to her and told her I was a police officer. She nodded and then walked out to the safety zone and climbed onto a waiting streetcar. I followed her. She walked to the back of the car and took a seat. I sat down next to her. I could see Frank following us in our car. We rode three blocks before she spoke.

[Edna]

I'm sorry I was late.

[Joe Friday]

It's all right.

[Edna]

I usually try to be on time. Maybe even a little early. That's the way it should be, don't you think?

[Joe Friday]

What was it you wanted to talk about, miss?

[Edna]

I got hung up at school. Couldn't get away when I thought I would. Yeah, that's the reason I'm late.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you said something in the note about a narcotics ring.

[Edna]

How much am I gonna get involved in this?

[Joe Friday]

What do you mean?

[Edna]

How deep am I gonna get? I don't want any trouble myself. We're doing this to help somebody, but I don't want to get mixed up in it myself.

[Joe Friday]

Maybe you better tell me what it's all about first, huh? We can decide the rest of it later.

[Edna]

That's the way it has to be.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you called us, remember?

[Edna]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Joe Friday]

What's your name?

[Edna]

Edna.

[Joe Friday]

Your last name?

[Edna]

Well, that isn't gonna help any. You don't need air.

[Joe Friday]

How old are you?

[Edna]

Fifteen.

[Joe Friday]

All right. What about this dope ring?

[Edna]

I want to tell you about it. A friend of mine is in pretty deep. I think she's hooked bad. I want to help her.

[Joe Friday]

What's your friend's name?

[Edna]

You have to have that.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we're not going to be able to do very much without it, are we, Katherine?

[Edna]

I can't give you her last name. I can't.

[Joe Friday]

How old is she?

[Edna]

Fifteen.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Now, what makes you think she's using narcotics?

[Edna]

I just know, that's all.

[Joe Friday]

Well, that's a pretty serious charge. You must have some reason for saying it.

[Edna]

I've got a reason. I've got good reasons. You think I'd go to the cops if I didn't have? You think that?

[Joe Friday]

What kind of narcotics do you think she's using?

[Edna]

Heroin.

[Joe Friday]

You know that for sure, do you?

[Edna]

Yeah. I've seen her take a fix.

[Joe Friday]

Where? Where'd she take the fix?

[Edna]

I seen her do it in her room at home. Place near school, up at Lewis Apartments.

[Joe Friday]

Lewis.

[Edna]

Lewis Conklin. He got Katherine hooked. He's the one I want to see you get.

[Joe Friday]

How old is he?

[Edna]

Oh, I don't know. I think around 20, 21.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you meet him?

[Edna]

Down at Balboa. Last summer. Katherine and me went down for a week. We met them then. Lewis and Vince.

[Joe Friday]

You know this Vince's last name?

[Edna]

I think it's Beal.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

B, E, A, L. I guess so.

[Joe Friday]

Now, these two boys, are they supplying Catherine with the heroin?

[Edna]

Yeah, they got it for.

[Joe Friday]

How'd you happen to meet him?

[Edna]

First day we were down at Balboa, we went down to the beach. We saw him then. We didn't talk to them right off. Not the first day. The next day, they came over to where we were and laid down on the beach. They had a portable radio, and they were playing it loud. They were playing it real loud?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Edna]

Well, Lewis asked us if they had the radio on too loud, and we said no. Then we got to talking.

[Joe Friday]

All right, go ahead.

[Edna]

We found out that they knew a lot of the kids that go to our school, so we talked about them. We talked and listened to the radio.

[Joe Friday]

Mm. Were either your or Catherine's parents with you?

[Edna]

No. Catherine's father's got a friend, Elizabeth Balbo. All the time we were staying with her.

[Joe Friday]

All right, go ahead.

[Edna]

After we knew him a week, one night they suggested that we go for a ride down the coast towards San Diego. They'd never given us any trouble, so Katherine and me talked it over and decided to go. They'd never gotten fresh or anything, so we thought it'd be all right.

[Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Edna]

We drove down the beach, and then we stopped. Boys had some beer in the car, and we drank some of it. Just a little. We didn't think it would hurt. Just a little.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Edna]

I guess we drank more than we thought. Cause we both got a little drunk. First time I ever got drunk, all I wanted to do was go home and go to sleep. That's all I wanted to do. I didn't feel good. I remember that. I didn't feel good.

[Joe Friday]

Go ahead.

[Edna]

I got out of the car and I walked around for a while. After I walked, I felt better. And I went back to the car. Catherine and the two boys were smoking. I could smell it when I got in the car. Real sweet, sickening.

