Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio Episode Summary: Dragnet: "The Big Odd" (Original Air Date: December 1, 1953; Release Date: December 24, 2024)

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dragnet, titled "The Big Odd," listeners are transported to mid-20th century Los Angeles, where Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Frank Smith, tackle a perplexing case of truck hijackings and kidnapping. The episode seamlessly blends authentic police procedural elements with the era's signature radio drama, providing an immersive experience for fans of classic detective storytelling.

The Crime: Kidnapping and Hijacking

The narrative kicks off on a warm Wednesday morning when Russell Gilmore, a truck driver, becomes the victim of a meticulously planned robbery. Sergeant Friday introduces the case with a sense of urgency:

[03:14] Joe Friday: "It was Wednesday, June 4th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day."

As Gilmore recounts his harrowing experience, the detectives learn that fourteen loaded trucks have been stolen by a gang of truck hijackers who have also resorted to kidnapping and beating drivers who dare to challenge them. Gilmore's testimony is crucial, providing the first morsels of evidence needed to trace the culprits.

Victim Interview: Unraveling the Details

At the county hospital, Gilmore delivers a detailed yet traumatic account of his ordeal. His vivid description includes the kidnappers' actions and physical characteristics, albeit through the limited lens of a traumatized memory:

[05:19] Mr. Gilmore: "Oh, I'm a kind of a student of phrenology. I could tell about those fellows, real plain."

His attempt at identifying the criminals through phrenology (a now-discredited method of character determination based on skull measurements) offers a unique yet flawed perspective. Nevertheless, his insights about the suspects' physical demeanor provide a starting point for the investigation.

Investigation: Crime Lab and Detective Work

Sergeant Friday and Smith visit Central Station's crime lab, where Detective Ray Pinker meticulously analyzes paint chips found on the victim's truck. Pinker's expertise leads to the identification of a specific 1953 Hudson Jet involved in the crime:

[09:42] Ray Pinker: "We found evidence that the truck had hit a car, lifted some paint."

The matching of paint samples not only narrows down the potential locations of the crime but also connects the stolen truck to a particular vehicle, adding a tangible lead to the case.

Suspect Identification: The Search Intensifies

Armed with the paint analysis and Gilmore's map-based recollections, Friday and Smith coordinate a citywide search. Their efforts culminate at a residence on Cedar Street in Compton, which matches the victim's description of a house with a steep driveway and a damaged wooden porch:

[16:27] Joe Friday: "The interior walls of the garage were rough wooden studs. Between them we could see chicken wire embedded in plaster."

The detectives' discovery of Conrad Lewis's name on the mailbox brings a pivotal suspect into focus. Lewis, previously convicted of armed robbery and recently released, becomes the primary person of interest in the case.

Confrontation: Closing In on the Culprit

Friday and Smith confront Lewis at his residence, leading to a tense standoff. Despite Lewis's initial resistance and attempts to deflect suspicion, the accumulating evidence forces him into a corner:

[25:05] Joe Friday: "We got the plant. What? We got the plant. They moved in on it."

As the confrontation unfolds, Lewis's desperate attempts to evade conviction highlight the complexities and challenges of policing during the era.

Trial and Resolution: Justice Served

The episode culminates in the trial of Conrad Lewis and his accomplices. The court proceedings are depicted with the gravity and formality befitting a serious criminal case. Lewis is ultimately found guilty on multiple counts of grand theft auto and kidnapping, receiving sentences in line with California law:

[28:21] Narrator: "Conrad Austin Lewis and his confederates were apprehended and brought to trial on 11 counts of grand theft auto and one count of kidnapping. They were found guilty and sentenced as prescribed by law."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joe Friday on the Investigation's Progress:

  [07:54] Mr. Gilmore: "A couple other things that might help you."

• Gilmore's Description of the Kidnappers:

  [05:19] Mr. Gilmore: "Oh, I'm a kind of a student of phrenology. I could tell about those fellows, real plain."

• Crime Lab Expertise:

  [10:15] Ray Pinker: "We just put this chip we lifted from the truck in the hole."

Conclusion

"The Big Odd" exemplifies the classic Dragnet formula—meticulous investigation, detailed forensic work, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Sergeant Friday and Frank Smith's dedication to solving the case underscores the virtues of integrity and perseverance within law enforcement. For listeners who appreciate authentic old-time radio detective stories, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the collaborative efforts of police work during the Golden Age of Radio.

Credits:

• Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
• Script: John Robinson
• Music: Walter Schuman
• Voice Actors: Ben Alexander, Vic Perrin, Virginia Gregg, Jim Griffin
• Technical Advisors: Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Vance Brasher
• Production: Liget and Myers

Disclaimer: All names and details in this episode have been fictionalized to protect the innocent.