[Joe Friday]

Marijuana?

[Edna]

Yeah. Vince asked me if I wanted some. I told him I didn't, and they all laughed again. Said I was just a little kid. Called me chicken. So I did.

[Joe Friday]

You smoked the marijuana, did you?

[Edna]

Yeah, but not very much. Got sick again, and I threw the stick away. That Made Vince sore because I hadn't smoked very much. He got out of the car and found what was left of the cigarette and put it in a box he had. Then he got in the car and the three of them all drank some more of the beer and smoked the rest of the marijuana. They were all laughing and yelling.

[Joe Friday]

Katherine was smoking too?

[Edna]

Yes. She was having a great time laughing it up. Seemed like everything that happened was just about the funniest thing she ever heard. They were all laughing and telling me what a square I was. Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore. So I said if they wouldn't take me home, I'd walk.

[Joe Friday]

What'd they say to that?

[Edna]

Told me to go ahead. Said I was a drag anyway and they'd be glad to get rid of me.

[Joe Friday]

You left then?

[Edna]

Yeah. I tried to get Katherine to go with me. She said she was having too good a time and she wasn't leaving. She told me to go home and to expect her when she walked in. Yeah, so I left. Got out of the car and walked up the highway. Was gonna catch a ride back to town. Pretty scared, but I wanted to get back. I didn't feel very good. I waited for the car, but the ones that went by wouldn't stop. Then Vince and Lewis and Katherine came by. They told me to get into the car and we drove home. I had to wait out in front with Katherine until she sobered up. Said she was too drunk to go into the house.

[Joe Friday]

What time did you get home?

[Edna]

Oh, must have been 3 or 3:30.

[Joe Friday]

Did you see Vincent Lewis again?

[Edna]

Well, I didn't, but Catherine did. Every night we were there, she went out with them. I didn't want to have anything more to do with them. She told me if I said anything to the people we were staying with, she'd cause me a lot of trouble. I like Catherine. She's my best friend. I didn't want to see her get into any trouble. I thought when we left Balboa, she'd quit seeing the fellas. That's what I thought. She'd stop seeing them, did she? No. When school started again, she was still going with Lewis. I'd see her around the school, but she wouldn't have anything to do with me. Said I was a cube, talking all the time about how she didn't know they grew corners like me anymore.

[Joe Friday]

How'd you find out she was on heroin?

[Edna]

One day I saw her take a pop. She was at her house and I came over to talk to her. She was pretty sick, and she Went into her room. I went in after her to see if I could help and I saw her taking a fix. After that, I didn't see much of her. I guess she didn't want me around, knowing she was hooked.

[Joe Friday]

When was all this?

[Edna]

About two months ago. I've seen her a couple of times since. She looks real bad.

[Joe Friday]

Her parents know anything about the narcotics?

[Edna]

I don't know. There's just her father. I don't think he cares much. If he does, he's not doing anything about it. I'm just telling you all this so you'll get Louis and Vince. They're the ones who started her. They're seeing that she gets the age.

[Joe Friday]

You know where we can find him?

[Edna]

Yeah. Lewis has a little apartment over in the Westlake area.

[Joe Friday]

You know the address?

[Edna]

No, but I can show you where it is.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Edna]

I just want to see you get them. Get them good. She was my best friend. Now she won't have anything to do with me. Nothing.

[Joe Friday]

Well, maybe we can straighten it out.

[Edna]

What do you want to do now?

[Joe Friday]

Well, first we better get off this streetcar. End of the line. Edna and I got off the streetcar and Frank picked us up. We stopped at a drugstore and put in a call to the office requesting that a policewoman be sent out to take the girl into custody. Ten minutes later, Officer Irene Gardner arrived and the four of us drove over to the Westlake area. The young girl pointed out the building where she told us that Vince Beale.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

And Louis Conklin lived.

[Joe Friday]

She gave us a description of the two suspects. And finally, after Miss Gardner had talked to her she also gave us the full name of her friend, Katherine Pilgrim. We checked at the building and found that the two suspects occupied apartment 4G. Frank and I talked to the manager of the place but she told us that the pair weren't in and that she didn't know when they'd be back. We returned to the car and told Officer Gardner to take Edna to Georgia Street Juvenile and hold her until we could get there. After that, Frank called the office and ran the names Vincent Beale and Lewis Conklin through R and I. They both had misdemeanor records in California and Beale had served time in the county jail for possession of narcotics. We called Captain Powers and told him what had happened. And then we returned to the apartment and set up a surveillance. At 7:25pm we heard someone coming down the hall.

[Frank Smith]

Don't worry about a thing, honey. It's all gonna be all right.

[Edna]

I'm sick, Vince. Real sick.

[Frank Smith]

I know I'll make a call, get you fixed up. Just calm down, dad.

[Joe Friday]

Hold it right there. Police officers.

[Frank Smith]

Hey, what are you doing in here? You got no right to break in like this. What's this all about?

[Edna]

I gotta go, Vince. I got it.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Hold it up, miss.

[Edna]

How do you know who I am? What are you gonna do?

[Frank Smith]

Don't say anything, Kathy. Don't tell him nothing.

[Joe Friday]

Turn around, Bill.

[Frank Smith]

What for?

[Business Representative]

What are you shoving me around here?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Turn around. I'll shake them, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Stand still.

[Frank Smith]

You won't find nothing, cop. I'm clean.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Call him. Nothing.

[Joe Friday]

Where's Conklin?

[Frank Smith]

You got a figure. It's so good, you tell me.

[Joe Friday]

You better watch that mouth, kid. It's gonna get you into trouble.

[Frank Smith]

You tell me all about it, cop. I got no problem. What are you taking us in on? What's a charge?

[Joe Friday]

Violation of the Narcotics act and contributing.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah? You didn't find anything on me. You didn't find anything in the pad. You've been on the spike, cop, and you know it. Now, why don't you run along and I'll forget all about you being all right.

[Joe Friday]

Let's go.

[Edna]

Where are you taking us?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Downtown, to jail.

[Joe Friday]

Juvenile hall.

[Edna]

You gonna call my father?

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Edna]

Well, he won't tell you anything. He won't tell you a word.

[Frank Smith]

Keep your mouth shut.

[Edna]

Why? I got nothing to hide. I'm not a hype. You asked my father.

[Joe Friday]

Let me see your arms, Bill. Huh? Your sleeves. Roll them up. Come on, quick. Here. Where'd you get those marks?

[Frank Smith]

You tell me.

[Joe Friday]

Let me see your arms, Miss Pilgrim.

[Edna]

It's not gonna prove anything. Not a thing.

[Joe Friday]

Let me see him.

[Frank Smith]

Go ahead, honey. If you don't go along with him, they bring out the rubber hose.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Somebody messed with you a long time ago.

[Joe Friday]

Come on, Miss Pilgrim. Let me see your arms.

[Edna]

All right. Here.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

How about it, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

Take a look.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Fresh needle marks. We called Narcotics Division and asked them to come out. And in an attempt to find a trace of narcotics, we put in a call to the office and Irene Gardner came out and took the Pilgrim girl into custody. A stakeout was set up on the apartment to apprehend the other suspect, Louis Conklin. Frank and I took Vince Beale to the office and questioned him for over an hour. But he failed to come up with his source of supply for the heroin. He was turned over to officers from Narcotics detail and booked in at the main jail on suspicion of violation of the State Narcotic Act, a felony. A call had been put into the father of Katherine pilgrim. And at 9:37pm he arrived at the office.

[Business Representative]

Friday and Smith, where are they?

[Joe Friday]

My name's Friday. What can I do for you?

[Business Representative]

I'm Robert Pilgrim. I want my daughter.

[Joe Friday]

She's downstairs right now. Doctor's taking care of her.

[Business Representative]

What for?

[Joe Friday]

Well, she's pretty sick, Mr. Pilgrim.

[Business Representative]

Sick? What's the matter? You've got no right to give her any kind of medication without my approval.

[Joe Friday]

We couldn't reach you.

[Business Representative]

How hard did you try?

[Joe Friday]

We called your home and your place of business. We got no answer. Our doctor thought it was best to give the girl something right away.

[Business Representative]

What's wrong with her? What are you doing to.

[Joe Friday]

Your daughter's a narcotic addict, Mr. Pilgrim.

[Business Representative]

That is a lie. Now you get her up here right now. You hear me? You get on that phone and have her brought to this office right now. I'm taking her home.

[Joe Friday]

Afraid we can't do that.

[Business Representative]

Who are you to tell me what's gonna happen? I pay you a salary, officer. Don't forget it. If you don't get on that phone and have my daughter brought up here right now, I'll make some calls and you'll be pounding a beat out in the toolies. I've got a lot of friends in this town.

[Joe Friday]

And you've got a daughter who's hooked bad.

[Business Representative]

Has she told you that?

[Joe Friday]

No, sir. But all the tests point that way. She's got needle marks all up and down her arm.

[Business Representative]

Well, you better get out and find a lawyer fast, because I'm going to pull that tin badge right off you.

[Joe Friday]

Is that so?

[Business Representative]

You bet it is. How do I get a line?

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[Business Representative]

Hello, Jack, this is Bob Pilgrim. I'm down at the police station. Yeah, yeah, Kathy's here. The cop says she's a hop head. I want you to tell him here. You talk to him.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. Who am I speaking with? Mm. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Well, we did find hypodermic marks. I see. All right, sir. We'll be checking with you now.

[Business Representative]

You'll get my daughter.

[Joe Friday]

I'll have her sent Right up. You want to come out in the hall, Frank?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah. Who'd he call?

[Joe Friday]

It's their family doctor. We might not have a case here.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

What's the matter?

[Joe Friday]

Well, the doctor says he's been treating the girl for the past six months.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Been giving her hypodermic injections.

[Commercial Announcer]

You are listening to Dragnet. The authentic story of your police force in action.

[Narrator]

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[Joe Friday]

With the doctor's statement, there was nothing we could do but release the girl to her father pending further investigation. The parents of the teenager who had written us the first letter came to the office and she was released to them. At 11:40pm that night, we got word that the other suspect had returned to the apartment and been taken into custody. He was identified as Lewis Conklin, age 23. He was taken to the main jail and booked on the same charges as Vincent Beale. Their apartment was gone over, but no trace of narcotics was found. We questioned both suspects again, but they failed to cooperate with us. Frank and I checked out of the office and went home. The following morning we drove out to see the doctor who had told me he was treating the Pilgrim girl. He said the girl was underweight and highly nervous and that he had been giving her vitamin injections. He went on to say that he'd stopped treating her five months previous at her father's request and that he had not seen the girl since then. February 11, 10:24am we checked the car belonging to Vincent Beale. In the trunk we found an expensive leather jacket. It looked too expensive to be worn by a man who had the reputation of never holding a job. We took the jacket over to the crime lab and had it checked. From a cleaning tag we got the name of the cleaner who'd serviced the jacket. We contacted him and he remembered the jacket as having been among several stolen from his store. With this information, we went back to the main jail and had the Conklin boy brought from his cell. He told us that the jacket belonged to Vincent Beale. He was brought into the interview room.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

This leather jacket belonged to you, Vince?

[Frank Smith]

No, I never saw it before.

[Joe Friday]

Conklin says it's yours.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I don't know.

[Frank Smith]

Maybe it is. What difference does it make?

[Joe Friday]

Take a look. We want to know.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. Yeah, it's mine.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you get it?

[Frank Smith]

Where do you think I bought it? You know someplace you can get these without buying them?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. The same place you picked this one up.

[Frank Smith]

What's that supposed to mean?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You know a man named Ted Hartman? Who? Ted Hartman.

[Frank Smith]

Ted Hartman. Never heard of him.

[Joe Friday]

He knows you.

[Frank Smith]

Maybe he's got a better memory than me.

[Joe Friday]

Says you used to work for him.

[Frank Smith]

Is that right?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Now, how about it?

[Frank Smith]

Maybe I did. I had a lot of jobs.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

The cleaner says you worked for him a couple of weeks last December.

[Frank Smith]

That's a long time ago.

[Joe Friday]

Says this jacket was stolen from him.

[Frank Smith]

Where do I fit?

[Joe Friday]

He thinks you stole it.

[Frank Smith]

He's crazy.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

He's sure enough to make a complaint.

[Frank Smith]

They'll laugh him out of court.

[Joe Friday]

Conklin says it's yours.

[Frank Smith]

I told you, I bought it.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Conklin wants no part of a burglary rap.

[Frank Smith]

What did Conklin tell you?

[Joe Friday]

Maybe we ought to get your side of it, huh?

[Frank Smith]

What'd he tell you? I got a right to know. Look, he's gonna make a beef like that on me. I got a right to know what he said.

[Joe Friday]

He wants no part of it. He lays it all on you.

[Frank Smith]

He's no good. I figured for a guy I could trust, he did all right on the deal. Lute kept us both going.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

What do you mean?

[Frank Smith]

I thought he told you all about it.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, well, we want to hear it from you. A lot of times, stories get all mixed up. Now we want to get it right.

[Frank Smith]

We knocked the place, but it was both of us. Lou was in on it all the way.

[Joe Friday]

Go ahead.

[Frank Smith]

We were scratching for H. We had it real bad. We needed some way out. I thought about the cleaning place, figured we could score good. We did all right. Took care of three of us for a long time.

[Joe Friday]

You, Conklin and the Pilgrim girl. Is that it? That's it.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

What were you shooting?

[Frank Smith]

Me and Lou kept it down. The Pilgrim kid, she built up fast. She was juicing. Five caps a day. I should have listened to Lou. He kept telling me to drop her.

[Joe Friday]

And leave her alone.

[Frank Smith]

Wasn't anything between us. It was just for laughs. And then all of a sudden, she was hooked bad. We had to do something. We stole her jacket so we could keep her supplied. Five caps a day. That's a lot of H. I tried to break her down. I tried to cut her habit. I did what I could. You can see that, can't you? I did everything I could.

[Joe Friday]

How much was that? 5:23pm Frank and I, along with Policewoman Irene Gardner. Drove out to the Pilgrim residence. We went up to the front porch and rang the bell.

[Business Representative]

Yeah? What do you want?

[Joe Friday]

I'd like to see your daughter.

[Business Representative]

Now you get out of here. You get out of here right now. I've had enough of this shoving around from you. It's about time you learned your place.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

It might be better if we came in.

[Business Representative]

Anything you got to say to me, you can say here. I don't want any cops in my house.

[Joe Friday]

You want to get your daughter?

[Business Representative]

What for?

[Joe Friday]

We'll have to take her down to juvenile hall.

[Business Representative]

You guys just don't give up, do you? You want me to call my doctor again?

[Joe Friday]

We talked to him this afternoon, and.

[Business Representative]

You know the story. Now get out of here.

[Joe Friday]

You want to get your daughter?

[Business Representative]

Look, I've got a gun inside. If you're still here when I come back, I'm going to.

[Joe Friday]

You listen to me, mister. You've been acting like a big man long enough. You can play the part of the outraged parent with your family, but don't try it with us.

[Business Representative]

I'm not going to have you talk to me like that.

[Joe Friday]

Not much you can do about it. We got the boy who's been supplying your daughter with narcotics. It's pretty clear that this home isn't the place for her.

[Business Representative]

She's a good girl.

[Joe Friday]

We didn't say she wasn't.

[Business Representative]

Then why don't you leave her alone?

[Joe Friday]

You know better than that.

[Business Representative]

Can do you boys some good downtown. I got a lot of friends.

[Joe Friday]

You're gonna need them.

[Business Representative]

All right, you want to make a case out of this? I'll fight you in every court in the country before I let you take my daughter away from me. Now, you just try it.

[Joe Friday]

Your daughter's a drug addict. She's sick. She's gotta be straightened out. She needs help.

[Business Representative]

Who are you to set yourself up as the jury?

[Joe Friday]

You got a fine girl in there. She got all the breaks. Except somebody who thinks enough of her to stand by her.

[Business Representative]

There isn't anything she wants she doesn't have.

[Joe Friday]

What about the thing she needed? You let her run all over the town by herself. She gets in trouble and you won't take the time to care for her.

[Business Representative]

What about those two men who got her started? What are you gonna do with them? They're guilty. If it hadn't been for those two, this never would have happened.

[Joe Friday]

They'll be taken care of. You lay the blame any place you want, mister. But if you're honest, you'll keep it.

[Business Representative]

What's gonna happen to her?

[Joe Friday]

She'll be given medical attention. We'll do what we can.

[Business Representative]

I can afford to take care of her. I've got the money. I'll hire the best people. I wanted to have the best. Yeah, she's mine.

[Robert Pilgrim]

I'm her father.

[Business Representative]

I've got the right to take care of her.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. That's right. Why didn't you?

[Narrator]

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

[Commercial Announcer]

On June 3, 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.

[Narrator]

Now here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you. Earlier, George Feniman told you exactly why the Chesterfield you smoked today is the best cigarette ever made and best for you. Now the rest is up to you. Get a carton or two for yourself. Smoke them and you'll say as we do, it's Chesterfield's. For.

[Commercial Announcer]

Vincent Norman Beale and Lewis Shelman Conklin were tried and convicted of one count of burglary and additional charges of violation of the state narcotic act of felony and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. They received sentences as prescribed by law. Burglary is punishable by imprisonment for a period of not less than five years in the state prison. Catherine Noreen Pilgrim had a hearing in juvenile court and was made award of that court. 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.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Parker.

[Commercial Announcer]

Los Angeles Police Department Technical Advisors. Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Van Spracher. Heard tonight were Ben Alexander, Joyce McCluskey, Harry Bartel, Carolyn Jones. Script by John Robinson. Music by Walter Schumann. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Narrator]

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.

[Robert Pilgrim]

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[Narrator]

Here, Crime and Peter Chambers following John Cameron Swayze on the NBC Radio Network.